How do I test, or tell for sure I have cracked head(s)? I have a 89 2.9L that loses coolent, about a galoon+- over 200 miles or so. I thought it was a head gasket so I replaced them but still have the problem. After replacing the water pump and heater core. Now I'm guessing a head but I don't know how to tell when I tear it back apart. The Heads look fine to me the first time I dug in.

 

You can take the heads to a shop and have them magnafluxed. Some shops may also elect to use dye penetrant inspection in areas known to crack. But first, is it displaying the usual sign of a cracked head (steamy exhaust)?

 

A pressure test on the cooling system might reveal the crack, look near #1 and 6.

 

Are 1 and 6 trouble spots in this engine? I did a compretion test on the truck before I did the head gaskets and the middle cylinder on the pass. side (thinks thats 3) was at 99psi the rest were at the normal 121

 

Thats the common locatioon for cracks. The compression is borderline, it's #2.

3 6
2 5
1 4

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