Stewie

I did a leakdown test on my 99 Integra with bolt-ons only and 36k.

cylinder...... leak %
....1---------- 2
....2---------- 8
....3---------- 4
....4---------- 2

When #2 was pressurized, I was sure that I was hearing air coming out of the 3rd cylinder spark plug hole. Because of that, I automatically thought the head gasket
was to blame.

Reason being, in general, when air is heard leaving the adjacent spark plug hole, it means that the head gasket is bad. However, I was thinking this can't be true because my engine has an open deck, unlike other most manufactures.

In this case, the only way air would enter another cylinder due to head gasket failure is if the cooling system was seriously pressurized, which would make it very obvious that my head gasket was shot.

Am I right?

Currently, I have no signs of engine wear other than this. Is it possible that I was just hearing air rushing pass the rings and it was heard from cylinder 3? I didn't hear any air from the TB or tail pipe. I'm realy confused and worried. I would appreciate any HELP!

thanks




[Modified by Mac8008, 5:43 PM 1/28/2003]

Quick 200k Mile Motor

8%

Did you mean closed deck?
I dont think it makes a difference. The head gasket seals that thin space between each adjacent cylinder. Whether its open deck or closed, air can still leak through that space.

Was #2 was pressurized @ true TDC?

I would say since you heard the hiss through the #3 spark plug hole, then most likely there is a leak between #2 & #3.

Try pressurizing #3 again, and listening to #2 spark plug hole for the hiss.

No hiss from there means #2 might be leaking to somewhere else (not directly to #3 through head gasket). Although, there is a possiblity that the bad part of the head gasket could create a one-way valve (letting air leak from #2 to #3, but not from #3 to #2), which I doubt.

Good valves and seals.

sgT

still, 8% isnt that much.
you did the test with the motor warm right?