[TR] Head Gasket Combustion Leak test kit recommendations

[Jerry Van Vlack]

Hi Sujit,

I have experience with these type kits and they all work basically the same by pulling gases up thru testing fluid and looking for a color change. The multiple test claims relate to the amount of fluid in the kit. You don't need to use much fluid for each test.

Having said this you can also look for a blown head gasket by running the car at idle with the radiator cap off until the thermostat opens. If when it opens you only observe coolant flowing you're good. If coolant gets blown out of the radiator instead of flowing that's a good indication of a head gasket issue.

I personally like the kits with the tube and rubber bulb like this one
Amazon.com: Block Tester BT-500 Head Gasket Combustion Leak Test Kit - Made in USA : Automotive<https://www.amazon.com/Block-Tester-BT-500-Combustion-Leak/dp/B06VVBSFTF/ref=sr_1_3?crid=B5BELSHHE2V2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1SS7r-3wwU3Nafy7CtM28Iyi1UFhNYzuKm6VozhuZB6JmphoiObY7ydUAVFRDJojItaOxcsoWSJOvF8VBksGnRIxMIY8JVoJ92Yz3lzAb3CxD4OwrAmEZEhMSthI5Fm5zY-HNM03FtUtQ3dlNeZniiIaxbMX-RhJaMXo76JKRKe0AW4xxTjRscAG_XLxI3CAFfugOzofA4g-QoKmlQ79-sAGUEaRvYde6fnFW1zmzhM.by9KSQykThDUhsy3KNVjbccVNlPYLqEa5Qd-tQDGSlo&dib_tag=se&keywords=combustion+gas+tester+for+coolant&qid=1767361665&sprefix=Combustion+gas+%2Caps%2C3537&sr=8-3>

You might be able to purchase a similar kit from your local auto parts store.

Hope this helps

JVV
________________________________
From: Triumphs <triumphs-bounces at autox.team.net> on behalf of Sujit Roy <triumphstag at gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 1, 2026 7:10 PM
To: Triumphs <triumphs at autox.team.net>
Subject: [TR] Head Gasket Combustion Leak test kit recommendations

I see kits on Amazon priced anywhere from 20$ up. I dont plan to test my engine 50-100 times. What is a good inexpensive kit folks like to use.

Sujit

--
Sujit Roy
Cupertino, California

https://triumphstagblog.wordpress.com/

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