Anyone use a combustion leak detector?

[Loobed]

My coolant tank is always dirty, and i have been having coolant problems since I got my truck (new). I tried on of these combustion leak detectors and my fluid turned greenish, but not yellow. Is it possible I have a small leak?

Balkamp tester @ NAPA



Blockcheck tester website

 

[mattd]

they work well. We have that exact one at the shop. As to your coolant issue, have you done a UOA on the truck? Any coolant contamination? Does it use coolant?

 

[Loobed]

No coolant in the oil. It hasn't lost very much coolant so far. maybe a few ounces a year, but that could be evaporation.

 

[Chris142]

I use one like yours daily. Any color change from Blue to Green or Yellow is a positive for HC in the cooling system. Yes you have a problem

 

[mattd]

IIRC that year engine has problem with porus heads leaking coolant into the oil, but that should show up on UOA. If it turned greenish you may have an issue. However if its only using a few ounces a year i would not sweat it at all.

 

[mechtech2]

Originally Posted By: mattd
IIRC that year engine has problem with porus heads leaking coolant into the oil, but that should show up on UOA. If it turned greenish you may have an issue. However if its only using a few ounces a year i would not sweat it at all.


Right. Just keep an eye on it for now, and maybe prepare for the worst.

 

[artificialist]

They are very good.
It is best to get one with two chambers.

That is because coolant is also green in some cars, so you can't always tell if your tool is drawing in combustion bubbles or coolant.