Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

is my head gasket blown?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-21-2014 | 11:22 AM
  #1  
TuPapi22's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Default is my head gasket blown?

So i decided to do the test to check if my head gasket is blown. The one where you remove the cap from the radiator. Once i turned on my jeep the coolant just rose it didn't jump how long was i suppose 2 leave it without the cap is my jeep ok?
Old 11-21-2014 | 11:51 AM
  #2  
Crazy 8s's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 896
Likes: 2
From: Phoenix, A-to-Z
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Not to sound mean or rude, but if this is the skill level you are at at diagnosing car stuff you probably should take your Jeep to a qualified shop.
Old 11-21-2014 | 12:55 PM
  #3  
XJ-92's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,450
Likes: 2
From: Dubuque IA,Libertyville IL
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

Didn't know burping the cooling system was a test for a blown head gasket. An easier test is check the coolant for oil and check the oil for coolant. Also removing the valve cover can show signs of one. The oil will seem very chocolate milk like and not a consistent color. It can show light and dark swirls where it hasn't mixed as much. Valve cover can show white or light brown chunks or residue on it. If it's alot then you may have water getting into the oil somewhere which could be the head gasket. A little is normal and i mean a little as there is moisture is the system.
Old 11-21-2014 | 06:21 PM
  #4  
steelybill's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Saginaw Mi area
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Many radiator repair places have the tester that they use in place of the radiator cap, to test for combustion gasses getting into the cooling system, which of course is a sign of a leaky gasket, or a crack in the head etc...
Old 11-21-2014 | 06:37 PM
  #5  
OneWheelWonder's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 239
Likes: 1
Model: Cherokee
Default

To test it how you are describing, let the truck cool down fully and then start it for about 2 minutes and let it idle WITH THE CAP ON. once done with that, pull the cap slowly and check for pressure at the cap. If you do, thats a first sign its a bad head gasket. At that point you should gran a "sniff tester" from any parts store and do the test with the truck off and then do the sniff test while having someone burp the throttle. What you are doing is trying to see if the dye in the sniff tester turns from blue(good color) to a green or a yellow(bad colors). This is always how i check in my shop and it has never failed me. And if all else fails... Look at your oil to see if you have any coolant in it, or if it looks like a chocolate milkshake.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
t.mcginley.jr
Jeep Builds
105
01-31-2024 05:58 PM
verissimo_n
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
0
09-22-2015 11:33 AM
nvcasper
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
6
09-20-2015 12:35 AM
Azzy
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
0
09-08-2015 11:49 PM
Silentj
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
7
09-06-2015 09:46 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:48 PM.