No start

1995 GEO PRIZM
240,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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73150
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  • 1 POST
Okay, the radiator busted and water leaked out and the car stalled and shut off.. the engine turns over, it's getting spark. it acts like it might start but it does not ever start.

there is no water in the oil. i don't see any leaks on the head. i removed the radiator cap and turned over engine and there was no back pressure from the radiator.. is it possible the head gasket is blown between the cylinders' and it's not starting due to lack of compression?

If so how could i test it to be sure it's a blown gasket?
Oct 16, 2020 at 7:21 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Funny. I was reading this I was going to exactly where you ended the post. So that means we need to start there because we are thinking the exact same thing. Here is a guide on how to test the head gasket:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Even if you pass the head gasket test we should run a compression check.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

The reason is, you need three things to start the engine. Spark, fuel, and compression. Based on what happened we need to start with compression.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks
Oct 16, 2020 at 8:51 AM
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73150
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outstanding. thank you very much. i shall do the compression test as outlined. you have been very help full and i do very much appreciate it and i will let you what i find out and thanks again.
Oct 19, 2020 at 4:12 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
You are welcome. Let us know how it turns out. Thanks for the update.
Oct 20, 2020 at 12:31 PM
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