8 Signs You May Have a Blown Head Gasket

A head gasket is a critical engine component that seals the cylinders and prevents coolant and oil from mixing. When it fails, your car will not run properly and may even be dangerous to drive.

There are a lot of tale signs that an experienced mechanic will notice if he has a blown head gasket. But, how can an average Joe know what is going on with his vehicle and the head gasket?

In this blog post, I am going to talk about the 8 most common signs of a blown head gasket and what you can do about it.

Key Takeaway

• The most common signs that you have a blown head gasket include losing coolant but no visible leaking, engine constantly overheating, milky oil on the oil dipstick, milky goo on the oil filler cap, white smoke from the exhaust pipe, low engine compression, rough idle and engine misfire, and leaking coolant on the engine block.
• A head gasket in a car is a crucial seal that sits between the engine block and cylinder head, ensuring maximum compression and preventing the leakage of coolant or engine oil into the cylinders.

What Is a Head Gasket In a Car?

A head gasket in a car is a critical component that sits between the engine block and the cylinder head.

Its primary function is to seal the combustion process and prevent the coolant or engine oil from leaking into the cylinders.

This ensures maximum compression and avoids leakage of exhaust gases. It also helps maintain the separation between the oil that lubricates the engine and the coolant that helps manage the engine’s temperature.

If a head gasket fails, it can lead to significant damage to the engine and costly repairs.

8 Signs You May Have a Blown Head Gasket and What to Do About It

• Losing coolant without leaking
• Engine overheating
• Milky oil on the oil dipstick
• Milky goo on the oil filler cap
• White smoke from the tailpipe
• Low compression
• Rough idle and or engine misfire
• Coolant leaking on the engine block

If you have a car, then at some point you’re going to have to deal with a blown head gasket. It’s an unfortunate reality, but it happens. Here are 8 signs of a blown head gasket and what to do about it:

1. Losing coolant without leaking

The head gasket is a seal that sits between the engine block and the cylinder head. It seals in the combustion chamber and prevents coolant and oil from leaking into each other. When the head gasket blows, it can cause the engine to lose coolant.

Let’s say that your vehicle keeps losing coolant and you have to top it off every week or so. Normally, you would look for a leak below the vehicle but you will not find one. However, the coolant keeps disappearing and you have to add more and more. Losing coolant without any visible leaking is a very common sign of a blown head gasket.

The leaking can be very hard to notice because it may leak a few drops of coolant in the cylinders and might not produce white smoke.

If you think you may have a blown head gasket, it’s important to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. A blown head gasket can be expensive to fix, but it’s much cheaper than replacing an entire engine. If you ignore a blown head gasket, it could eventually cause your engine to seize up, which would be even more expensive.

2. Engine overheating

The engine overheats because the head gasket is blown. The head gasket is a seal between the engine and the cylinder head. When it’s blown, coolant leaks out or into the combustion chamber and causes the engine to overheat. When the coolant levels get too low from constantly leaking, the engine overheats.

If the head gasket fails between the coolant passage and the combustion chamber, it would allow coolant to enter the combustion chamber which would be burned off and consumed. The coolant level would become so low that the engine would actually overheat. This overheating condition can occur while driving or while idling.

If the engine overheats, it can cause major damage. The most common problem is that the engine will seize up, which can lead to expensive repairs. Additionally, overheating can cause warping and cracks in the engine block or cylinder head. This can lead to leaks and a loss of compression, which can also be costly to repair.

It’s important to take care of your engine and make sure it doesn’t overheat. If you notice your engine temperature gauge moving into the red zone, pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Let it cool down for a few minutes before checking the radiator fluid level and adding more if necessary says Mechanics.

3. Milky oil on the oil dipstick

When the head gasket fails between the coolant and the oil passage it allows the oil and the coolant to mix which results in milky oil on the oil dipstick. You can check this by locating the oil dipstick and pulling it out.

If there is a milky oil and not regular oil on the dipstick, it is a clear indicator that the head gasket has blown and it is allowing for oil and coolant to mix, which shouldn’t happen ever.

Milky oil on the dipstick can also be due to the engine burning oil. But, a blown head gasket allowing oil and coolant to mix is more common.

Engine oil and coolant are both vital fluids that play important roles in keeping your car running properly. When they mix, it can throw off the delicate balance between them and cause all sorts of problems.

Some of the most common issues that arise from oil and coolant mixing include decreased cooling efficiency, increased engine wear, and oil leaks. In extreme cases, it can even lead to engine failure. So if you ever find yourself with a mixture of oil and coolant, be sure to get it taken care of as soon as possible.

4. Milky goo on the oil filler cap

When the head gasket fails and allows the engine oil and coolant to mix, you may also find milky goo on the radiator cap. With the engine cold, remove the oil filler cap and inspect the bottom of the cap. If there is milky goo on the bottom of the oil filler cap, this is a clear sign that the head gasket is blown.

Please note that this condition can also be caused by a cracked cylinder head or a leaking manifold. However, a blown head gasket is more prone to this kind of failure.

