5 Signs Of A Bad Or Blown Head Gasket
Blown head seals are never a good thing. In fact, it is one of the car breakdowns that people fear most. Fortunately, this malfunction is probably unaware. Most people know when the head seal fails because the symptoms attract attention.
We’ll take a closer look at what happens when the head gasket gets bad, why you need a head seal, and where it is. Let’s start with the general signs you need to search for.
Symptoms of bad or blown head seals
The main symptoms of bad or blown head seals are:
1) Overheating of the cooling system
2) Oil contamination
3) The engine output is poor
4) External leak
5) White smoke from the exhaust
Here is a more detailed list of bad or blown head gasket signs that you need to search for.
1. Overheating of the cooling system
The failed head seal was originally caused by overheating the engine, but it can also cause additional temperature issues. If the coolant is too low recently, you have a blocked cooler, or your cooling system is leaking and the engine is too hot, the head seal may be damaged.
This will allow the oil to penetrate the cooling system or the coolant can enter the cylinder, where it can burn out. Either way, you are dealing with an engine that won’t stop overheating.
You should never drive your car when the engine overheats, as it can lead to cylinder head warping and damage to the catalytic converter. Both of these problems are only going to add further expense to your car repair bills.
2. Oil Contamination
Head gasket failure often leads to a milky, sludge-like substance on the oil filler cap or dipstick. It is similar to a milkshake, and occurs because the coolant enters the oil or vice versa. This could mean other issues besides the bleeding head seal, but it’s a pretty good indication that you have to tore the engine.
I don’t want to drive due to oil contamination, as it ruins the motorwarehouse. In many cases, repairs require a complete oil rinse, replacing the oil filter and removing the engine floor to check the bearings.
3. Bad Engine Performance
When the head gasket fails, it can allow compressed air and fuel to escape over to another cylinder. This problem reduces the compression in the cylinder, leading to a rough-running motor. As you are heading down the road, you might notice a significant loss of power as a result.
This symptom might also occur with a strange sound, something that sounds like an exhaust leak. Another thing that can happen is that the coolant is leaking into the combustion chamber, which will cause the car to misfire and have rough idle and acceleration.
If this happens, you will most likely also notice a check engine light on your dashboard, telling you which cylinder the misfire occurred on when you read the trouble code.
4. External Leaks
Speaking of leaks, the head gasket failure can lead to similar external issues. The gasket fails and allows oil or water to leak not only into the engine or cooling system but also outside too.
This doesn’t just cause further issues, but it’s messy as well. Additionally, if the coolant levels fall too low because of the leak, it can cause the engine to overheat, leading to permanent damage.
5. White Smoke
If there is an oil leak from the bad head gasket, you could end up with blue smoke. The oil can land on the exhaust, causing smoke that is white or blue.
However, an antifreeze leak creates a pure white smoke with a sweet smell. In this case, the antifreeze is making its way past the head gasket and infiltrates the cylinders. As part of the combustion that’s occurring, the coolant turns into white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe.
Both of these leaks allow pressure to enter the cooling system or oil breather system. If you are struggling to keep the dipstick secure or one or more of the radiator hoses continue to blow, this could be the cause.
Additionally, you must be aware of the fire hazard involved with leaking oil. As it lands on the hot exhaust, it could create acrid smoke, plus the risk of fire.
The Function of a Head Gasket
The head gasket is responsible for sealing the engine’s combustion process in the chamber. It allows the coolant and oil to flow properly through the system without mixing.
This seal allows the combustion process to occur uninterrupted, producing the power needed for propulsion, while harmful gases are directed out through the exhaust as directed.
Modern head gaskets are constructed from layers of steel material combined with elastomer. This design is durable and lasts longer. Older head gaskets were made from asbestos and graphite. Because of the better construction, newer gaskets are less prone to failure than the older models.
Head Gasket Location
The head gasket is located between the engine block and the cylinder head. To find it, you must remove the cylinder head together with other engine parts. The most difficult aspect of replacing a head gasket is finding it. This vital component is located deep in the framework of the engine.
You might be able to find more detailed instructions in a service manual. Either way, if you decide to replace the head gasket yourself, you want to carefully remove each part and put them in a secure location.
