is there a way to check without taking the head off. The engine is still in the car, and it still runs, but drinks coolant and runs really hot. any idea's?

 

Look for oil residue in your radiator overflow can and if you do have a blown gasket, look for white smoke out the tail pipe.

 

Take off the radiator cap and start the engine (only if the engine is cold). Rev the engine up and look for bubbles in the radiator. Torrents of small bubbles = dead head gasket.

I would also check the radiator for cracks, and the coolant lines for pinholes and such.

 

if it still runs now, could the head be warped?, or can i just replace the headgasket, slap the head back on and be fine.

 

How about the basics .... a compression test?

 

Have someone spin the car over while you look at the overflow resevoir for pressuraized air coming out of it as the motor spins over.

That indicates a really blown headgasket.

Change/check the oil and see if it looks like a milkshake - blown headgasket.

 

mine was laeking out the side of the block next to the exhaust manifold. visually checking the oil levels always helps too...


[Modified by dogpile5, 1:12 PM 9/10/2002]

 

could a bad head gasket cause a dead cylinder?

 

Leakdown test... not a compression test.

 

Yes, make your own leakdown tester. Listen through the dip stick hole.


[Modified by synchro, 6:45 AM 9/11/2002]

 

so a compression test will not indicate a blown headgasket??