3.7 Lt headgasket test?

[Murph d]

Is there a quick and easy head gasket test to perform on a 3.7 Lt Mercruiser ?

 

[ricovw]

Re: 3.7 Lt headgasket test?

Yup. Do a compression test. if you get a low reading on a cylinder or 2, you have an indication that something is wrong. You would still have to eliminate a couple other things, such as valves.

 

[Murph d]

Re: 3.7 Lt headgasket test?

Comp. test shows #1/125psi #2/135psi #3/132psi #4/130psi
The reason I thought I might have a problem is the fact that I had pressure in the coolant reservoir when the motor was running, moments after initial start up , after sitting for 4 months. Is that normal?

Thanx for the tip on comp. test

 

[artificialreef]

Re: 3.7 Lt headgasket test?

imho that doesnt look too bad.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 3.7 Lt headgasket test?

The reason I thought I might have a problem is the fact that I had pressure in the coolant reservoir when the motor was running, moments after initial start up , after sitting for 4 months. Is that normal?

Ayuh,... If it continued to build pressure, blowing the coolant out,...
That would be a Problem....

If your system is tight,.. it coulda been holdin' pressure the whole 4 months...

 

[Don S]

Re: 3.7 Lt headgasket test?

A compression test won't tell you much if it's a small leak.
A leakdown test is the only way to test the cylinders. Top off the coolant, leave the cap off. then pressureize each cylinder and look for bubbles in the coolant tank. No bubbles, no leaks.