230 head gasket

[SteveR]

I am noticing foam in my radiator. I assume this is hopefully a blown head gasket. I also have noticed my engine running hotter up to 200 deg and boiling over. What head gasket do I need. I have a 1951 Dodge 230 with the over flow

[SteveR]

I just went for a run and did not see any foam when I got back. I had emptied the radiator and filled it with Prestone antifreeze and ran the engine up. That is when I noticed the foam. I have not used any flushing chemicals. My engine is still running hot. I believe this is an original radiator. When draining it water shoots out of it. How do I check the water pump?

I am also going to check the timing.

[Bob Riding]

I did some research awhile back on head gasket thickness, as I wanted to increase my CR. Here is the thread- it may helpful.

 

[kencombs]

I suspect the foam was caused by trapped air if it happened the first run after a refill and didn't repeat.   My go to for checking for combustion leaks into the coolant is this:

 

Fill it brimful, right up to the neck.   Remove the water pump belt.   Start the engine and look for bubbles at the radiator neck.   Watch the temp though as there is no water flowing.   that eliminates any source other than a gasket leak for any bubbles/foam or roiling.

 

Or there are test kits available at the local parts store that actually tests for combustion byproducts in the coolant.   Never used 'em but that is an option.

 

Unless there is a strong reason to assume differently, I'd put the gasket at the bottom of a list of foam causes.

Edited May 25, 2025 by kencombs