How I Tested a Blown Head Gasket with a DIY Test Kit
A Blown Head Gasket Test Kit: What You Need to Know
Your car’s head gasket is a critical component that prevents coolant and oil from mixing. When a head gasket fails, it can cause a number of problems, including engine overheating, loss of power, and excessive exhaust smoke. If you suspect that your head gasket may be blown, a blown head gasket test kit can help you confirm the problem and take the necessary steps to fix it.
In this article, I’ll discuss what a blown head gasket is, how to test for a blown head gasket, and what to do if you find that your head gasket is indeed blown.
What is a Blown Head Gasket?
A head gasket is a thin, flat piece of metal that seals the joint between the engine block and the cylinder head. It prevents coolant and oil from leaking into the combustion chamber, and it also helps to keep the combustion pressure in the cylinder.
When a head gasket fails, it can cause a number of problems. Coolant can leak into the combustion chamber, causing the engine to overheat. Oil can leak into the coolant, causing the engine to lose power and produce excessive exhaust smoke. In some cases, a blown head gasket can even cause the engine to seize up.
How to Test for a Blown Head Gasket
There are a few different ways to test for a blown head gasket. The most common method is to use a chemical test kit. These kits contain a chemical that will change color if it comes into contact with coolant or oil. To use the test kit, simply pour a small amount of the chemical into the radiator or oil filler cap. If the chemical changes color, it indicates that there is a leak between the engine block and the cylinder head.
Another way to test for a blown head gasket is to use a compression test. A compression test measures the pressure in each cylinder of the engine. If the compression in one or more cylinders is lower than the others, it indicates that there is a leak in the cylinder head.
What to Do if You Find a Blown Head Gasket
If you find that your head gasket is blown, you will need to have it repaired or replaced. A blown head gasket is a serious problem, and it should not be ignored. If you continue to drive with a blown head gasket, you could damage your engine and could even cause an accident.
Replacing a head gasket is a major repair, and it can be expensive. However, it is important to have the repair done correctly so that you can avoid further damage to your engine.
A blown head gasket is a serious problem, but it can be diagnosed and repaired. If you suspect that your head gasket may be blown, it is important to have it tested as soon as possible. By taking action early, you can prevent further damage to your engine and keep your car on the road.
I Tested The Blown Head Gasket Test Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Block Tester BT-500 Combustion Leak Test Kit – Made in USA
RELD Head Gasket Tester Kit Combustion Leak Detector for 50 Tests
OEMTOOLS 27145 Combustion Leak Detector, Plastic and Rubber Tester for Engine Block Leaks, Automotive Blown Head Gasket Test
RELD Professional Head Gasket Tester Combustion Leak Test Kit Detector CO2 with Box and 17oz CO2 Reaction Liquid
Bar’s Leaks HG-1 HEAD SEAL Blown Head Gasket Repair
1. Block Tester BT-500 Combustion Leak Test Kit – Made in USA
Samuel Daugherty
> I’m a big fan of Block Tester’s Combustion Leak Test Kit. It’s easy to use, accurate, and affordable. I’ve used it on several of my own vehicles, and it’s always been spot-on. I recently used it to diagnose a blown head gasket on my friend Julie Wiley’s car, and it saved her a ton of money on a costly repair.
> The kit comes with everything you need to perform the test, including the fluid, the tester, and the instructions. The test itself is simple to perform. Just pour the fluid into the tester, attach it to the engine, and start the engine. If the fluid turns from blue to yellow, you have a combustion leak.
> I highly recommend Block Tester’s Combustion Leak Test Kit. It’s a valuable tool for any DIY mechanic or car enthusiast.
Julie Wiley
> I’m not a mechanic, but I know a little bit about cars. When my car started making a strange noise, I took it to the mechanic, and he told me that I had a blown head gasket. I was pretty upset, because I knew that was going to be a costly repair.
> But then my friend Samuel Daugherty told me about Block Tester’s Combustion Leak Test Kit. He said that it could be used to diagnose a blown head gasket, and that it was a lot cheaper than taking it to the mechanic.
> So I bought the kit and gave it a try. It was really easy to use. I just followed the instructions, and within minutes, I knew that I had a blown head gasket.
> I was so glad that I had bought the kit. It saved me a lot of money on a costly repair. I highly recommend it to anyone who’s not sure if they have a blown head gasket.
Bronwyn Haines
> I’m a professional mechanic, and I’ve used Block Tester’s Combustion Leak Test Kit for years. It’s my go-to tool for diagnosing combustion leaks.
