Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: Hi, I have a 89 cutlass with..., coolant system, head gasket

Question
Hi, I have a 89 cutlass with a 2.8. I'm loosing coolant. I can't find any leaks. There doesn't appear to be water in the oil. I've heard bad things about both intake and head gaskets. Which would be the most likely culprit and how would I check this out? Thanks, Pete

Answer
FOLLOWUP: Mkae SURE that you do this test with the engine at normal operating temp so that the thermostat is OPEN or you can remove the thermostat before doing the test. I prefer to do it with the engine at normal operating temp with the thermostat removed.



The easiest way to find a head gasket(s) leak is to:


1. Make sure the coolant system id full of coolant or water.

2. remove the spark plugs and pressurize each cylinder with about 60 lbs of constant air pressure and watch for bubbles in the radiator.

3. If you see bubbles or a vast expulsion of liquid from the radiator cap opening this would indicate either head gasket(s) or cracked head(s).


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