testing for exhaust in coolant?

go to NAPA and ask for a block tester kit.
set you back close to 50bux.
it's not litmus strips, it's a fluid that reacts to exhaust gases...
You'll see.
I've used one a couple of times now... grrrrrr...

About five year ago I blew a Head Gasget in My 90 GT, it was working on two blown Gasgets when it dawned on Me that thats what was happening. Coolant started disapering and I started seeing bubbles coming up in the Radiator when I had the Cap off, weather the Motor was hot or cold. Ran the Car around for two weeks not knowing, decided to drain my oil and there it was Coolant in my oil, by the time I got the Car fixed and ran it around the block a few time I noticed the oil presure had droped Enough to tell me I the Engine had some damage done to it, coolant does'nt make good lubricant, if Your close to an Oil change, change it and see for Your self, it will look milky in color or in my case I saw a gallon of it. If You have the chance to change the stock ford Gasget to Felpro do it, the stock one's SUCK!
Good Luck Mike.

I had that same prob, but then I finally got to do my h/c/i swap. So i dunno what the exact prob was.