On Thu, 2 Apr 1998, Steven X. Schwenk wrote:

> Eric:
>
> What is/how/why do you do a chemical test of the headgaskets?
>
> steve
>
> EMZ wrote:
>
> >      Your syncro is running to hot. Mine is also, for about the last
> >      year. It has me stumped. I've been thur every pipe in the thing.
> >      Replaced the rad. thermostat, water pump, about half the hoses.
> >      Just did a chemical test on the head gaskets for the 3rd time
> >      tuesday. My only guess is a lean fuel mixture. This will cause
> >      an over heating problem.  Anyone have a guess?
> >
  It's funny your the only one that asked this question. This
is the only test I know that is full proof for head gaskets that
leak exhaust gas into the cooling system. It takes a special
tool, and some chemicals. How it works is very simple. The tool
is like a large tube that has a suction bulb on one end and a
large rubber cone on the other that you push over your expansion
tank on the cooling system. In the tube is a chemical that turns
color if exposed to CO2. You squeeze the bulb on the tube, this
causes a small vacuun on the antifreeze, causing it to boil off
any gas in the anti-freeze. If in fact any CO2 is pressent it will
then be sucked into the tube and the color will change.

       The good and bad news to it all:
 GOOD- It didn't change color: good head gaskets
  BAD- It's still overheating...DAM this ones got me stumped?

> >             Eric                   86-VW4x4
> >             vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
> >             Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler
> >