When you see this milky goo in your coolant, it’s an indication that there’s oil in the system. This can happen for a few reasons, but the most common is a head gasket leak.

If you think you might have a head gasket issue, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. If left unaddressed, a head gasket leak can cause serious damage to your engine. So if you see milky goo in your coolant, don’t wait – take your car to a mechanic and have them check it out.

5. White smoke from the tailpipe

White smoke from the tailpipe when you first start your car is not normal and neither is white smoke constantly coming out of the tailpipe while idling or driving. This happens when the head gasket fails between the cooler passage and the combustion chamber and allows coolant to get into the combustion chamber and get burned with the fuel/air mixture.

One of the most common reasons for white smoke from the tailpipe is a blown head gasket. The head gasket seals the engine block and cylinder head, and if it blows, it can cause coolant to leak into the combustion chamber. This will result in white smoke coming out of the tailpipe, as well as other symptoms like overheating, misfiring, and low coolant levels.

This is important and you shouldn’t confuse a little bit of white smoke when you first start your vehicle because that condensates. I am talking about a big white cloud of white smoke that comes up from the tailpipe when you start your car.

That is obviously a clear sign that your engine is burning coolant. If you see bluish smoke, it means that the engine is burning oil as well. You shouldn’t keep your engine running if you see white smoke because it’s probably dumping water in one or more cylinders.

When the coolant enters the cylinders, the piston will push the coolant through the exhaust valves and straight into the hot catalytic converter. When coolant comes in contact with the hot exhaust, it is going to turn into white smoke.

6. Low compression

Engine compression is the process that takes place when the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders is compressed. This process helps to increase the power and efficiency of an engine. Compression ratios can vary depending on the type of engine, but generally speaking, a higher compression ratio will result in more power and efficiency.

When the head gasket is blown, engine compression changes because the seal between the cylinder head and the block is broken. This allows air to enter the cylinders, which reduces compression. In addition, blow-by gases can escape from the crankcase, which also reduces compression. As a result, the engine will not run as efficiently and may eventually stall.

If you have a blown head gasket, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, your engine will continue to lose power and may eventually fail completely. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, take your car to a mechanic and have them check for a blown head gasket.

7. Rough idle and or engine misfire

A misfire is when an engine cylinder fires improperly. This can be caused by a number of factors, including a dirty spark plug, a bad fuel injector, or a problem with the ignition system. A misfire can cause a rough idle, as well as loss of power and decreased fuel economy.

Head gaskets are designed to control engine coolant in and around the engine block and cylinder heads. When a head gasket fails, it can cause a leak which can be found by removing all the spark plugs, pressurizing the coolant system, and cranking the engine over.

8. Coolant leaking on the engine block

If you’re losing coolant and it’s hitting the engine, there’s a good chance you have a blown head gasket. This is a serious problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. If you don’t, your engine will overheat and could be damaged beyond repair.

There are a few ways to tell if you have a blown head gasket. The first is by checking your coolant level. If it’s low and there are no leaks elsewhere, then it’s likely the head gasket is to blame.

Another way to tell is by looking for white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. This happens when the coolant gets into the cylinders and burns off.

Coolant leaking on the engine block is very easy to diagnose. Just open the hood and look on the side of the engine and see if there is orange coolant. Usually, it will be towards the exhaust side.

What Causes a Blown Head Gasket?

A blown head gasket is bad news. If not taken care of on time, a blown head gasket can lead to major repairs and none of us want that. So, what causes a blown head gasket?

Eager to find out more about the reasons that cause a blown head gasket, I talked to a couple of mechanics and did detailed research online. Here is what causes a blown head gasket:

1. Engine overheating

Engine overheating can cause a blown head gasket. If the engine gets too hot, the cylinder head can swell to the point that it crushes the head gasket, so it no longer seals like it’s supposed to.

When this occurs, it provides a leak path for coolant and or combustion gases. In that leak path, the combustion gases and or coolant can mix and you may notice a loss of coolant, white smoke from the tailpipe, or loss of power.

2. Issues associated with the combustion process

Combustion problems such as detonation, pre-ignition, or knock can cause head gasket failure. When detonation, pre-ignition, or knock occurs, they all trigger a sharp spike in combustion chamber pressure. Over time, this can overload and crack the gasket that surrounds the cylinder leading to burning through and loss of compression.

Detonation, pre-ignition, or knock are all issues associated with the combustion process. Pre-ignition means premature combustion of the fuel and air. Knocking means that the fuel and air mixture was not ignited by the spark plugs like it’s supposed to.

Instead, this mixture can explode outside the combustion front. Detonation is defined as an explosive ignition of a fuel-air mixture outside of the combustion front.

In short, when the combustion process occurs outside normal circumstances, it can put a lot of stress on the head gasket. Over time, the head gasket will wear and cracks will start to appear. Through these cracks, coolant and oil can mix and this can lead to major engine repairs.

