OEMTOOLS 27145 Combustion Leak Detector, Plastic and Rubber Tester for Engine Block Leaks, Automotive Blown Head Gasket Test

So warning code P0302 (last number is for which cylinder) is for rough running of the 2nd Cylinder. At local parts store, recommends change spark plug and or ignition coil. I changed both which did not solve the issue. I was also suddenly having overheating issues with loss of coolant. Checked internet, YouTube provided me with great education and potential cause of issues, leaky head gasket and/or cracked head, where coolant is going into the cylinder, causing coolant to burn off and the cylinder to run rough. A video recommended using a tester to see if there are combustion gases in the coolant/radiator/overflow tank. I combined this product with Lisle 75630 Test Fluid. Delivery time was good. Did it's job. I was looking at the Block Tester BT-500 which provided the tester and fluid. But for the same price, I bought this tester and the Lisle fluid for the same price and it included a case for the tester. I confirmed I had a head gasket leak (light green rather than color changing all the way to yellow, so my guess, a gasket leak rather than a cracked head). Once I determined the issue, I tried calling numerous car shops regarding replacing the gasket. All turned me down. One finally told me that the only place that will do the work is a Dealership. My research on YouTube also showed that many people were having to replace their engine due to cracked heads as a result of poor manufacturer design for cylinder cooling. I own a car that may well need a new engine if I don't do something quick, and my car is only 6 years old. After research on YouTube, I went with K-Seal Pour and Go. Took about 3x cycles of running the car with radiator at operating temperature, and then poof, my Check Engine light went out. From reviews, it seems you will get at least 10k-20k miles out of it, some claim never had a problem again. If the problem does reappear, I will probably then try the K-Seal Ultimate Gasket Seal. But for the price of the 4-set of spark plugs, the ignition coil, the OBD, this OEMTools Tester, the Lisle Fluid and the K-Seal (all total approx. $180), I have an engine that is operating properly again, and my Check Engine light is gone. Of note, now if I shop for a used car ( I usually buy a 3 year old car and sell at 6 years old), I can test the radiator fluid for combustion gases, and check the car for any outstanding Check Engine Warnings, just in case they were cleared out. I can still see the "permanent record" which remains until the problem is actually solved. Also, I will ALWAYS do a search on YouTube and the internet in general, to find out what issues there may be with a certain vehicle. Maybe a bumper to bumper extended warranty isn't such a bad idea.

Excelente producto

Ya lo probé en dos ocasiones y definitivamente es de gran ayuda con el diagnóstico sobre todo cuando no hay síntomas definitivos de problemas con la junta de cabeza. Recomendable.

The tool came just as described. Storage case is a plus to keep the bulb and cylinder together in a safe place. This tool functions properly with no issues. You can also use it with a small vacuum pump with an attachment or fashion a vacuum line to attach to a vacuum port on the vehicle since you'll probly have it running during the test anyways. Save the hand muscles for turning wrenches. Great and useful tool if used properly.

If you have an issue with the tester unable to suck air: do not return immediately. Try this first. When I received mine, it would not pull air through the bottom of the tester. After doing some research, this seems to be a very common issue with all of these inexpensive testers, regardless of manufacturer. Take a skinny, blunt object, insert it into the bottom hole, and LIGHTLY tap. This should free up the check valve and allow it to work. Once I did that, worked exactly as advertised. Also be aware that it does not come with fluid, I purchased some from Lisle. 4 stars due to the stuck check valve, but otherwise the tester and case are pretty nice and work well. Should you have to fix this on a brand new item? No, but the fix takes 5 seconds so I would still recommend the product.