Head gaskets sit between the engine block and cylinder head(s) to prevent coolant and oil from leaking into the combustion chamber. Maintaining proper pressure of the head gasket between the engine block and cylinder head(s) is crucial, a small leak in your head gasket can destroy your entire engine if it is not treated quickly.
Signs of a Leaking or Blown Head Gasket
Low coolant levels caused by coolant leaking into the combustion chamber
High engine temperature results from loss of coolant in the radiator
Engine hesitation and/or stalling happens from loss of pressure in the cylinders which can cause misfires. Spark plugs and coils can become ruined from coolant or motor oil dripping onto them. Faulty coils can also make your car feel rough when idle, slow to accelerate and reduce your fuel efficiency.
Milky & foamy motor oil occurs when coolant mixes with motor oil. Coolant is not a lubricant so when your motor oil has coolant in it there is not sufficient lubrication in the internal components of your engine to protect from friction, heat and damage.
White-grey smoke (exhaust) is produced when coolant leaks into the combustion chamber and burns off.
What Happens if I don't fix my head gasket?
If you don’t fix a leaking head gasket, the coolant and motor oil will leak and mix together since the head gasket is not adequately providing the pressure needed to keep these fluids separate. Once a leak has occurred it is only a matter of time before it will wreak havoc on your entire engine block costing you thousands of dollars to have a new one built.
How to fix your head gasket leak at home
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