3. Using the wrong type of coolant

Using the wrong type of coolant is another possible cause of head gasket failure. If the vehicle owner has been fighting a leak by topping off the coolant with water or the wrong coolant, it can degrade the head gasket allowing other liquids to come in contact with the coolant.

Using a conventional green coolant when the cooling system requires organic acid technology, or hybrid organic acid technology is another no-no that can degrade the head gasket.

Regardless of why a head gasket fails, you should get the head gasket replaced as soon as you notice it. A blown head gasket will lead to major issues and big repair bills.

Can You Drive a Car With a Blown Head Gasket?

A blown head gasket can cause your car to overheat or lose power. If you think you have a blown head gasket, take your car to a mechanic and have it checked out. Driving with a blown head gasket can damage your engine and cost you money in repairs.

If you’re driving and your car starts to overheat, pull over and turn off the engine. Let the car cool down before checking the radiator and engine for signs of leaks. If you see any leaking fluids or smoke coming from the engine, do not start the car again. Call a tow truck and have your car towed to a mechanic.

How Can I Check if My Head Gasket is Blown?

• Check for white smoke from the exhaust: This could be a result of coolant entering the combustion chamber and being burned off as steam.
• Monitor the engine’s temperature: Overheating can be a sign of a blown head gasket.
• Look for oil contamination: If your oil appears milky or frothy, it might be because coolant has mixed with it, which is a common symptom of a blown head gasket.
• Pay attention to coolant levels: A significant loss of coolant with no visible leaks could suggest a blown head gasket.
• Observe the radiator or coolant overflow tank: Bubbles in these areas can indicate exhaust gases leaking into the cooling system due to a blown head gasket.

Is It Worth Fixing a Blown Head Gasket?

A blown head gasket can be caused by many things. Overheating is the most common cause, but it can also be caused by a faulty cooling system, an overworked engine, or even physical damage.

There are a few signs that may indicate a blown head gasket. The most common is overheating, but you may also notice oil leaks, coolant leaks, or white smoke coming from your exhaust. If you suspect a blown head gasket, it’s important to get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. A blown head gasket can cause serious engine damage if left untreated.

The cost to replace a blown head gasket can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, it is typically a very expensive repair that goes into the thousands. Whether fixing a blown head gasket is worth it or not depends on a few factors.

First is the cost of parts and labor. The second is the severity of the leak. And third, how long do you plan on keeping the car? If it’s an older car with high mileage, it may not be worth fixing at all. But if it’s a newer car that you plan on keeping for a while, it’s probably worth fixing.

Will a Car Still Run With a Blown Head Gasket?

Yes, a car can still run with a blown head gasket, but it’s not recommended to do so. Driving with a blown head gasket can cause extensive damage to the engine.

The coolant can leak into the cylinders, causing overheating and potentially warping or cracking the cylinder heads.

Additionally, if the coolant mixes with the engine oil, it can lead to severe engine wear and tear.

Furthermore, the performance of the car will be significantly reduced and the vehicle may become unreliable.

As such, if you suspect your head gasket is blown, it’s advisable to seek immediate professional help to prevent further damage.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if my head gasket is blown?

A: Some common symptoms of a blown head gasket are engine overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, coolant, and oil mixing, and loss of coolant without any visible leaks.

Q: Can a blown head gasket cause the engine to overheat?

A: Yes, a blown head gasket can cause the engine to overheat. It disrupts the cooling system’s ability to regulate the engine temperature, leading to overheating.

Q: What causes a head gasket to fail?

A: Head gasket failure can occur due to several reasons, including overheating of the engine, coolant leaks, inadequate lubrication, combustion chamber pressure, and improper installation.

Q: How can I fix a blown head gasket?

A: Fixing a blown head gasket usually requires professional assistance from a mechanic. The repair process involves replacing the damaged head gasket and potentially repairing any other engine components affected by the failure.

Q: What are the common symptoms of a blown head gasket?

A: Some common symptoms of a blown head gasket are engine overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, loss of coolant, milky appearance in the engine oil or coolant, and compression leaks.

Q: Can a blown head gasket cause coolant and oil to mix?

A: Yes, a blown head gasket can result in the mixing of coolant and oil. This occurs when the gasket fails to seal the cylinder head properly, allowing the fluids to cross-contaminate.

Q: Is it safe to ignore the symptoms of a blown head gasket?

A: It is not advisable to ignore the symptoms of a blown head gasket. Ignoring the issue can lead to further damage to the engine and its components, resulting in costly repairs.

Q: What is the role of a head gasket in the engine?

A: The head gasket serves as a critical seal between the engine block and cylinder head. It ensures that the combustion gases, coolant, and oil are properly segregated and do not mix within the engine.

Q: How long does it take to replace a blown head gasket?

A: The time required to replace a blown head gasket can vary depending on the complexity of the engine and other factors. Generally, it can take several hours to a full day for a skilled mechanic to complete the repair.

In Conclusion

Signs of a blown head gasket can include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, bubbling in the radiator or coolant reservoir, and significant loss of coolant with no visible leaks, all of which indicate serious engine damage that requires immediate attention.