blown head gasket?

[BIGPAPA15206]

One day my temp sensor started to go up, i was almost home so i just kept going till i got home. well the gauge was a hair under the red for a couple minutes. Well i changed the thermostat and the water pump and it does not over heat anymore but i think i may have blown a head gasket. when i remove the radiator cap it has bubbles in the fluid when the car is running. The fluid is of normal color and the car seems to run runs fine. How can i tell if i blew a head gasket?

[rayjag]

Start with a compression test. There should not be more than about a 20% difference between cylinders and that is high.

[t-max]

As mentioned, do a compression test. Also, air bubbles in the coolant are normal after changing a thermostat or water pump. Leave the rad cap off, place a bucket under the center of the rad to catch the overflow and let it run for awhile. After it cools, top up the rad.

cheers,

Originally Posted by BIGPAPA15206

One day my temp sensor started to go up, i was almost home so i just kept going till i got home. well the gauge was a hair under the red for a couple minutes. Well i changed the thermostat and the water pump and it does not over heat anymore but i think i may have blown a head gasket. when i remove the radiator cap it has bubbles in the fluid when the car is running. The fluid is of normal color and the car seems to run runs fine. How can i tell if i blew a head gasket?

[himie298]

This has worked for me do a compression check. then overfill your raditor. then have someone crank the starter . (unplug the coil wire so the engine will not start) and watch the fluid in the radiator cap hole. Watch your face if you have a leak it may blow in your face.If you have a water jacket leak you will see the fluid in the radiator move up and down. Now dont forget to remove the excess fluid or you will overheat real quick. Good luck