Traffic is bumper to bumper, the temp gauge is in the red S**t!!, this is so stressful.
It is better to replace the head gasket so long as the cylinder head and engine block are undamaged. The cost of replacing an engine is far greater than a head gasket. Removing the cylinder head to determine if it has been damaged is the correct course of action.
In this post, you’ll learn the symptoms of cylinder head gasket failure. You’ll also learn how a mechanic diagnoses, strips down, and inspects the cylinder head gasket.
Gasket or Engine?
Changing the engine generally will cost a ton more money than simply replacing the head gasket. So, unless your cylinder head is damaged beyond repair, and you won’t know that without stripping the cylinder head. Replacing the gasket is the most cost effective route.
But it is worth confirming the head gasket is at fault, no sense in spending money you don’t need to. You’ll learn in this post an overheating engine can be caused for lots of reasons, many of which are inexpensive and easy to fix.
Common Symptoms of Blown Head Gasket
A car that’s overheating is a real pain to drive, constantly watching the gauge, expecting it to crap a bag of bolts any minute.
Overheating coolant system and steam are the most common symptoms associated with a blown head gasket. But not all overheating is caused by a blown head gasket.
Symptoms of head gasket failure, include:
- High temperature gauge
- Steam from the hood area
- Car using coolant
- Coolant leaking on the ground
- Sweet smell the air
- Oil slick in the coolant
- Coolant in the oil
- White scum underside the oil cap
- Coolant hose pipes blowing off
- Engine stalls when hot
- Cloud of white smoke from the tail pipe
All of these are consistent with a blown head gasket. However, before jumping the gun and spending dollars, it’s better to confirm your suspicions with a little further diagnostics.
“Keyword”
“gasket”
“head gasket”
“cylinder head”
“engine knocking”
