how do i check for head gasket problems on montana 2002 3.4l engine & is there a better updated gasket availab

Answer 1

I own a shop, and build race engines. There are a few test to run to tell the condition of your head gasket. The first would be a compression test to determine if you are making the correct amount of compression across all cylinders. One being down from the others would indicate some type of problem. A leak down test will also tell you the condition of the cylinder as far as holding the compression. A vacuum test will identify a head gasket problem. A pressure test of the cooling system can identify a leaking head gasket. The compression test will tell you if you are loosing compression from the cylinder, or if it is flowing across to the next cylinder. A pressure test will find which cylinder is leaking by listening to the adjacent cylinders for air flowing out of them indicating a leak across to the next cylinder. If you do not have the tools to do these tests, then take it to a shop that can do these for you. I do believe "Fel-pro" has came out with a much better head gasket for your engine. I'm not sure of the part number, but I do know there is one available for your engine. It is always best to torque the head gasket, let it sit over night, and go back, and torque the bolts again. The gasket will settle overnight, and you will get a much better seal by doing it this way. If you continue to have the problem, you might want to consider using a product called "Block Seal" made by a company called "K&W". If you use this stuff, you must follow the directions to the letter in order for it to work, but I have used it many times. On race engines, it's hard to get a good seal because the engine makes so much compression, so I just use it as a precaution, and I haven't had one engine have head gasket problems for 20 years or more.
Glad to help out, Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

In order to check this properly, you need to perform a leak down test. This means that you need to get and adapter, gauge, and an air compressor. This test is a little more sophisticated; but will tell you which head is leaking because the bank you have the equipment on will either leak or it won't. Since there are two head gaskets on this vehicle, one or the other could be leaking. My advice is take this in to a competent mechanic to get this done. Then you can elect whether or not to do this yourself. It's going to cost between $500 to $800 for a mechanic to replace one on these vehicles. Everyone that I know (literally) that has had the 3.4 liter has had this issue with them. Good luck.

Answer 3

Both a compression test and a chemical test done on the radiator to test for carbon monoxide.Check with your parts man at the dealer on gaskets or a parts store that sells FelPro gaskets. They usually stay on top of these things.
Keep an eye on that intake gasket,they had some leakage problems also.
Mike

Answer 4

buy or rent a pressure gauge. remove the plug and insert and crank the engine and get the pressure reading. If you find a cylinder that is low, then remove the gauge and squirt an amount of oil into the cylinder and put the gasuge back and try again. This time if the pressure goes up, then it is the rings that need to be repaired, if the pressure stays the same then it is a problem with the valves. good luck

Answer 5

just open the raditor lid & start the engine.(this has to be done only in a cold engine)
If air bubbles can be seen in the radiator coolant, be sure there is a leak in the head gasket.

Answer 6

what is the problem,,, what leads you to believe you have a headgasket problem , give more info