Q&A

 Master

I have seen a car stall after starting due to restricted catalytic converter. The engine starts and runs then exhaust can't exit the cylinder and it stalls out the engine. Start the engine and run it with the radiator cap off, do you see lots of bubbles or does the radiator burp out coolant as it is running. The most accurate way to test for a blown head gasket on a gasoline engine is to test for the presence of carbon monoxide in the cooling system. Snap-On, Matco, and Napa sell a tool to check to carry out this test. Carbon Monoxide is only present if there is a blown head gasket or cracked cylinder head. http://www.arrowheadradiator.com/head_gasket_or_combustio... I think the napa part number 700-1006. http://www.blockchek.com/instructions.htm . Signs of a blown head gasket are coolant loss (frequently have to top up the coolant level of the engine without seeing an obvious leak), experiencing over heating or rough engine running or the presence of white sweet smelling steam from the exhaust. A badly blown head gasket may allow engine coolant and oil to mix.