Honda Car Forum

how can i check for a blown head gasket on a 1999 acura cl 3.0?

go to an auto parts store and buy a engine compression tester. Measure your compression on all the cylinders. good luck

If you look at the engine the head gaskets are on top. Unless you are a mechanic I would have a machine look at it because of it being a 1999. The head gasket is what covers the valves.

Is there white smoke coming out of the exhaust? That is a dead give away, but does not happen every time.If your car is overheating with adequate water, that is another symptom.And with newer cars like that, I would say that you need to take it to a mechanic. You don't just file the points and keep driving anymore.Firedogfire, you are a little confused, you are talking about the valve covers and valve cover gaskets. The head gasket is between the head and the block, and is not something you just look at.

Without doing a compression test or anything else like that? Start the (cold) car and open the radiator cap. If you see bubbles (continuously) surfacing there is a good chance your head gasket's blown. Also check to see if there is coolant mixed in with the oil (pull the dipstick).