How could I tell if I have a cracked cylinder head. I've noticed that there is a coolant leak around the intake manifold. The car smokes with a smell that is rich or should I say sweet. It also overheats and run rough wit rough idle too. I know I need a new head gasket but I would also like to know if the cylinder is cracked before buying another one. Does anyone know ths symtoms of a cracked cylinder?

 

Cracks arent usuially visible on the outside of the head, unless they are extremly severe. However, a blown headgasket will deffinatly cause these symptoms. Sounds like you should do the head gasket, but when you do that, the cylinder head needs to be decked by a machine shop anyway, so you can ask them to inspect it for cracks prior to milling.