Block Tester Tool Review Demonstration 27145

Demonstrating and reviewing the Block Tester Tool 27145 from OEM on a Honda Civic.

[hughrdof]

Appreciate that you did this block test "differently" than all the other videos "out there." Instead of setting the tester directly onto a "flat" radiator cap opening (which is not helpful for those of us with angled openings), you took the tube to the overflow reservoir and put it at the bottom of the tester. Solves two problems -- the angled cap and also the problem of having radiator fluid soon after start up pushing up and contaminating tester. Where'd you get this bright idea? :-)

[Jimmynitr]

Also do that test if your losing antifreeze and can't see where it's going and overheating issues that can't be explained. Had a head gasket that only leaked when driven hard long trips, but showed up with that test. Great video as always.

[spelunkerd]

Thank you, Brian and Benjamin, for looking into this for me. I have a block tester, and as a control you can blow into the fluid to be sure it turns yellow green from the CO2 in your breath. That way you know the test result is valid, when you see the fluid didn't change after doing the test for real. I've always thrown the fluid out after that.

[briansmobile]

benjamin mcclelland 15 hours ago

"You can stick a blower nozzle down into test fluid container that has turned green, and aireate it for about 30 seconds, then the old fluid will turn back to blue again." I love that you are science minded like that. I was thinking of it in terms of "you can't un-bake a cake", but apparently someone says you can in this context.

[DJR]

I did this on, my car today and the fluid didn't turn yellow but I could swear the tint of blue was just slightly more faded and I do mean very slightly. Could be my eyes but the fluid was still dark blue after the test. 2005 Malibu LS with a 3.5 V6, 262k miles.

[OneLegged-honda-mechanic]

You can stick a blower nozzle down into test fluid container that has turned green, and aireate it for about 30 seconds, then the old fluid will turn back to blue again.

[funkeytoad]

Nice post. I think I have this same problem with my Toyota 1.8. Have had head gasket replaced a few times but it leaks oil externally at both ends of the head. Last gasket was a thicker graphite and it still leaked but only seeped. I did notice that the anitfreeze in the over flow looked grey like there was oil or something getting in there. Head has been mechined but I'm thinking it may be cracked.

[coolhluke]

Mine was overheating. I replaced the thermostat, water pump and Radiator hoses. Plus I flushed the block and the radiator with vinegar.
Drove in for 2 days with no over heating.

But I already had an appointment with an auto mechanic so I went ahead and kept it and he did the test that you just did with the result being purple. there may have been left over vinegar. Would that change it?

I would like an opinion by someone NOT looking to make $2000 for a head gasket replacement

[spelunkerd]

That's a good tip about the garage gasses. If the fluid does get contaminated, is there a way to 'turn it back' so it can be reused?

[topnach]

Thnx I have same problem but I put block tester in radiator & it didnt turn yellow. But um ginna try ut the way u did it.

[GammaCruxis]

Could be two types of oil. Could be engine oil from the block - that mixes through a possible crack in the block, the head or head gasket. I've also seen transmission oil and coolant mixing through a crack in the transmission cooler lines in the radiator or tank in some vehicles.

[chevelle]

The best way to test for a blown head gasket or a cracked head is with a emissions testing machine. You just hold the probe near the radiator cap and see if you have any Hydrocarbons. It will pick up a very small leak.

[briansmobile]

Yes, but you'd have to collect the gasses and then use the bulb to draw them into the test tube.

[ncrdisabled]

Nice trick on the how to save the fluid . I always wander how come it was turning yellow.

[StilSlepn]

No matter what I always learn a tip or trick from your videos, well done sir and might I say what a lovely apprentice you have there. ;-)

[billwilliams]

BRIANSMOBILE1
::: = The coolant combustion tester/detector will only test the coolants fluids for a bad head gasket?
The Coolant combustion tester/detector doesn't test if the water pump is work correctly or if the radiator and engine has rust and other chemicals in the coolant?

[modelleg]

Use it up; wear it out; make it do or do without. Words to live by.

[MrLeonard]

I know it's oil getting into the coolant but how is it getting in there?

[gnarlock]

Very informative and to the point. I've spent so much time contemplating this exact issue

[MM-sbgd]

At 0:15 you gave 2 reasons for the bubbling. The third reason could be the water pump.
It could be cavitating...i.e. sucking in air bubbles, and passing them up into the radiator.