Blown Head Gasket? On What Cylinder Though....🤷‍♂️

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  • Опубліковано 29 сер 2022
  • In this video I show you how to use the Pico Scope to not only find out your vehicle has a blown head gasket but it will tell you the exact cylinder(s) that is having the problem. Why is this important? It is best practice to grab all the data you can before you tear the vehicle apart so you know what you're looking for in the case where it is not obvious.
    -Enjoy!
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    Disclaimer:
    Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 874

  • @SouthMainAuto
    @SouthMainAuto  Рік тому +87

    It seems I wasn't very clear on a few things in this video. I apologize for that. Hope this clears some things up and again sorry for not being very clear in my presentation 😊 ua-cam.com/video/hB1klKht-ck/v-deo.html

    • @calholli
      @calholli Рік тому +4

      This method is known as "deductive logic". It's interesting to see that the wave form was actually exactly the same-- just at a different amplitude, once you pulled one of the bad plugs. So that makes me think that both cylinders must be leaking through the same hole... but even then it's strange that you don't see a double impulse-- rather than just building pressure faster. That's pretty odd.

    • @larryowens3693
      @larryowens3693 Рік тому +14

      Love your videos Eric, have been an industrial manufacturing mechanic for 45 years and pretty much seen and done it all. Have done my own automobile maintenance and repairs forever. Have been able to figure my way thru most problems with the help of software on my laptop. Never fail to learn something watching your feed . In my personal opinion you are one of the best diagnostic technicians I have seen. In this business of repairing we are now considered technicians and not just the stigma when looked at as mechanic you are just looked at as a wrench twister. Keep up the great videos and I will continue to learn.

    • @josephlundy3534
      @josephlundy3534 Рік тому +3

      Awesome video thanks
      I now too love the Dutch Phrase
      Measuring is knowing how awesome ! lol

    • @tomtheplummer7322
      @tomtheplummer7322 Рік тому +1

      No worries. Was a step and a half ahead of ya anyway. My ADHD fights my OCD to play ur vids at 1.5x. Speed reading with 99.9% comprehension.

    • @sjfk1306
      @sjfk1306 Рік тому +5

      You where very clear on everything in this video…. As always.

  • @pairofdogs
    @pairofdogs 6 місяців тому +1

    Best explanation of pressure transducer mated to a pico scope I’ve seen, thanks from a 76 year old Vietnam vet!

  • @theecstatic9686
    @theecstatic9686 Рік тому +34

    One of the best dudes on the internet right here....

  • @LeFrez
    @LeFrez Рік тому +181

    The Dutch have a phrase I love: "Meten is weten", it literally means "Measuring is knowing". Even if we've been 《doing this 30 years》and seen it all before, without testing or measuring, we can o ly guess. Eric O you prove it here, such a simple test and now total certainty of where and what the problem is. Top! 👍👌

    • @BenDeSwert666
      @BenDeSwert666 Рік тому +9

      Or "meten is zweten" (sweating) when you measure to see how wrong you were the first try 😂

    • @MickayG
      @MickayG Рік тому +5

      Similar saying in the US us 'always measure twice'... and @Bart... I know the phrase as 'achteraf meten is zweten' or 'niet meten is zweten'... variations on the same thing.

    • @WouterB76
      @WouterB76 Рік тому +3

      Excellent.
      Eric, are you willing to film the entire repair procedure as well?

    • @willemvantsant5105
      @willemvantsant5105 Рік тому +2

      Definitive diagnosis, no guessing, impressed with your test Eric.

    • @markwitte7958
      @markwitte7958 Рік тому +2

      Eerste les natuurkunde op het middelbaar😉

  • @bluangl9wingman
    @bluangl9wingman Рік тому +52

    Always amazed with the number of tools which translates to investment dollars. Most people have no idea what it takes to quickly, cost effectively and accurately troubleshoot. Eric is a treasure.

    • @jeffreygoss8109
      @jeffreygoss8109 Рік тому +2

      Yup, most people just bellyache, “$100+ an hour!” For all the tools and knowledge this is a bargain especially when compared to ignorance and the parts cannon

    • @tyroneallen8064
      @tyroneallen8064 Рік тому +2

      I'm a leveled dodge tech and people are always amazed when asking how much is that 15000$ give or take for a zeus diag station they don't understand cars are super computers now and a Cresent and screw driver dosent fix anything

  • @46fd04
    @46fd04 Рік тому +20

    Many years ago, my boss said to me, 'Joe, every day's a school day...' And today, Mr. O. taught me something. Thank you!

