Hi,

Anyone knows of a good smog diagnostics shop somewhere between Mountain View and San Jose? Trying to identify a head gasket leak but most shops around me are just "Smog check only" type...

Thanks!

 

Im confused as to why you need a smog shop to diagnose a head gasket leak?

 

Just seems to me that you would want to take it to a mechanic not a smog shop if you think it is a head gasket issue...

 

+1. If you are going to check anything via smog check, youll be checking other gasket leaks. (valve stem seals, piston rigs) If you want to test for HG leak, you have some options

1) Exhaust dye in coolant overflow (turns color when tested + for exhaust contamination, blown HG)
2) Compression Test
3) Leakdown Test

GL!

 

It's a first thing to do from what I know - test a coolant for escaping exhaust gases. I borrowed a chemical test kit from a friend but sometimes they are not as sensitive as smog sniffers.

 

Thanks!

 

true this, but i feel like youll have better luck/results via other methods for just HG leak check. if u need a smog or wanted to get it anyways, go for it. but i say to isolate a true HG failure, a mechanic is the best bet

 

Since you are in Mt View, you might contact Edge Motorworks to see if they can do it for you. In Santa Clara Mann Engineering.

 

^+1 Edge would/should be able to help you out. Adam will take good care of you.

 

Takes 5 secs to diagnose some head gaskets leaks with a HC analyzer aka smog machine.

 

Thanks! Does Edge Motorsports have one?