Well I'm a noob to this forum and I have a tech question. Other than checking the dipstick for radiator fluid mixed in with the oil, is there another way to check for a blown head gasket or a leaking one on a 99 Toyota 4x4 with a 2.7L I4. Someone told me that if you take the radiator cap off and rev the engine, if coolant shoots out then you have a head gasket leak just wanted to see if that was true thanks for your replys.

 

I'd say that almost every engine will shoot coolant when you rev the engine. The only only obvious signs that I know of for a blown headgasket is exhaust that is white and smells kind of sweet. Coolant levels that drop, or oil in your coolant also are signs of course.

 

You can buy a chemical test kit that checks for the presence of combustion gasses in your coolant.

 

Take it to a shop and have the engine pressure tested (I believe it is a cylinder leakdown test or something) Shouldnt be more than and hour of labor and worth it for peace of mind and salvaging your engine.

 

Great I'll go to the dealership and have them do the leakdown test thanks 85pickup and thank you to everyone who responded. If the gasket is leaking or blown I guess I'll have a good thread to post on the rebuild LOL.

 

A dealership, you sure you want to do that?

 

Check your coolant hoses.....if they are very hard after the engine heats up, you could have a blown HG.