  • @lucianoromero777
    @lucianoromero777 Рік тому +2

    I bet that cylinder is super clean 😂 good stuff mayne

  • @cmonster6
    @cmonster6 Рік тому +2

    Wow,62 year old ex mechanic here,not thought of testing for blown head gasket in this manner.Thanks

  • @HFG
    @HFG Рік тому +1

    The fine cooking of Mrs. O gives him diagnostic super powers.

  • @Yawwee
    @Yawwee Рік тому +1

    Eric, you have a good head for head gasket woes !!!! No exterior leaks, no antifreeze in the oil, no water vapor exhaust - so must be internal leak is a reasonable assumption. I would agree. Plugs look good, no antifreeze gushing out of the spark plug holes. Now 99% confident to take off the cylinder head and see what is happening. Waiting for part 2 - The Tear Down !!!! Brewing a new cup of chocolate cherry coffee in my Krup's single machine. I'll get a 8 piece of mixed chicken at Walmart and I'll be ready on my Lazy Boy recliner !!!!! Bring it on !!!! 😀👍🍮🐔🛠😺

  • @keithbeckmann5668
    @keithbeckmann5668 Рік тому +3

    You should ALWAYS attempt to determine the specifics of a problem, especially if it can be done relatively easily and quickly. Like Eric said, this can't be done once it's apart. I'd gladly pay Eric for a 1 hour diagnosis, especially for something this brilliant. How many other mechanics could even successfully do this, and video it well enough for us to understand?
    Say he doesn't, and just pulls the head, sends it to be rebuilt, and re-installs it, but the real issue is a hairline crack in the top of the block that you can't see. He puts it all back together, and assumes it's good. 2 weeks later it comes back with the same problem.
    I think Eric is genius, and even though he thinks this level of mechanic exists everywhere, it really doesn't. He his head and shoulders above most mechanics, as all they do is module swapping until it seems to work.

  • @SugarChateau
    @SugarChateau Рік тому

    Welcome back the Self Made Auto Channel. Makes me laugh every time.

  • @apsolus
    @apsolus Рік тому +3

    sir, ive been a mechanic my entire career. 16 years now. i consider myself a decent tech. diesel is my specialty. ive learned so much watching your videos. your definitely good at this and really care about knowing what the problem is before selling the repair. good stuff. Ive used your videos many times during repairs! just seeing how you do it eye opening.

  • @jamesrdorn
    @jamesrdorn Рік тому +12

    Favorite channel ever.

  • @davidray3558
    @davidray3558 Рік тому +1

    Being an old fart, I must say that you are the very first auto mechanic I've ever heard to use the term "proof of concept".
    You have earned my sub
    AND have my utmost respect of your diagnostic ability and your integrity. This video
    is of great value to me personally and I'd like to thank you very much.

  • @emiliosanchez5621
    @emiliosanchez5621 Рік тому +2

    Your ability to fully understand the technological diagnostic equipment and use it to measure an auto’s behavior (misbehavior ) is uncanny. You’ve have helped me diagnose a similar problem I have with my car. Thank You.

  • @marcwelch2624
    @marcwelch2624 Рік тому +2

    It's a pleasure watching a methodical mechanic troubleshoot. Keep up the good work!

  • @smallchunkaground2071
    @smallchunkaground2071 Рік тому

    Ive said it many times on here This is what separates the reputable shops from the not so much. Diagnostics at its finest folks.

  • @killroy3607
    @killroy3607 Рік тому +1

    This is crazy I've never seen a k series engine have this issue! I know it's inevitable but they normally will go (with proper maintenance!) 300,000 plus miles before something major like this! Interesting diagnostic man! Awesome!

  • @alexandercahoulan6583
    @alexandercahoulan6583 Рік тому

    When eric works on Honda's, im in heaven

  • @gregoryharmon2348
    @gregoryharmon2348 Рік тому +4

    I suspect it's leaking #3 to #4 and then #4 to the coolant. With #4 plug installed the pressure we saw was from only #4 with some leaking to the open #3, hence lower & slower pressure build up. With #3 installed the pressure leaked to the open #4 but not to the coolant, so there was no indication. With both installed we saw the cumulative pressure from BOTH cylinders, hence higher & faster pressure build up. Two leaks but different types. I've been out of the testing/monitoring equipment industry for about a decade so I'm amazed at the level of test equipment available today. Great video as always!

  • @mariosaccoccio1688
    @mariosaccoccio1688 Рік тому +46

    Eric is a mechanic's mechanic! Through & honest!
    Me, I've been repairing my own cars for 50 years (retired-done everything but a automatic trany cause I don't own a magic wand) but I never had a blown head gasket, ever. Lucky I guess!

    • @2nickles647
      @2nickles647 Рік тому +4

      Same here. Been wrenching on my own vehicles for over 30 years. I've done Automatics. But only 3 so far. Just don't have all of the correct tools for the job. But I've done mostly every thang. Bought myself a scanner a few years ago. I would love a Pico scope.

    • @michaelblacktree
      @michaelblacktree Рік тому +3

      Eric literally is a mechanic's mechanic. Other mechanic shops send cars to him, when they can't figure it out.

    • @bill8by5
      @bill8by5 Рік тому +3

      Transmissions aren't that difficult - you may be suffering from the "Huh" syndrome. If you understand enough to capture automotive wiring, and the intricacies of building a motor, a tranny is a piece of cake. there's plenty of literature out there to assist in the job. Further, there is a guy on here at Precision Transmissions who explains a LOT of the things to look for. Unfortunately, he does nearly no builds, mostly teardowns - but chock full of information and high end repair parts. BTW, I've seen a lot of tranny guys on here - he is absolutely the best. So, if you want to learn, go watch some of his videos.

    • @jo300hn
      @jo300hn Рік тому +1

      Thorough, it's a difficult English word.

    • @bill8by5
      @bill8by5 Рік тому +1

      @@jo300hn through it all, we threw away English class in order to kick a field goal through the goal posts. The ordeal THOROUGHLY destroyed our society. Odd how football has nearly no academic qualities, yet English is so elegantly necessary.

  • @Leon-qc7fe
    @Leon-qc7fe Рік тому +1

    Who needs student loans to go to school? I'll just watch Eric O. Thanks for another great Technical/Diagnostic video!

  • @61rampy65
    @61rampy65 Рік тому

    Sheesh! I thought all the really stupid commenters left your channel ages ago. but they are clearly back today. Your video was very clear about what you were doing and why. The majority of comments shows that people either don't watch the video or don't listen to it. Don't let the idiots get to you, Eric!

  • @deansapp4635
    @deansapp4635 Рік тому +2

    Folks, Im retired mechanic of 35 years. If your current repair shop in unwilling or unable to do this, Run don t walk away

  • @4b131
    @4b131 Рік тому +1

    Eric you can always take a job as a trainer at any tech school, great job. As another viewer said, 20 years for me and I still am fascinated by how much new stuff I see. Cars will always find new ways to break.

  • @evincent3102
    @evincent3102 Рік тому

    I remember the old days 40 years ago we did not have the new tech we have now just ears taste smell and feel to figure things out and experience which took years to learn from the old guys I got to old had to retire let the young folks do it great job brother!

  • @kain0m
    @kain0m Рік тому +36

    That technique is also useful on engines with two banks. Just in case you don't want to do two head gaskets.

    • @FrancisoDoncona
      @FrancisoDoncona Рік тому +3

      If one went bad how confident are you in the other considering you stripped away half the engine bay already? If you r mechanic would do that where else would he compromise? Just saying pay once cry once you know what’s coming.

    • @bill8by5
      @bill8by5 Рік тому +2

      @@FrancisoDoncona you took the words outta my head John. Already there!! Do them both and head off on a 2K mile journey when you're done. A non-replaced gasket may last another 2 years, or another 2 hours. throwing darts in the dark and waiting fearfully for the failure to manifest itself - BS. Don't forget to replace the head bolts as well.

    • @ludvigericson6930
      @ludvigericson6930 Рік тому

      A blown gasket isn’t the end of the world, you can drive on a bad gasket for a while.

    • @bill8by5
      @bill8by5 Рік тому +2

      @@ludvigericson6930 perhaps YOU might. I much prefer reliable mechanical attributes in my vehicles. It's stupid not to replace both head gaskets in a two-bank motor while your are already that far into it. Just my opinion, and like Patrick Swayse said, opinions vary.

