Head Gasket

libbybapa · 05-04-2009, 03:04 PM

Well, it seems my "new" '94 Sidekick JLX has a cooling system issue. It has 160,000 miles on it with no service history. I assume the problem is a head gasket. My first clue was that the expansion tank was pretty much empty. After filling it and the radiator, it proceeded to burp it all back out. After running the engine for a little while it gurgles gases through the expansion tank. Any things to check prior to pulling the head? How common are head cracks or block cracks on these engines? I have lots of mechanical experience, just not with Suzukis. Any major gotchas on the head gasket procedure?

Andre

GeoZilla · 05-04-2009, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by libbybapa

Well, it seems my "new" '94 Sidekick JLX has a cooling system issue. It has 160,000 miles on it with no service history. I assume the problem is a head gasket. My first clue was that the expansion tank was pretty much empty. After filling it and the radiator, it proceeded to burp it all back out. After running the engine for a little while it gurgles gases through the expansion tank. Any things to check prior to pulling the head? How common are head cracks or block cracks on these engines? I have lots of mechanical experience, just not with Suzukis. Any major gotchas on the head gasket procedure?

Andre

hah geos are fun but barely have balls.

if it had a cracked block youd know pretty fast!.

hmm... id assume head gasket BUT drain the oil, if theres fluid in there that isnt oil, then pull the head AFTER draining the radiator...

best of luck

jtgh · 05-04-2009, 09:39 PM

compression test,
dont put gasket on backwards

GeoZilla · 05-04-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtgh

compression test,
dont put gasket on backwards

hah yeah that would suck rather badly.

as well as compression test (that could be reallly bad rings) coolant in the oil is a clear flare with no other variables... but your smarter then i when it comes to these dang geos so =D

libbybapa · 05-04-2009, 09:53 PM

Headgaskets 101. The are many different ways that a head gasket can blow. Whether or not combustion gases are entering the coolant is most often entirely unrelated to whether or not oil is entering the coolant or coolant entering the oil. Those are all separate channels in the head gasket and most often the leakage is limited between two channels. In other words, if coolant is in the oil, then typically that is a leak between a coolant channel and an oil return. Leakage of oil into the coolant will typically be between a pressurized oil channel and a coolant channel. Leakage of combustion gases into the coolant will be a leak between the cyl and a coolant channel. Etc.

I am very well versed in mechanics just new to Suzukis. I was more specifically looking for any information specific to the Sidekick 16-valve motor. Regardless, I do appreciate the comments.

GeoZilla · 05-04-2009, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by libbybapa

Headgaskets 101. The are many different ways that a head gasket can blow. Whether or not combustion gases are entering the coolant is most often entirely unrelated to whether or not oil is entering the coolant or coolant entering the oil. Those are all separate channels in the head gasket and most often the leakage is limited between two channels. In other words, if coolant is in the oil, then typically that is a leak between a coolant channel and an oil return. Leakage of oil into the coolant will typically be between a pressurized oil channel and a coolant channel. Leakage of combustion gases into the coolant will be a leak between the cyl and a coolant channel. Etc.

I am very well versed in mechanics just new to Suzukis. I was more specifically looking for any information specific to the Sidekick 16-valve motor. Regardless, I do appreciate the comments.

damn i just got told! haha

=D

well i'll admit when im wrong, and i was obvious wrong.

thanks for the clearification

libbybapa · 05-04-2009, 10:36 PM

It's all good. I appreciate all the comments.

Andrew

obradleyo · 05-05-2009, 12:45 AM

mine was having the same problem burping all the fluid out.....It was in fact the head gasket... Its any easy fix.

jtgh · 05-05-2009, 01:27 AM

great advice. all very good.

just a few post back and the guy lost his head due to oil blockage. (gasket backwards)
any time you rebuild head or block , it is a good idea
to check oil presssure. and make sure cam is seeing lube, before blasting down the road.

relicduke · 05-05-2009, 07:06 AM

I too have years of practice on engines,old GM's.One head gasket trick is to fill the rad block off the overflow and,with the engine warm enough to open the thermostat,watch for bubbles.If it's real bad you could also get water out the exaust.