How to check if head gasket is blown?

[9675hpforce]

Could a small amount of water be getting into the cylinders. The plugs did show some signes of rust and major fouling. Not a clean plug at all. Any other places water could get into the engine some gaskets or something exhaust,case.

 

[NathanY]

Re: How to check if head gasket is blown?

I would think that a compression test would tell, but Im not real sure, If in doubt just replace it, they are not very costly, but running it like that could be.

 

[Kenny Bush]

Re: How to check if head gasket is blown?

like Nathan said, run a compression check. If compression is good, then you possibly could have a bunch of water in your gas. I have also found a lot of water can accumilate in the float bowls also.....and if fuel and system looks good, pull the head off and get a real look....gasket is only about $20.00 . Goodluck.....BushCat

 

[Hooty]

Re: How to check if head gasket is blown?

Usually water in a cylinder will make the spark plug all bright and shiney because it sorta steam cleans it. Those other guys are right though. Either do a compression check or pull the head and examine the gasket.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[dmessy]

Re: How to check if head gasket is blown?

If your compression is good, look towards your exhaust manifold(cover) for water leaks. Force is notorious for warping plates.

 

[9675hpforce]

Re: How to check if head gasket is blown?

Hey demmsy whats the exhaust manifold on this engine. On the left hand side there is a large black plate with lots of bolts holding it on. On the top there is a small gap between the plate. If this is causing the strange idle issue and I want to install a new one whats it called?

 

[9675hpforce]

Re: How to check if head gasket is blown?

I ordered 2 gasket-exhaustport plate should I order a cover-exhaust. Model number for my engine is OE177457

 

[ob]

Re: How to check if head gasket is blown?

Not unless the one you have now is corroded or warped.After cleaning off gasket surfaces you can visually inspect for pitting and use a straightedge or or plane to check for warpage.When installing new gaskets after surface cleaning and prep,insure that you iron bolts out from center toward outer edges in a crossover pattern when tightening.This will insure a positive seal.

 

[dmessy]

Re: How to check if head gasket is blown?

Sorry for the late reply Fish but I was out catching a boatload of whites this weekend...sounds like you found the exhaust plate. Remove it carefully and look for signs of leakage. If the thin plate is warped, replace. Clean mating surfaces carefully and throughly. Assembe dry( no sealant) and TORQUE TO SPECS IN THE DESIGNATED ORDER all the bolts. Sorry, don't have a manual but the library does for the above info. NOTE, same holds true for head gasket, use the designated pattern, torque to 1/2 spec. then repeat to full spec.