Check for cracked head ?

[aussie7]

How can I check for a cracked head or blown head gasket on a VR V8 commodore ?

I have checked the oil and its dirty but not milky and the coolant is fine also

TIA

[Brett_jjj]

Get the cooling system pressure tested,and get the engine compression tested.These tests should show up any leaking/blown head/manifold gaskets or cracks in the heads or block etc.

[vr1uz-fe]

or simpley check the co2 level in the radiator this can detect combustion chamber to collant passege leaks

[hako]

Or if you don't want to spend money (like me) and it's a boring Sunday and you're looking for something to do, try screwing the plugs out and look for any unusual deposits or colouring...do a GOOGLE to find exactly what to look for. Keep the plugs in order when you remove them and make sure you also keep the plug lead marked with a number. If they all look pretty much the same then next you can remove the radiator pressure cap (engine cold) and then start the engine and let it idle till it warms up and the thermostat opens. Once it's warm/hot, try giving the engine a little rev - not too fast as the water will spew out the cap - look for any bubbles that may come from a head crack or a blown gasket.
If the engine passes the two tests above, and it's not using coolant, not blowing water out the tailpipe and not boiling you should be able to assume that it's not a head crack or gasket gone....note that this is not a 100% test but can be a pretty good guide. Good Luck.

[aussie7]

Thanks for the replys, I may pass this one by