BX1860 pressure test coolant

[Ord]

Hi,

I have a large coolant leak in my BX1860 - in just a few minutes of running, all the coolant went into the crankcase. It didn't really mix with oil, the oil was floating on top. So when I drained the crankcase, first the coolant came out and then the oil.

I took of the valve cover and both of the freeze plugs in there look ok. Before doing anything else I want to pressurize the water system to see if there is anything obviously leaking. Does anyone know how to do this?

 

[loggin]

Hi,

I have a large coolant leak in my BX1860 - in just a few minutes of running, all the coolant went into the crankcase. It didn't really mix with oil, the oil was floating on top. So when I drained the crankcase, first the coolant came out and then the oil.

I took of the valve cover and both of the freeze plugs in there look ok. Before doing anything else I want to pressurize the water system to see if there is anything obviously leaking. Does anyone know how to do this?

There are special pumps that have a fitting to connect to the radiator where the cap is.

 

[5030]

HF sells a good one to pressure test the cooling system pretty cheap. Sounds to me like a failed head gasket actually. The freeze plugs are on the side of the block, not under the valve cover. Sure you know what you are talking about?

 

[Ord]

HF sells a good one to pressure test the cooling system pretty cheap. Sounds to me like a failed head gasket actually. The freeze plugs are on the side of the block, not under the valve cover. Sure you know what you are talking about?

The plugs I meant are what the manual calls "sealing cap", the two little round plugs pressed into the head.

 

[JWR]

HF sells a good one to pressure test the cooling system pretty cheap. Sounds to me like a failed head gasket actually. The freeze plugs are on the side of the block, not under the valve cover. Sure you know what you are talking about?

Hey ORD, 5030 is right. I'd say it is essentially certain you have a blown head gasket. I think you will have to resolve the blown head gasket as higher priority and the water in the oil will get cleared as a side issue.

 

[Ord]

Hey ORD, 5030 is right. I'd say it is essentially certain you have a blown head gasket. I think you will have to resolve the blown head gasket as higher priority and the water in the oil will get cleared as a side issue.

Thanks!

 

[Ord]

HF sells a good one to pressure test the cooling system pretty cheap. Sounds to me like a failed head gasket actually. The freeze plugs are on the side of the block, not under the valve cover. Sure you know what you are talking about?

I have removed the head gasket, I’ll get a replacement and see if that solves everything. Thanks for your help.

 

[5030]

You need to check the head for flatness with a metal straight edge and feeler gages as well as the deck of the block. If either is warped beyond the limit listed in the WSM, they need to be machined. If you don't the new gasket will fail.

 

[Fxfymn413]

Did the engine produce white smoke/steam while running? If not I'd be concerned that it is something else besides the head gasket. If the water pump is mounted on the front of the engine it may be the source of your water intrusion.

 

[rScotty]

Something doesn't seem right here. Late yesterday morning a guy posts about an improbable coolant leak.

Half an hour later a member speculates as to a cause. Which narrows half a dozen possible causes down to one without any supporting evidence, questions, or simple tests.

Based on that one sentence, two hours later the OP posts that he has the head off and is ready to slap a new gasket on there..... all without any diagnostics, investigation, or apparently any mechanical experience.

This just doesn't add up for me. Am I missing something? Anyone else?
rScotty