Soot in Water Tank

[sirsicnarf]

Hi All,

I have an LN46 Toyota Hilux Single Cab with a 2L-T(rocker arm type) engine. It has overheated already and we had replaced the head with a surplus one. It's been running good(not well) the past 2 years but I have noticed already loss of power during steep climbs and high oil consumption. Now I also notice there's a lot of soot on the water tank(plastic one that goes to the radiator). What does this sign mean? Some other forum suggests it's probably the head gasket. What test should I perform to check if it is already? What other signs should I look for?

Thanks much in advance.

[JUDWAK]

ya can get the water tested mate

[sirsicnarf]

ya can get the water tested mate

Hi Jud, Test for what exactly? I've read in some forums that there's this liquid that you can put in the radiator that turns to a certain color if its this or another color if that...

I'm suspecting it's the head gasket. Any recommendations how to test this?

Thanks