Expert: Van - 11/18/2005

Question
HI ,
My mechanic just replace center head gasket(manifold)for my chevy blazer(4x4) 98,for it was leaking coolantand overheating.Now he set it back up he seem to be having problem with the engine missing on number one.compression,sparkplug and wire,and #1 sparkplug fired good.what do you think is the problem?  

Answer
Hi Cecil,
I would connect a vacuum gauge and see if the needle jumps.
When replacing that gasket, if something slips just as you stick the manifold back on, it is possible to have a leak, and suck air.
It wouldn't show up as a problem with a compression check, but a vacuum guage should catch it.

Van