Head Gaskets

[David S.]

How can I tell if the gaskets are bad on my heads? I know the valve gasket is bad and when I replace it, I would like to do the head gasket as well. And is there anything I should be looking out for when I have this done?

 

[Tech]

I don't know all of the symptoms of a leaking head gasket, but here are the ones I'm aware of;

1) visible coolant leak on outside of engine block, just below the exhaust manifolds.
2) internal leak where coolant eventually mixes with the oil, evidenced by moisture
collecting on the underside of the oil filler cap or PVC valve.
3) smell of coolant in exhaust.
4) overheating.
5) having to periodically add coolant to overflow reservior.
6) compression check; all six cylinders should measure pretty close to equal.
a leaking head gasket could possibly cause low compression in one or more
cylinders. keep in mind that several other things can also cause low compression
such as bad valves or worn piston rings.