Easy Homemade Leak Down Tester

[29er]

I'm experiencing some issues that have led me to want to do a leak down test. Here's the symptoms: (a) losing coolant from the radiator without finding an obvious leak; (b) froth on the inside of the oil filler cap; (c) whitish smoke coming from the tailpipe.

I did a compression test without a clear indication of a blown head gasket.

After checking around, I find I can purchase a tester or make my own. All seem more complicated than needed to determine whether I have a compromised head gasket that is allowing coolant into a cylinder. Anybody ever make and use one of these?:

https://www.powernationtv.com/two-mi...down-test-tool

Just blow some air into a cylinder. If there's bubbles in the radiator, it's a blown head gasket.

[Bob Johnson]

Here is one I made.

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by 29er

I'm experiencing some issues that have led me to want to do a leak down test. Here's the symptoms: (a) losing coolant from the radiator without finding an obvious leak; (b) froth on the inside of the oil filler cap; (c) whitish smoke coming from the tailpipe.

I did a compression test without a clear indication of a blown head gasket.

After checking around, I find I can purchase a tester or make my own. All seem more complicated than needed to determine whether I have a compromised head gasket that is allowing coolant into a cylinder. Anybody ever make and use one of these?:

https://www.powernationtv.com/two-mi...down-test-tool

Just blow some air into a cylinder. If there's bubbles in the radiator, it's a blown head gasket.

Thats a quick and easy way to make one. Several different sizes can be made as needed. I just cut down the air pressure at the compressor, it doesn't take much pressure to find the problem.

[Mitch//pa]

Use a 3X plug base or hollow out a regular plug to use the base..
braze / weld an airline fitting onto it
Screw in and hook up an air line...
regulate the pressure with a vise grip....

Haha i just looked at the video... i happened to post the same basic thing

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

Use a 3X plug base or hollow out a regular plug to use the base..
braze an airline fitting onto it
Screw in and hook up an air line...
regulate the pressure with a vise grip....

that would work :P or add in a $10 harbor freight regulator then you got the "delux" version haha.

but yes an old plug base is a great use for worn out or damaged sparkplugs.

[29er]

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Thanks guys. Great information and the pictures are especially helpful. Give me some time to build something and I'll get back to you.

Mike