{"id":16476,"date":"2019-05-08T15:42:30","date_gmt":"2019-05-08T14:42:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kseal.com\/expert-advice\/engine-problems\/head-gasket\/blown-head-gasket-symptoms"},"modified":"2024-10-01T15:16:56","modified_gmt":"2024-10-01T14:16:56","slug":"blown-head-gasket-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.kseal.com\/ca\/expert-advice\/engine-problems\/how-to-fix-a-blown-head-gasket\/blown-head-gasket-symptoms","title":{"rendered":"Tell-tale signs of a blown head gasket"},"content":{"rendered":"

A <\/span>head gasket<\/span><\/a> is a vital engine part located between the cylinder head and engine block. It seals combustion chambers to maintain compression and prevent leaks of coolant, oil, and exhaust gasses<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Blowing your head gasket is a common problem for motorists \u2013 especially if you have an older car. If you\u2019re not careful this can result in damage to the engine and high head gasket repair costs<\/a>. You could even require a mechanic to replace the head gasket entirely, for no small cost.<\/p>\n

Luckily you can identify a number of common symptoms of a blown head gasket early on, allowing you to save yourself time, money and hassle with <\/span>K-Seal<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the signs of a blown head gasket?<\/h2>\n

Having trouble with your car, but not sure if your head gasket is the issue? <\/span>Below we have included some of the first and most common signs of a blown head gasket:<\/span><\/p>\n

Low coolant levels<\/b><\/p>\n

One of the most common signs of a blown head gasket is <\/span>low coolant levels<\/span><\/a>. While <\/span>not the only reason, if your radiator constantly needs to be topped up with water or coolant, this could be an indication of a head gasket issue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"An
An engine is topped up with coolant.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Overheating Engine<\/b><\/p>\n

One of the most common signs of a failing head gasket is the <\/span>engine overheating<\/span><\/a>. The engine may frequently have to work harder and overheat due to coolant loss or improper circulation. You may also experience the engine gauge showing maximum temperature after just a few minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite a leaking or blown head gasket often being the main cause for an engine to overheat over time, this overheating could also occur due to a restricted <\/span>radiator<\/span><\/a> instead. If this is the case, an accurate diagnosis of the engine problem will rely on the expertise of a skilled mechanic.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A
\u00a0A dashboard indicator shows that a car’s engine is starting to overheat.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

White smoke from exhaust<\/b><\/p>\n

Another common symptom of a blown head gasket is a <\/span>cloud of exhaust fumes<\/span><\/a> when idling, or <\/span>white smoke coming from your exhaust<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Engine coolant primarily consists of water. A blown gasket allows coolant to enter the combustion chamber. When this coolant burns, it produces water vapour that appears as white smoke from the exhaust, signalling that coolant is being consumed by the engine due to a leaking head gasket.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"White
Cloud of exhaust fumes when the car is started or idling for a while or plumes of white smoke coming from the exhaust.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Coolant leak<\/b><\/p>\n

Another easy-to-spot sign of a blown head gasket is visible leaks onto the ground beneath the head gasket, or coolant pooling in the engine bay.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Underside
Coolant clearly leaking<\/strong>\u00a0onto the ground beneath the head gasket.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bubbles forming in the coolant reservoir<\/b><\/p>\n

Air bubbles or foam in the coolant reservoir can suggest combustion gasses <\/span>escaping into the cooling system.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"An
Bubbles forming in the radiator and reservoir overflow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oil has a milky discoloration<\/b><\/p>\n

A head gasket leak can cause engine coolant to mix with the oil, creating a thick, frothy mixture under the oil filler cap. If you suspect a leak, remove the cap and check for any buildup. If the oil appears milky or frothy, it may indicate coolant mixing with the oil, a sign of a head gasket.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, although head gasket failure is often blamed for coolant leaking into your oil, it may be due to <\/span>problems with the intake gasket<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Oil
Oil has a milky discoloration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loss of power\/rough idling<\/b><\/p>\n

A badly blown head gasket can cause the engine to lose compression. This often leads to the engine running roughly and sometimes stalling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite this often being an indicator for head gasket issues, other problems can also cause a rough-running or knocking engine. To check for a head gasket leak, a trained professional may perform a compression leak test. If combustion gasses<\/span>\u00a0mix with the engine oil, it indicates a potential internal failure of the head gasket.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why you shouldn\u2019t ignore blown head gasket symptoms<\/b><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not unusual to ignore these symptoms, as many drivers simply don\u2019t want to even think about the <\/span>cost of potential repairs<\/span><\/a> and continue to <\/span>drive with a blown head gasket<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> However, leave it too long and a <\/span>blown head gasket<\/span><\/a> could cause major damage to your car<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, coolant leaks could:<\/span><\/p>\n