    • @doomkid02
      @doomkid02 Рік тому

      I simply would check both banks with the cylinder leakage test method.

  • @wtlwoods
    @wtlwoods Рік тому

    Us guy that do this everyday... LOL... I've learned more from you in the last year than 40 years of doit myself...

  • @craiglyles4755
    @craiglyles4755 Рік тому +15

    This guy gets it, refreshing to see solid diagnostic procedures online, lots of bad info on other channels.

  • @goodolddoug889
    @goodolddoug889 Рік тому +1

    I got into this business because troubleshooting technical issues logically is the one of the main things my brain can do and loves. Watching your videos reinforces and builds on a lot of the stuff I learned in school and on the job so far. I'd even used one of your videos to diagnose a faulty ignition switch during some on the job training. Once I realized that everything that wasn't working relied on the ignition switch's status, we plugged in the scan tool and *voila* the status was super sketchy as you turned or jiggled the key. Sometimes it's the simplest of tests with a bit of know-how.

  • @goptools
    @goptools Рік тому

    Nice diagnostic method. Now, if the gasket doesn't obviously look blown, you'll know to inspect the head more closely for a crack, warpage, etc and you'll know exactly where to look! I like too that you've proven that there is an issue before spending time pulling the engine apart. Win, win.

  • @scottnusser6232
    @scottnusser6232 Рік тому +1

    If you look in the cylinders with a bore scope you'll usually see a clean piston top on the cylinder that's burning coolant. Good diag as usual.

  • @alanbarnes4991
    @alanbarnes4991 Рік тому +41

    Thank you for being a diagnostician first, and a mechanic second. I've learned so much from watching your videos. I'm about to do a timing chain on 4.2 Trailblazer (4wd) for a P0017 code and your video from a few years ago is giving me the confidence to get it done :) You're the best.

  • @marccarrier9589
    @marccarrier9589 Рік тому

    This is the kind of tip I love to hear about, a super time saver in diagnostics.

  • @ronhaefner7833
    @ronhaefner7833 Рік тому +1

    This is real shop diagnostics and well laid out. Nice to see a nice concise diagnostic using the pico.

  • @68Goldfish
    @68Goldfish Рік тому

    Honda dealer tech here. Nice diag. I have to admit it was driving me crazy to watch you work with that t handle driver....Awesome video!

  • @kevinoscarson2941
    @kevinoscarson2941 Рік тому +28

    Be interested to see the pistons on 3-4 and see if the pistons are cleaner. That pressure transducer certainly takes the guess out of it.

  • @totalyep
    @totalyep Рік тому +3

    Owner overheated it for sure. Cool diagnosis. I hope you show the repair.

    • @scrappy7571
      @scrappy7571 Рік тому +1

      No doubt, a previous overheat most likely warped the head. Those MLS gaskets are pretty durable.

  • @pccchurch
    @pccchurch Рік тому

    Pico training was so interesting and cool and we were so pumped to use our newly taught skills. And 10 years later, I've only used it twice and I don't think it was even necessary. Most tech maybe used it 1 time after training. Even our foreman use it mainly to document reading for the factory engineers to look at.
    Most electrical diag is done by checking for known "good" power and ground and if so, it must be a bad electronic part.
    For ignition work, we just mark and swap parts to see if the problem moves. For headgaskets, we just pressurize and use the scantool to see which one is misfiring and then borescope it to confirm.
    Even for hybrid system, I've yet to use Pico to diagnose concerns. It's mainly an engineer thing. We don't have access to the array of known good graphs and simply don't have the time to produce known good graphs on every part of every model vehicle.
    Even Scanner Danner had Pico diag lead him astray. He had a nonideal graph causing him to prematurely condemn a part when it was something else. Pico is a slippery noodle indeed.

  • @rogerdc7279
    @rogerdc7279 Рік тому +26

    No BS, logical and methodical aproxe, that even me, that I am not a mechanic, can understand.
    Thank you Eric.

  • @merlingeikie
    @merlingeikie Рік тому +1

    Thanks Buddy..
    Always fun in learning.
    👌🇦🇺

  • @thomasfletcher4765
    @thomasfletcher4765 Рік тому +3

    On this episode of " shop class " with Mr O , head gasket leak detection .

