Head Leak

[chuckabrick]

Is there any way to check for heads leaking without removing them?
I have taken the lower intake manifold off and think that was the source of my leak. The heads are clean and in great shape as it appears from the top but I am wondering if there is anyway to test for head or head gasket issues at this stage(without removing them) before putting the intake back together. If I can assure myself that the heads are in good shape then I'd rather not f*** with them.

I know there is a test kit to check for oil in the coolant. Has anyone tried this?

 

[srteach]

compression test it with a cylinder pressure test tool. As long as the valves are closed, there should be about equal pressure across all cylinders. Perfect is about 175psi. Get the tool from harbor freight, remove all the plugs and use it in each cylinder. Any major deviation between cylinders is cause for further investigation or teardown.

 

[gman-1970]

leak-down test

Compression test is "OK" - to source major leaks, but a leak-down test is much better and helps one identify where the leak actually is: rings, valves, head gasket, etc.

To source a leak in the coolant passages, perhaps a cooling system pressure test.