What to do about a blown head gasket?
If the head isn’t completely flat, it must go to a machine shop for milling. Only then should a new head gasket be installed. If the head becomes warped, combustion gases, coolant or oil may still leak. A blown head gasket is a common problem that sends many cars to an early grave at the local scrapyard.
Where does the head gasket go in an engine?
In automobile engines, the head gasket is a ringed panel that is placed between the cylinder head and engine block. The head gasket is put in place as a barrier that prevents engine fluids from leaking into the cylinders. As such, the head gasket is among the most vital components in the combustion chamber.
What are the symptoms of head gasket failure?
When head gasket failure occurs between two or more cylinders, several symptoms are bound to result. The most common symptom in this case is a misfire, which would result from the leakage of compression between cylinders. Evidence of this could include the following: Lowered compression due to rough idling.
What causes a head gasket to blow on a radiator?
Blown Head Gaskets and Nearby Components. Another source of trouble is when a head gasket fails between the coolant and lubrication components. A telltale sign of this is when the fluid from one seeps into the other. Typically, the first symptom to show in such cases is when the radiator cap swells.
What does the head gasket do on a car?
The head gasket prevents coolant from entering the cylinders between power strokes and when the engine is off, and the oil (when the engine is off). Engine oil performs three important functions: lubrication, cooling and hydraulics.
How can you tell if your head gasket has failed?
Here are eight of the most common indications that your head gasket has failed: An external oil or coolant leak at the seam between the engine block and cylinder head is a sign that you have a head gasket failure or a cracked block. On disassembly, check for cracks and cylinder head warping.
What causes a car to overheat with a blown head gasket?
A blown head gasket causes coolant to leak into the vehicle’s engine, lowering the coolant levels while also overheating the engine. While it’s not common, there is a chance that the mechanic who performed the repair forgot to refill the coolant to its proper level.
Where to go for a blown head gasket?
Your local NAPA AutoCare Center has the right equipment to help diagnose a blown head gasket if you have any suspicions. Check out all the engine gaskets available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs.