Failed chemical block test - game over?
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Mudding
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 119
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From: Brooklyn, NYC
Failed chemical block test - game over?
Existential crisis time. Finally got the nerve to do the chemical test after noticing a coolant drop. Sure enough it turned yellow. The truck doesn't overheat, and the head gsksets were allegedly done about 5k miles ago. Getting a cylinder 4 misfire which I was hoping was a funky injector.
What am I looking at costwise for diagnosis and repair? Or should I start looking at LR3s? There's a lot of money into the car but a cracked block might be a bridge too far for me...
What am I looking at costwise for diagnosis and repair? Or should I start looking at LR3s? There's a lot of money into the car but a cracked block might be a bridge too far for me...
TReK
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,748
Likes: 506
From: Seattle, Wa
Pull the spark plug and look for signs of coolant on the electrode. Also use a cheap usb boroscope for inspecting inside the combustion chamber through said hole. Pull plug when engine is warm, look for bubbles around HG.
TReK
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,748
Likes: 506
From: Seattle, Wa
Not necessarily, some of the 4.6 blocks will crack behind the liners without ever overheating. OP doesn't say what mileage, year, or engine he has. It cost less than $20 to look inside the spark plug hole with a boroscope phone attachment.
Last edited by Dave03S; Feb 10, 2019 at 02:08 AM.
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Mudding
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn, NYC
2003 SAI engine with 168800 miles. Gonna order a boroscope this week. It's not overheating, I'd say average running temp is 195 per OBD Fusion app.
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Mudding
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn, NYC
So ive had a persistent cylinder 4 misfire. Was hoping it was a clogged injector since I smelled a little fuel at start up. I know there's typically no gasket failure into cylinder 4, opinion on here seems like a crack behind the liner...gonna get inside with a camera once I find one. What do I look for in there? Steamed clean? Ive been reading about k-seal...I mean, Atlantic British sells it! Might do that since spending 5k on this truck isn't gonna happen id rather find a new one😑
TReK
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,748
Likes: 506
From: Seattle, Wa
You look for bubbles coming in from the seam where the head gasket sits between the head and block. It will not necessarily be steam cleaned, could be wet and gunky too. Depends on the size of the crack and how much coolant might be getting in there. With a small crack the coolant may burn off... A larger crack and there will be too much to burn off thus making a dark wet liquid which should be noticeable on the tip of the spark plug. Do your looking about an hour after you've had it up to full temp while it is still warm and coolant still under pressure.