[TR] Head Gasket Combustion Leak test kit recommendations

[Sujit Roy]

Thanks, I'll check them out.

On Fri, Jan 2, 2026 at 5:53 AM Jerry Van Vlack <jerryvvtr4a at gmail.com>
wrote:

> 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/
>
>

-- 
Sujit Roy
Cupertino, California

https://triumphstagblog.wordpress.com/
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