Suspected blown head gasket.

1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA

165,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

PHILMITCHINSON1

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Bubbling in radiator water and loss of water suggests blown head gasket. How do I test which bank/cylinder is blown (3.8L Chev Lumina v6)?
Regards, Phil Mitchinson- New Zealander currently living in the UAE.

Jan 23, 2011 at 4:57 PM

DOCHAGERTY

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
9,606 POSTS

You could pull the spark plugs and pressurize the cooling system to see which cylinders fill with coolant. I would tend to think that if one cylinder heads needed to come off, that the other might just as well come off to as insurance against having to do the job twice.

Jan 23, 2011 at 5:03 PM

WRENCHTECH

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
20,761 POSTS

I don't know why it would matter. If the engine got hot enough to damage one side, there is likely damage to the other side too and it would be very foolish to only remove one head after going that far.

Jan 23, 2011 at 5:43 PM

DOCHAGERTY

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
9,606 POSTS

As usual, my fellow moderator has made an excellant point and I couldn't agree more.

Jan 23, 2011 at 5:58 PM

PHILMITCHINSON1

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for your advice guys.

Jan 24, 2011 at 2:35 AM

DOCHAGERTY

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
9,606 POSTS

Jan 24, 2011 at 2:40 AM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.