A head gasket that blows is not something you want to have happen to your vehicle. When it happens, you could end up with an engine rebuild, having to purchase a new engine or buying a new car. That’s expensive. There’s good news! With proper vehicle maintenance, the catastrophe of a blown head gasket can be avoided.
Wondering what the head gasket does and why it could lead to a ruined engine if it fails? Coolant/antifreeze needs to pass by the engine block to remove the heat that’s generated during the combustion process. The job of the head gasket is to form a seal so the coolant doesn’t enter into the engine block. As you can imagine, the head gasket is exposed to a wide range of conditions and temperatures. Over time, the head gasket will begin to wear out. To replace it, the entire engine must be disassembled.
An overheated engine is the most common reason a head gasket will fail. That’s because an overheated engine can cause the cylinder head to expand. The result is a crushed head gasket that allows coolant to enter into the engine block and mix with the oil. It’s important to take care of a worn head gasket before it becomes a major issue. Here are some signs of a problem with the head gasket:
- White smoke is seen coming from the exhaust pipe.
- There may be coolant leaks on the grown beneath the exhaust manifold.
- An overheating engine.
- There are bubbles in the radiator or coolant overflow tank.
- The engine oil looks white (or milky).
- There is no evidence of external leaks in the cooling system, but you have to replace coolant on a regular basis.
Head Gasket Failure Can Be Prevented – Here’s How
Regularly maintaining the cooling system will keep the engine from overheating. Cooling system maintenance includes flushing and replacing the coolant on a set schedule (at least every two years, if not sooner). It also means inspecting belts and hoses and replacing them before they fail.
Need a little extra peace of mind about the safety and reliability of your vehicle? Every time you bring your car, truck or van to use for regular maintenance, we perform a 27-point courtesy inspection. That allows us to be able to tell you whether or not belts, hoses or the coolant needs to be replaced. If the engine is running hot or you notice any of the signs we listed above, bring your vehicle in for a check-up. Click here to schedule an appointment for head gasket repair in Morristown, NJ.