One simple phrase that can make any car owner stop in his tracks – blown head gasket. These words often have dire consequences for a car owner as it can mean days or weeks without your car and a big repair bill. So, how should you handle head gasket issues? There are some things you can do to increase your chances of the repair being on the simple side. Knowing what to look for and how to handle it can make a huge difference in the outcome of the situation.
What Causes a Blown Head Gasket?
The main culprit behind blown head gaskets is overheating. While head gaskets are designed to last for years, they are not bulletproof. Most head gaskets are made from one of three materials. Most manufacturers today use multi-layer steel for head gaskets, although you still find some composite gaskets out there on older cars and some copper gaskets on high-end performance cars. Multi-layer steel gaskets are used most often because they have the strength of the steel put together with a softer composite material which forms a great seal. It is a nice combination and balance of strength and sealing ability.
However, even these multi-layer steel gaskets begin to break down over the years as they are subjected to high temperatures each time you drive your car. If your car is allowed to overheat, this can cause the gasket to break down much faster and even fail if the temperature is hot enough. This is why it is vitally important to maintain proper coolant levels and always keep an eye on your temperature gauge.
Another issue that can cause head gasket failure is excess pressure. This is common when car owners add aftermarket performance parts such as a supercharger or turbo. The increased pressure caused by these devices is usually more than the stock head gasket can handle. Head gasket failure as a result of excess pressure is usually sudden and catastrophic instead of a slow process over time.
Symptoms of a Blown Head Gasket
Overheating and poor engine performance are two of the main symptoms of a blown head gasket. Since the gasket no longer forms a good seal between the engine block and cylinder head, coolant can no longer circulate properly through the engine. In addition, the compression of the motor is reduced because that seal is not perfect. If you notice your oil and coolant mixing, this is a telltale sign of a blown head gasket. Milky, frothy oil or dirty, dark coolant almost always points to a blown head gasket because these fluids are allowed to mix as they circulate through the engine.
How to Handle Head Gasket Repair
First and foremost, if you notice any of the symptoms described above then stop driving your car immediately. Continuing to drive your car will cause further damage. If caught early enough, you might be able to make an easy repair on your vehicle to keep it on the road. Fixing a blown head gasket without replacing it is possible if you catch it early enough before any major damage is done. Head gasket sealers are available that can simply be poured into your coolant reservoir. Drive your car like normal and let the sealer do the work. If you have just a small crack or issue, the sealer can form a new seal and fix your problem.
If your head gasket is totally blown, then a sealer likely will not be an option. You will have to get the head gasket replaced, and that can be quite pricey. The head gasket itself only costs $100 or so, but the labor required to perform the repair often exceeds 20 hours. At rates in the $50 – $150 per hour range, this repair could set you back $1,000 – $2,000!
Conclusion
If you notice problems with your car that could point to a head gasket issue, then stop driving it immediately and have it checked by a mechanic. You just might be able to fix a small leak with a sealant for less than $20. However, if the problem is bigger, then expect to shell out some serious cash to have your car repaired.
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