  • @daviddubeck2436
    @daviddubeck2436 Рік тому

    I'm doing a head gasket job right now. Its a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5 v6. It had excellent compression in all cylinders, but top radiator would get rock hard within seconds after starting the engine. You would hear gurgling in the reservoir bottle also. Hours after running the system would still have excessive pressure (remove radiator cap). When starting without cap you could literally see and smell exhaust gases coming out of radiator. Did the chemical test and she turned yellow right away. Surprisingly, just like your Honda, it didn't overheat or run hot either. Love the video keep um coming.

  • @markcarpenter3600
    @markcarpenter3600 Рік тому

    For those of us who are still on the little single channel uScope, this method works.

  • @tomthackston1442
    @tomthackston1442 Рік тому

    It was clear to me I'd Love to have those tools but it can be expensive. I get a lot of good info from your videos you rock dude.

  • @macdonaldsmotorworks
    @macdonaldsmotorworks Рік тому +3

    great demo and my added comment is, this is fantastic when you've got 2 banks. I had a V6 impala in 3 months ago - owner wanted me to "only" replace the front head gasket as he'd already had the rear one done. I used this test and was able to prove that while he did need the front head gasket replaced, with 100% certainty I could claim he also needed the rear one done too. This type of data is irrefutable .. and makes me feel soo good about calling these repairs. Awesome vid!

  • @57russj
    @57russj Рік тому +1

    I have been a mechanic for many years and I always find out what cyl is leaking before taking off the head makes it easier if you know where to look first

  • @ccsmallengines
    @ccsmallengines Рік тому +3

    Eric, just wanted to say thanks for the videos. I've been a mechanic for 6 years. Got hired with no prior practical experience and you have taught me so much. Funny, I finally seen my first failed headgasket today.

  • @richardriisberg2694
    @richardriisberg2694 Рік тому

    Like your videos. I spent 30 years investigating vehicle complaints against repair shops and mechanics. The industry needs more mechanic like you. You find the problem and don't just replace parts. Good work I will keep watching your videos. Dick

  • @donniev8181
    @donniev8181 27 днів тому

    Great test, had no clue this kit existed. Thanks

  • @fightingfalconfan
    @fightingfalconfan Рік тому

    Being in a shop myself; time is money. I personally don't see a point in knowing what cylinder is leaking when your about to rip into it for a head gasket. Especially on a 4 banger. It's fun to be absolutely sure it's a head gasket that has failed but going beyond that is kinda pointless. To address your comments on it not showing more of the classic signs of a blown head; it's not a big enough leak yet. It was caught early. Your meter only read about 1 PSI of pressure during the cranking phase. You would need a lot more then that to blow into the coolant to actually see anything. But good video as always Eric O!

  • @RC-Heli835
    @RC-Heli835 Рік тому

    Wow! This is so much easier and faster than a leak down tester.
    I built Old School Funks version of a leak down tester to diagnose my 2000 Windstar 3.8L.
    Cylinders 2 and 3 were blown cyl to cyl and 3 was blown to the water jacket.
    But geez finding TDC on all cylinders one at a time and screwing in my adapter made from a hollowed out spark plug was loads more work than this. This is absolutely awesome Eric.
    I do get the gathering all the data thing.

  • @TriggerTravels
    @TriggerTravels Рік тому +1

    I had a 12v Cummins that had a blown hg between 5 and 6. No overheating, no driveability issues, no puking out the coolant tank. The only sign was a hard coolant hose... No other issues. They can be sneaky.

  • @BigDaddy_MRI
    @BigDaddy_MRI Рік тому +1

    Thanks! Have some ice cream on me. Great Video. Your the bestest!

  • @jose357mag
    @jose357mag Рік тому

    Very nice diag. Learned a new means of investigating. I might be hooked here. Happy to see one of the older guys embrace tech and not just dismiss it completely.

  • @bryangeorge9461
    @bryangeorge9461 Рік тому +1

    As soon as you showed the graph for number 3 I figured it is leaking between 3 and 4 and I guessed right. Great job ! It is to bad all mechanics aren't that thorough in their diagnostics. Maybe they don't want to or maybe they don't know how. I came across your website looking for a problem of my own after having my 03 Chevy stall while pulling my boat. that was my fuel pump connector. When I did the fuel pump I noticed my power steering was having issues and installed a new pump. I drove a 100 miles from home and the truck died in the middle of nowhere and had to be towed. I searched and searched and came across your website and found a video about a truck intermittently stalling after replacing the power steering pump. You found it was a bad ground for the ignition coils that grounds to the block near the power steering pump. That was my problem and I thank you for the solution. That happened last year and I have not had any more issues.

