[JFP in PA]

Customers facing a possible major league issue like a cracked head or cylinder wall often look at us cross eyed when we suggest running exhaust gas and cooling system pressure tests before starting repairs, probably because they see it as "padding the bill". The reality is by running these diagnostics may significantly change what comes next. If the cooling system presssure test says there is a leak, but the exhaust gas test is negative, we would simply drain the cooling system and pull the oil cooler for further testing. But if the exhaust gas test was positive, our first move would be to drop the engine for a further look.

The time and costs involved are obvious, and your really don't want to end up looking like a total muffin with a perfectly sound engine settling on an engine stand with a leaking oil cooler.