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PC/SR · 10-14-2013, 11:39 PM

Well, I dont want to be too much a contrarian, and a blown gasket sure could be the problem, but a worn pump shaft and/or seal could also be a cause of bubbles in the system. I think that 3-4 bubbles a minute are not much for a head gasket, which tend to be more or less continuous as the engine runs, depending on how bad it may be. Head gasket bubbles (combustion) tend to be white on the surface of the bubble. If they are noticeable white, not just foam, it is the gasket. If they are clear, or foam, it is inconclusive. Milky oil is a head gasket. But I would check the pump before pulling the head. Just tighten the seal, add some grease, and see what happens.

10-14-2013, 11:39 PM	#10
PC/SR Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 1,279	Re: Ugh, blown head gasket? Well, I dont want to be too much a contrarian, and a blown gasket sure could be the problem, but a worn pump shaft and/or seal could also be a cause of bubbles in the system. I think that 3-4 bubbles a minute are not much for a head gasket, which tend to be more or less continuous as the engine runs, depending on how bad it may be. Head gasket bubbles (combustion) tend to be white on the surface of the bubble. If they are noticeable white, not just foam, it is the gasket. If they are clear, or foam, it is inconclusive. Milky oil is a head gasket. But I would check the pump before pulling the head. Just tighten the seal, add some grease, and see what happens.