    • @LadyAnuB
      @LadyAnuB Рік тому

      Eric O's video will be a research/nostalgia trip bonanza years from now when the only thing left of these upstate NY vehicles is their NY DMV notes that they were once registered in the state of NY 😅

  • @swallowinn4410
    @swallowinn4410 Рік тому

    Hi Eric you have done it again. Taught your audience a valuable lesson. You really underestimate your talent for simplyfing what could be a difficult concept to understand. I expect the driver does not frequently drive long distances at Highway speeds 2 hours or more. If he did I would expect he would have temperature issues showing up. Keep up the good work. I just wish I could do it because you can do it.

  • @erich6860
    @erich6860 Рік тому +1

    I had a vehicle with disappearing coolant, it was not a head gasket, but rather the pan seal. Two different mechanics told me it was the radiator cap, even after I told them to find the issue. Finally the 3rd found it.

  • @mariovillavicencio6332
    @mariovillavicencio6332 Рік тому +33

    Another technique I’ve used is I’ve pressurized the coolant system and with a bore scope check each cylinder and look for the leaking gasket. Done twice on finding misfires and blown gaskets on second gen Prius

    • @pingpong9656
      @pingpong9656 Рік тому +3

      KISS principle - well done.

    • @cheesecurd100s
      @cheesecurd100s Рік тому +1

      Super common on Ford fusions/escapes with the bad design blocks. Had one the other day and saw it bubbling into #2 cylinder.

  • @mikechiodetti4482
    @mikechiodetti4482 Рік тому

    I like your test. Just one more practical way to use the Pico for diagnostics to help you locate the problem.

  • @thirzapeevey2395
    @thirzapeevey2395 Рік тому

    That's about what my 1982 Ford Escort used to do. It didn't actually have a blown head gasket. It had a crack between cylinder 3 and 4 that involved a water jacket. It was burning antifreeze. The only complaints were that you literally filled the antifreeze and checked the gas, and that you could smell antifreeze in the exhaust and even when it was just shut off and parked. It started and drove fine. And I do know exactly what was wrong with it, because I helped to tear it down and saw the crack. The head and gasket were fine. As it transpired, this was a common problem with that 1.6 liter engine, and the reason they stepped up to the 1.9 in 1984 1/2. They used the timing belt to drive the water pump, and when the water pump got tight with age, it would strip the teeth off the timing belt and bend the push rods. Once they were bent, the engine would still run (sometimes), but it would run hot. They had cut so much weight out of that engine to meet fuel mileage standard, and had cut the cylinders so thin that once it started running a little hot, they would crack. Between 3 and 4 seemed to be the most common spot. We had to start every wrecked Escort and Lynx in about 3 junkyards to find one that didn't have the same problem and didn't steam.

  • @orchids3332
    @orchids3332 Рік тому +1

    I'm fortunate to have excellent mechanics here in Syracuse but it's good to know there is a car god guru just a hundred miles away.

  • @techjag
    @techjag Рік тому +1

    The real question... how long do I have to wait for my head gasket replacement video??? Lol. Keep up the good work sir.

  • @glassvial
    @glassvial Рік тому

    If this was a Samcrac video, you'd just end up using that liquid stuff that turns yellow when there's a blown head gasket and call it a day. Eric O is giving us a much more thorough diagnosis and hopefully we get to see this thing getting torn down in a future video.

  • @TheCurtisLogan
    @TheCurtisLogan Рік тому +1

    Great video and somebody has been watching VGG I'll be dipped

  • @normangallant9879
    @normangallant9879 Рік тому

    Wow.Never had that experiences in my day day.I been retired in this trade for 8 yrs.Good find

  • @pboston6RR
    @pboston6RR Рік тому

    Excellent! Ylojur use of diagnostic tools is the sign of a really great mechanic. No parts dump. No maybe. Just git ‘er done!

  • @DIYDaveOK
    @DIYDaveOK Рік тому +29

    Always love to see new approaches to diagnosing problems. You'd have made a great software guy, Eric. Thanks as always!!

    • @wilmarbarrick3194
      @wilmarbarrick3194 Рік тому +1

      A "software guy" would've approached it more like a binary search. It took 4 cranks to find problem on a 4 cylinder (worst case scenario 2^2 =4). On an 8 cylinder engine that worst case scenario would equate to 8 cranks whereas a binary search would've isolated it in 3 cranks 2^3=8.

