Head Gasket leak test kits

[alg]

Not sure but would like to check.
I have had a slow coolant leak for some time. I have traced several coolant pipe leaks and sorted them but it continues. No sign of a big gasket leak. i.e. no contamination of coolant, no bubbles, no c**p on oil filler cap, no misfire and its being going on for a couple of years. My logic says would be strange for the head gasket leak not to progress.
But white 'fur' on lambda is a concern as it is said to be a sign of coolant getting into exhaust.
I know I can use an MOT station to check but have heard you can get kits which test for exhaust gases in the coolant system (test filter on coolant cap I think). Just cannot spot one via google.

Thoughts welcome and yes I will triple check for a coolant leak including heater matrix ( I use search )

[A80Avant]

white lamdba also means lean mixture.
have you checked if it is a leaky water pump?mine leaked after 4 months of replacement!I had water loss,from 2 points,one of them was the water pump,so i was loosing coolant faster,but still,if it is small,it can evaporate and can only be noticed if taken apart

[BRY]

Anygood?

[S2central.net]

I may have a similar lil issue - very slow use of coolant, but worrisome alright. I'm due to do the timing belt, but it wouldn't hurt to do H/G at the same time... But I was rather hoping to have a certain other head, RS2 EM, Wagner IM and RS2 turbo ready to drop on for fun - unlikely at this rate.

There is a pressure tester for the coolant system you can get. VAG1274 from memory - expensive for OEM but suitable alternatives exist - you simply apply pressure to expansion tank thru a special fitting and pump it up to 1 bar or so and watch how long it takes to lose pressure.

Paul

[S-Express]

I used my leak down tester to detect a cylinder to coolant channel leak.
If you've got access to a compressor - its the way to go.
I also have an un-used leak down tester kit for sale, as it happens!
(bought 2 via ebay )

[alg]

I may have a similar lil issue - very slow use of coolant, but worrisome alright. I'm due to do the timing belt, but it wouldn't hurt to do H/G at the same time... But I was rather hoping to have a certain other head, RS2 EM, Wagner IM and RS2 turbo ready to drop on for fun - unlikely at this rate.

There is a pressure tester for the coolant system you can get. VAG1274 from memory - expensive for OEM but suitable alternatives exist - you simply apply pressure to expansion tank thru a special fitting and pump it up to 1 bar or so and watch how long it takes to lose pressure.

Paul

Always passed pressure test (twice earlier this year). Had leak from aux radiator pipe which took two goes to sort (hairline split the wrong side of the clip).
The leak stopped for ages but you could see dried coolant on pipe attachment to top left main radiator. Just did 200 miles with coolant level dropping .5cm with no residue on that pipe, hence my gasket worries.

[alg]

Anygood?

Ta very much

[PeteRR]

Anygood?

I was going to say this
But your link is a similar thing, but cheaper

[alg]

white lamdba also means lean mixture.
have you checked if it is a leaky water pump?mine leaked after 4 months of replacement!I had water loss,from 2 points,one of them was the water pump,so i was loosing coolant faster,but still,if it is small,it can evaporate and can only be noticed if taken apart

See this link http://www.lambdasensor.com/main/mfaults.htm mine was half white and half brown. Suggests oil use (yes) and either silicon or anti freeze 'poisoning'

[BRY]

Everything is on Ebay
You just have to know how to find it

[alg]

Looks like the coolant use is down to that top aux to main pipe. Changing headlight bulbs meant I removed the plastic shroud and saw evidence of leak.
I will now get round to changing that pipe and worrying less ! Guess still does not explain lambda !

[dubmeister]

Cylinder leak tester:http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CYLINDER-LEAK-...QQcmdZViewItem

Combustion leak testing fluid:http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...link:middle:uk

Both excellent diagnostic tools Cyl leak tester needs to be used with a compressor though.
Combustion leak tester you just put over the open expansion tank and the fluid will change colour to tell you if you have a gasket going or gone- try a local garage- they might just charge you to test- i charge £10 for the test then refund it if i do the work.
HTH