OT: General questions re: Cylinder head gasket (I hope)

Apr 22, 2006 6 Replies

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Ed 20 years ago

This news group has some great specific information regarding Dodge trucks that I have used well and contributed to when I could and I hope will translate well enough for my 1998 Isuzu Amigo 2.2L (it's a GM engine).

Problem: I didn't notice the coolant temperature guage until it was into the red line, stopped, found a ruptured radiator hose, replaced the hose, filled with water and noticed a white vapor and gasoline smell from the radiator when the engine was cool and running. Oil dip stick doesn't show signs of water. Engine starts easily when cold and warms up faster than normal (I haven't started it when "warm")

Question: In General, besides cylinder compression tests, what should I look for to determine if I've wrecked the engine or if I _only_ need to replace the cylnder head gasket?

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TBone 20 years ago

You could have the cooling system pressure tested as well and checked for leakdown. It is possible that you may have warped the head.

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Ed 20 years ago

A warped head or cracked block is what I'm most afraid of. I'll pressure test the cooling system too. Thanks.

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Christopher Thompson 20 years ago

note: a pressure test or cyl leak down test will only tell you where the leak is. if its in a cyl then you will still have to tear into the engine to tell if its just the gasket or something more.

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Ed 20 years ago

I'm planning to at least remove the head this week (maybe this weekend) for inspection then will decide what to do next. At least I found a complete remanufactured head for $350. The hard part is finding a gasket! This is a fun little car, but finding parts for it is often difficult. The hose that burst wasn't even listed at 3 autoparts stores in my area.

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Christopher Thompson 20 years ago

are you going to the "discount" houses? or to a real parts house? the head set for a GM 2.2L shouldnt be that hard to find, no matter what its mounted in.

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Ed 20 years ago

I was looking on the internet, killing a little time during lunch and getting and idea for prices. I haven't called any of the local autoparts stores or shops until I pull the head and know what I really need. It's been raining the last couple of days and I don't have room in the garage, but it's supposed to clear this weekend so I hope to get to it (and the yard, install a dual battery setup in my Ram, and a half dozen other outside things).

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