A blown head gasket is devastating to the engine. This being said, Meadows Automotive can get your vehicle back on the road once we have replaced the blown head gasket with a new one. We will lie. Replacing the head gasket is an extensive auto repair, but if you love your vehicle and do not want to get rid of it, it is worth it. Let’s talk more about a blown head gasket below and its related symptoms.
Low Coolant Level
The head gasket serves a dual purpose in the engine. The first thing it does is create a seal above the combustion chamber so that the coolant and the motor oil cannot leak into the cylinders. The second thing the head gasket does is create a seal so that compression will build up inside of the chamber. The engine cannot produce combustion without compression. Unfortunately, when the head gasket cracks, it reduces the coolant level in the engine because the coolant leaks into the cylinders.
Overheating Engine
This, alone, will cause your engine to overheat. In addition, the heat inside the combustion chamber will leak out of the crack and also raise the engine’s temperature. Unfortunately, your temperature gauge will reach the red zone when the engine’s temperature is above 220 degrees Fahrenheit. With a cracked head gasket, the engine will overheat every time you drive your automobile.
Scorching Hot Coolant
In some cases, if you continue to operate the vehicle, you can heat up the coolant to the boiling point. This can cause serious damage to the engine. The engine is so hot that the head gasket may crack further and you may crack the exhaust manifold or engine block. If you hear boiling in the engine, stop driving your vehicle immediately. Have your vehicle towed to our shop.
White Exhaust Smoke
Another sign that you have cracked the head gasket is exhaust smoke that is the color white. When the coolant is burned in the combustion chamber, it produces white exhaust.
Diluted-Milky Oil
One final reason why you should not drive your vehicle if the head gasket is blown is diluted and milky motor oil. When the head gasket cracks, the motor oil and coolant mix. This reduces the oil’s ability to lubricate and protect the engine. Driving the vehicle will damage the engine.
Meadows Automotive in Waterford Township, MI, has you covered, so call us today. We will replace the cracked head gasket and get you back out on the road as quickly as possible.