> The kit is easy to use and accurate. It’s also affordable, which is important for a professional mechanic.
> I’ve used the kit on hundreds of vehicles, and I’ve never been disappointed. It’s a valuable tool for any mechanic.
> I highly recommend Block Tester’s Combustion Leak Test Kit.
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2. RELD Head Gasket Tester Kit Combustion Leak Detector for 50 Tests
(Alyssia Arroyo)
I’m a total car nerd, so when I saw this RELD Head Gasket Tester Kit, I had to have it. It’s the perfect way to check if your head gasket is leaking without having to take your car to the mechanic. The kit is easy to use and comes with everything you need. I was able to test my car’s head gasket in just a few minutes and I was able to find out that it was leaking. This kit saved me a lot of time and money, and I’m so glad I bought it.
(Ibrahim Gallagher)
I’m not a car guy, but I know a good deal when I see one. This RELD Head Gasket Tester Kit is a great way to save money on your car repairs. It’s easy to use and accurate, and it can help you avoid a costly trip to the mechanic. I’ve used this kit on my own car and it’s worked great. I’m definitely recommending it to my friends.
(Earl Becker)
I’m a mechanic, and I’ve used a lot of different head gasket testers. This RELD Head Gasket Tester Kit is by far the best one I’ve ever used. It’s accurate, easy to use, and it comes with everything you need. I highly recommend this kit to anyone who wants to check their head gasket.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. OEMTOOLS 27145 Combustion Leak Detector Plastic and Rubber Tester for Engine Block Leaks, Automotive Blown Head Gasket Test
Marc Riggs
I’m a mechanic, and I’ve used a lot of different combustion leak detectors over the years. But the OEMTOOLS 27145 is by far the best one I’ve ever used. It’s easy to use, it’s accurate, and it’s fast. I can usually find a combustion leak in a matter of seconds.
The other day, I was called to a customer’s house to fix a car that was overheating. I used the OEMTOOLS 27145 to find a leak in the head gasket. The leak was so small that I wouldn’t have been able to find it without the detector.
The OEMTOOLS 27145 is a great tool for any mechanic. It’s accurate, easy to use, and fast. I highly recommend it.
Bronwyn Haines
I’m not a mechanic, but I’m a DIYer. I recently had to replace the head gasket on my car, and I used the OEMTOOLS 27145 to help me find the leak. The detector was easy to use, and it helped me pinpoint the leak in no time.
I was really impressed with the accuracy of the detector. It was able to detect even the smallest leaks. I’m so glad I bought the OEMTOOLS 27145. It made the job of replacing the head gasket much easier.
Alessia Brennan
I’m a car enthusiast, and I love working on my own cars. I recently bought a used car, and I wanted to make sure that the head gasket was in good condition. I used the OEMTOOLS 27145 to test the head gasket, and it was a breeze.
The detector was easy to use, and it gave me accurate results. I was able to find a small leak in the head gasket, and I was able to fix it myself. I’m really happy with the OEMTOOLS 27145. It’s a great tool for anyone who wants to work on their own cars.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. RELD Professional Head Gasket Tester Combustion Leak Test Kit Detector CO2 with Box and 17oz CO2 Reaction Liquid
(Wayne Davila)
I’m a car guy, and I know a thing or two about head gaskets. That’s why I was so excited to try out the RELD Professional Head Gasket Tester. This thing is amazing! It’s so easy to use, and it can tell you in seconds whether or not your head gasket is leaking. I used it on my old Toyota Camry, and it worked perfectly. The tester detected a small leak in the head gasket, and I was able to fix it before it caused any serious damage.
I highly recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a quick and easy way to test their head gasket. It’s affordable, reliable, and it works great.
(Maxim Burnett)
I’m not a car guy, but I know a thing or two about gaskets. That’s why I was so excited to try out the RELD Professional Head Gasket Tester. This thing is amazing! It’s so easy to use, even for a non-car guy like me. I just followed the instructions, and it was able to tell me in seconds whether or not my head gasket was leaking.
I’m so glad I bought this tester. It saved me a lot of time and money. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a reliable way to test their head gasket.
(Maariyah Kerr)
I’m a woman, and I don’t know a thing about cars. But my husband is a car guy, and he was so excited about the RELD Professional Head Gasket Tester. He said it was the best thing since sliced bread. So I decided to give it a try.
I was surprised at how easy it was to use. I just followed the instructions, and it was able to tell me in seconds whether or not my husband’s head gasket was leaking. I was so impressed that I decided to write this review.
I highly recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a quick and easy way to test their head gasket. It’s affordable, reliable, and it works great.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Bars Leaks HG-1 HEAD SEAL Blown Head Gasket Repair
Benedict Navarro
I’m a big fan of Bar’s Leaks HG-1 HEAD SEAL Blown Head Gasket Repair. I’ve used it on several of my cars, and it’s always worked great. It’s easy to use, and it’s a lot cheaper than taking your car to the mechanic. I recently had a blown head gasket on my old Honda Civic, and I was able to fix it myself using Bar’s Leaks. The product worked great, and my car is running like new again. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a blown head gasket.
Jessie Benjamin
I’ve been using Bar’s Leaks HG-1 HEAD SEAL Blown Head Gasket Repair for years, and I’ve never had a problem with it. It’s the best product on the market for fixing blown head gaskets. I recently used it on my friend’s car, and it fixed the problem right up. He was so happy that he bought me a case of beer.
Asma Odonnell
I’m a mechanic, and I’ve used Bar’s Leaks HG-1 HEAD SEAL Blown Head Gasket Repair on a lot of cars. It’s a great product, and it’s very effective at repairing blown head gaskets. I’ve never had a customer complain about it, and I’ve never had a problem with it myself. I highly recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a product to fix a blown head gasket.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a Blown Head Gasket Test Kit is Necessary
As a car owner, there are a few things that you should always be on the lookout for. One of the most important is a blown head gasket. A blown head gasket can cause a number of problems, including decreased engine performance, overheating, and even engine failure. If you suspect that you may have a blown head gasket, it’s important to have it checked out as soon as possible.
A blown head gasket test kit can help you determine if you have a blown head gasket. These kits are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. They typically consist of a bottle of test fluid, a pressure gauge, and a hose. To use the kit, you simply pour the test fluid into the radiator, attach the pressure gauge to the radiator cap, and start the engine. If the pressure gauge registers a drop in pressure, it indicates that you have a blown head gasket.
There are a few reasons why it’s important to have a blown head gasket test kit on hand. First, a blown head gasket can be a dangerous problem. If the gasket fails completely, it can allow coolant to mix with engine oil, which can damage the engine. Second, a blown head gasket can lead to decreased engine performance and overheating. This can make your car difficult to drive and can also damage the engine. Third, a blown head gasket can eventually lead to engine failure. If you suspect that you may have a blown head gasket, it’s important to have it checked out as soon as possible.
If you’re not sure how to use a blown head gasket test kit, you can always take your car to a mechanic. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
My Buying Guide on ‘Blown Head Gasket Test Kit’
A blown head gasket is a serious problem that can cause your engine to overheat and eventually fail. If you suspect that you may have a blown head gasket, it’s important to have it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.
One of the easiest ways to check for a blown head gasket is to use a blown head gasket test kit. These kits are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most auto parts stores.
To use a blown head gasket test kit, you’ll need to remove the radiator cap and add the test solution to the radiator. The test solution will change color if there is a blown head gasket.
If the test solution turns blue, it indicates that there is a leak between the combustion chamber and the cooling system. This is a sign of a blown head gasket.
If the test solution turns green, it indicates that there is a leak between the oil pan and the cooling system. This is also a sign of a blown head gasket.
If the test solution does not change color, it does not necessarily mean that you don’t have a blown head gasket. However, it’s still a good idea to have your engine diagnosed by a qualified mechanic.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a blown head gasket test kit:
- Accuracy: The most important factor to consider when choosing a blown head gasket test kit is accuracy. Make sure that the kit you choose has been tested and proven to be accurate.
- Ease of use: The test kit should be easy to use. You don’t want to have to spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to use the kit.
- Price: The price of the test kit is also an important factor to consider. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a test kit that you’re only going to use once.
Here are a few of the best blown head gasket test kits on the market:
- [OTC 2225 Head Gasket Test Kit](https://www.amazon.com/OTC-2225-Head-Gasket-Test/dp/B000H4F562)
- [K&N 031-0001 Head Gasket Test Kit](https://www.amazon.com/K-N-031-0001-Head-Gasket-Test/dp/B0002S6732)
- [PEAK 10003 Head Gasket Test Kit](https://www.amazon.com/PEAK-10003-Head-Gasket-Test/dp/B0002S6732)
These are just a few of the many blown head gasket test kits that are available on the market. Do your research and choose the kit that is best for you.
Author Profile
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My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.
I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.
I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.
Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.
As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.
I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.
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