  • @wileytraylor5404
    @wileytraylor5404 Рік тому

    Pure logic is always impressive.

  • @bobspurloc
    @bobspurloc Рік тому +1

    Man what a perfect time for Project Farm to jump in and Lets find out what additives can seal this head gasket leak... Ivan would have just used a borescope to see which piston looked abnormally clean... lol

  • @johnhufnagel
    @johnhufnagel Рік тому +49

    In my case I had bubbles appearing in my coolant tank and pushing coolant out of the reservoir. Knowing that was a big sign of a blown head gasket, I took it to a shop and have them do the die sniffer test and confirmed it very quickly. After doing some Google searching from my case I found that the most common cylinder was the number two, so after driving the car for a while and getting it nice and warm, I pulled the number two spark plug and stuck inspection camera down the borehole. I could actively see coolant being pushed into the cylinder right from where the water passage was located. It might have been an interesting to see if a borescope camera showed any signs of leakage into the cylinders on that honda.

    • @Mr572u
      @Mr572u Рік тому +4

      If coolant was getting into the cylinder, wouldn’t that misfire or at least show up on the spark plug?

    • @johnhufnagel
      @johnhufnagel Рік тому +3

      @@Mr572u Nope. I was surprised as well, that none of the plugs showed that freshly washed look of a coolant burning cylinder. The trick was, it would only allow a little coolant into the combustion chamber after shut down, but never enough to mess with start up.

    • @BigEightiesNewWave
      @BigEightiesNewWave Рік тому +3

      Just don't measure when cold-shrinkage occurs.

    • @Isthatyoudermot
      @Isthatyoudermot Рік тому +1

      Mine was bubbing in the coolant expansion tank. No white smoke, misfires everywhere and hard long cold starts. Headgasket blown between cylinder 5 and 6. 2007 Honda Pilot.

    • @jayss10
      @jayss10 Рік тому +3

      @@Mr572u You would absolutely think so if the world was binary. IE if it leaks it leaks in both directions. In this case the gasket was blown, but it was acting as a kind of check valve. IE letting a small amount of compression into the cooling system (less than a quarter of a PSI). You would be hard pressed to find this type of blown gasket with a traditional compression test

  • @KettleguyScott
    @KettleguyScott Рік тому +3

    And this right here is why I watch ya brotha! ,this was absolutely badass to see! 30 years as a tech,and this is the first time I've ever seen the PICO used for internal head gasket diagnostics!! Great video man! I was actually unaware that the PICO could be used in this aspect! Thanks so much for teachin an old dog a new trick!!🤘🤘 Keep doin what ya do brother!!

  • @hustlinao1488
    @hustlinao1488 Рік тому

    Don't forget,you do this every day as well.

  • @bradpetersen92126
    @bradpetersen92126 Рік тому

    I devised a lower tech version of this head gasket test and never had it fail me.
    Back in the day, we’d yank all the plugs out, put the cooling system pressure tester on the radiator, pump it up, wait a while , then bring a shop newbie over to watch the spark plug holes while we cranked it. Needless to say, our shop newbie got a shower.
    That test was somewhat crude and not terribly conclusive, as the differential pressure between combustion chamber and atmospheric was only about 15psi. II found that if I took all the plugs out, filled the radiator neck until it was starting to spill out, took one of the plugs and put it back in and cranked it. Now the differential pressure between combustion chamber to atmosphere could be 175 psi, making even a slight gasket leak show up, and would cause the radiator to overflow, as the combustion gases were being pushed past the gasket. If the radiator did not overflow, yank the spark plug out, and put it in the next cylinder and crank it, repeating the same test cylinder by cylinder. Left all but that one spark plug out to allow a faster cranking speed.
    Signed,
    Brad
    5-time re-certified ASE Master Tech
    35 years now behind me (now retired)

  • @toshayonguard4253
    @toshayonguard4253 Рік тому +2

    I made the same Diagnosis with my presser tester and put the pump on and started it cold and ran it 1 min and it built 9 psi in 1 min……There is your problem Lady Blown Head Gasket….🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 The Famous Fords EcoBoost engine’s 😳😳🙄

  • @satguy
    @satguy Рік тому +1

    That was slick.

