Engine Block Test Fail
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Engine Block Test Fail
So I recently went to trade in my 2011 F-150 3.5L Ecoboost, and during the inspection the dealership (Toyota) stated they noticed my coolant reservoir was low and so they did a block test and it failed for hydrocarbons so they believe a head gasket is going bad. There is no white smoke coming from the exhaust, no milky white oil, no signs of a coolant leak and the radiator is full. So I’m wondering if there could be another reason for it failing the block test. It has 94,600 miles on it runs fine, drives fine, no issues with overtemping or loss of power, any help and advice would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Brentwood,CA
Never heard of a dealer going to that extreme for a trade in. Makes no sense as its just going to auction with that mileage and year. However testing for hydrocarbons in the coolant is easily skewed by the additives in the OAT coolant used in those trucks. Same thing can be said with HOAT coolant used in the generation prior. I wouldn't trust a dip test for a bad block or a head gasket.
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Yeah it definitely caught me off guard also, but the “master mechanic” is dead set on the HG, hopefully they just get past it and either take it or guess I’m not buying that other vehicle from them. I appreciate the help
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
I wouldn't jump to fraud as my first thought.
It's possible that the test strips they use aren't compatible with the OAT coolant in your truck. It's also possible that something is causing combustion gasses to enter the coolant, but I would think you'd notice other symptoms. Head gaskets on these engines seem to be a downright rare thing to fail, but anything is possible, I suppose.
It's possible that the test strips they use aren't compatible with the OAT coolant in your truck. It's also possible that something is causing combustion gasses to enter the coolant, but I would think you'd notice other symptoms. Head gaskets on these engines seem to be a downright rare thing to fail, but anything is possible, I suppose.
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So I talked to the dealership a couple days ago and told them I wanted an actual diagnoses from a Ford technician or else all parts of the deal would be off, got a call today from Toyota and come to find out they had adjusted something that they weren’t supposed to which caused the test to fail. Not exactly sure what it was, but hopefully I can get a little more clarity from them tomorrow when I go back down to seal this deal
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The block heaters in my generators can cook down coolant. You can actuallly see it get stronger as the heater nukes the coolant and the level drops. Not uncommon to need 1/2 gallon added every winter. I have no idea if a regular engine could cause the same problem in any way. I say fill it up and run it. It's entirely possible that a hose or even the water pump weep hole puked some some coolant out at one point. Weirder things have happened.
Everyone expects diagnostic tests to be accurate, but they just aren't always. My company provided cooling system pressure tester, leaks more often than it works properly. I had a diesel fuel sample turned in for testing that had a cricket in it. Came back "particulate matter and mediocre cetane level". Yeah, no kidding, the ghost of Christmas past was floating in the sample.
Everyone expects diagnostic tests to be accurate, but they just aren't always. My company provided cooling system pressure tester, leaks more often than it works properly. I had a diesel fuel sample turned in for testing that had a cricket in it. Came back "particulate matter and mediocre cetane level". Yeah, no kidding, the ghost of Christmas past was floating in the sample.
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Having just sold my Toyota, I can say I was not impressed with they way Toyota dealt with things. Like my radio. I had 3, and I'm not sure they did anything to replacement radios to keep them from the early deaths they suffer. And my rear springs--2 years to come up with a leaf spring that won't snap like a twig when rusted. (Didn't the Romans invent the leaf spring?)
That said, I think the "adjustment" they made was to their Bullstuff.
Trundle on over to Carmax and get a quote. ymmv, but you might also be pleasantly surprised.
Serving suggestion.
That said, I think the "adjustment" they made was to their Bullstuff.
Trundle on over to Carmax and get a quote. ymmv, but you might also be pleasantly surprised.
Serving suggestion.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Central NYS
So I talked to the dealership a couple days ago and told them I wanted an actual diagnoses from a Ford technician or else all parts of the deal would be off, got a call today from Toyota and come to find out they had adjusted something that they weren’t supposed to which caused the test to fail. Not exactly sure what it was, but hopefully I can get a little more clarity from them tomorrow when I go back down to seal this deal
I would never “seal the deal” with them. They will get back at you sooner or later if you do.
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That dealer had their chance to make a square deal on your trade in. Isn’t it amazing when you pushed back, they somehow figured out they had done something that caused the test to fail !!
I would never “seal the deal” with them. They will get back at you sooner or later if you do.
I would never “seal the deal” with them. They will get back at you sooner or later if you do.
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