1991 Cherokee. So driving the Cherokee and started losing coolant. Tried to fill , but was throwing it back out the cap. Figured it was from compression from a bad head gasket. Pulled the head and the gasket has no visible signs of failure. Can’t visibly see a cracked head. Not sure what to do next? Thanks

 

Compression check

 

I didn’t do a compression test as it was blowing the coolant out. Little to no fluid was in it when I tore it down. I was expecting to see a big hole in the gasket, but it shows no apparent failure.

 

Is it still apart? Was it overheating? Was it smoking with whitish smoke? If the engine was hot while you were trying to refill it, the lack of pressure would cause the coolant to boil over. Make sure your rad cap is good. Also make sure your thermostat is functioning properly.

Make sure you remove any remnants of the old gasket. Carefully check the head with a bright light. Look at the gasket surface and up in the valve area too. Also check the block, especially around the coolant passages.

Get a long straight edge, like a metal ruler, and check for any warpage.

You could put the head back on with a new gasket and then pressure test your cooling system. No need to install the manifolds yet.

If there's any doubt about the head, you may need to get it dye penetrant tested.

 

Unfortunately it sounds like you way jumped the gun by pulling the head without doing any diagnostics. It could have been as simple as the radiator cap.
At this point, with the head still off there isn't much you can do re usual diagnostics without getting a new head gasket and putting the whole thing back together. As it is apart and you're worried about it I would take it to a shop and have it checked for warp and cracks. If it's ok doesn't mean everything else is ok but you can cross the head off the list, put it back on and move on to finding the problem.

 

Thanks for the advice. I was having some issues already with the cooling system. I just replaced the cap, fan and flushed the system. When it crapped out the fluid was black and when I tried to fill it was throwing the coolant up and I couldn’t even get any to stay on it. Will all head gaskets show failure? I’ll look more for cracks and put it back together. I’m wondering what the best way to get the old gasket cleaned off? I’ve seen guys use sandpaper, but I’m afraid of damaging the surface. Thanks

 

Just got back to the garage and found a crack between the valves in #1. Now, where to find a new head?

 

Check local and online salvage yards. Below is a link to a good one I have used, but there are many others.

I'd then definitely take that head to a machine shop and have them go through it before installing it, it doesn't cost all that much and is money very well spent.

https://www.car-part.com/