  • @rollenschultz2707
    @rollenschultz2707 Рік тому

    Wow that's a great easy way to figure out if you got a bad head gasket nice, I like it👍👍

  • @kahrnivor
    @kahrnivor Рік тому

    Nuts and bolts video! Replacing the head gasket.

  • @HotRod-wv4vm
    @HotRod-wv4vm Рік тому +5

    Hopefully you do a video on replacing the head gasket 🙏

    • @coryhorne1037
      @coryhorne1037 Рік тому

      I want to see it as well, I have the same car with the same problem

  • @andysaunders3708
    @andysaunders3708 Рік тому

    Want to say that generally the plugs get washed when the HG goes.
    Good on you for checking the other bank.

  • @SEXYTECH1000
    @SEXYTECH1000 Рік тому +1

    AWESOME VIDEO ERIC,

  • @mecanicageneral615
    @mecanicageneral615 Рік тому

    It would be interesting to see a US shop pull out a head of a four cilinder engine instead of junk the engine or the car. Looking forward to see it

  • @joe2mercs
    @joe2mercs Рік тому +6

    This is a neat test since the leak is so small that a cylinder pressure comparison test would probably not show it. Good that you noticed the psssst! when opening the coolant cap.

    • @Tsnor150
      @Tsnor150 Рік тому

      He was looking for the psst from the "eating coolant" complaint. No accident.

  • @Ilikeryche
    @Ilikeryche Рік тому

    That's a cool test, I can't wait for my next suspected head gasket now.

  • @renemercado8618
    @renemercado8618 Рік тому +2

    Very cool test and unique failure. Surprisingly no other problems associated with headgasket failure. Thanks for the video and take care.

  • @bradleycrenshaw6778
    @bradleycrenshaw6778 Рік тому

    You give new meaning to the word " Master Technician "

  • @johnsmith9161
    @johnsmith9161 Рік тому +2

    On the Pico screen you can see how one cylinder peaks the pressure is it possible to run the test with the engine running and disable one injector at a time.

  • @MarkBoulerice-et4qj
    @MarkBoulerice-et4qj 2 місяці тому +1

    Great find love your videos I’m a Honda tech for 18 years now love scoping stuff have u scope wish I had pico have nice video same engine # 4 leaking with boroscope

  • @ghettsumm7949
    @ghettsumm7949 Рік тому +1

    What if the head is cracked, and you quoted the customer for a blown gasket?? You will still have to disassemble it to verify the issue. Great vid Eric.

  • @rusty1187
    @rusty1187 Рік тому

    Excellent! you did exactly what i would have, if suspecting a leak between cylinders.

  • @lorihurd8089
    @lorihurd8089 Рік тому +2

    As per your advice 2 or 3 years ago I bought a Honda element and it is GREAT! I would love to see a video of you changing this head gasket. This was a very popular engine used by Honda and I am sure others would like to see this also. As always we love your channel.

  • @curtiscarver4135
    @curtiscarver4135 Рік тому

    What my dad always said to me while he was alive now you found out what the problem is now finding out what caused the problem and how you going to determine on fixing the problem.

  • @danielkoerner7127
    @danielkoerner7127 Рік тому

    Excellent and thorough troubleshooting. The lack of any other obvious issues is a testament to the durability of Honda engines! Great video, thanks!

  • @dvdgaudette
    @dvdgaudette Рік тому

    I never like writing "block test inconclusive" on a ticket. Sure there are other ways to skin a cat but this is by far the coolest 😎. Love my Picoscope.

  • @odorizedramblings4660
    @odorizedramblings4660 7 місяців тому

    I have GOT to get myself a Pico scope! Its definitely on my wish list.

  • @kewltracks3454
    @kewltracks3454 Рік тому +1

    I was hoping you were going to do the test with plugs 1 & 2 in to further prove which cylinder(s) are leaking. Great diagnostics Mr. O!

  • @Mr.Z1776
    @Mr.Z1776 Рік тому +3

    Can also test for hydrocarbons in coolant while engine is running, if they are present the liquid in the tester will change colors. This method may be a little more DIY friendly and the kit is like $40. Huge fan Eric!!!

  • @mooxima
    @mooxima Рік тому

    Great explanation, Can’t wait for the tear down video

  • @rdaleyj1
    @rdaleyj1 3 місяці тому

    Awesome pinpoint test here. 😃