Causes of a Blown Head Gasket

A head gasket is a vital part of the engine, designed specifically for cylinders’ protection and to prevent them from engine oil infiltration or coolant. It ensures optimum compression of the cylinders. Therefore, a blown head gasket can be damaging for the cylinders as well as for other engine parts. 

It is imperative to detect a head gasket leak early on to avoid expensive repairs. Let’s discuss the probable causes of a blown head gasket,  signs of a bad head gasket and more. 

WHAT CAUSES A HEAD GASKET TO FAIL?

The head gasket endures a lot of stress when the engine operates. The major causes of a blown head gasket are detailed as under:

ENGINE VIBRATIONS

Vibrations are normal for an engine as it operates. However, these vibrations can fatigue the head gasket over time. The gaskets are sandwiched between the engine block and the head via head bolts. With regular fatigue, the head bolts start to weaken, break or warp and allow increased friction and vibration to damage the gasket. If the design lacks sufficient clamping force from the head bolts, it can also eventually cause failure.

MECHANICAL PRESSURE

Every time the cylinders fire, the detonations in a vehicle’s engine yields a significant level of pressure. By the passage of time, this type of pressure stresses head gaskets and may crack them up and cause leakage. 

OVERHEATING

The vehicle must not overheat, or it will cause damage to the head gasket and other components. Moreover, the coolant must never run low, or else a lack thereof won’t be able to pull engine heat from the block and heads. As a consequence, the extra heat causes expansion on the head gasket and conveniently blows it up. Therefore, you should keep a check on the causes of engine overheating and take timely measures to prevent it.

LIFESPAN

Another factor is age. Like any other component, the head gaskets have a lifespan. Over the years, the seal can break down and cause leaking to occur. To avoid this, make sure replacements are carried out in due time as per the manufacturers prescription before you hit the mileage.

IMPROPER INSTALLATION

At times, the head gasket or the coolant system gets installed or repaired improperly. The leaks and problems with the engine temperature, therefore, become big issues as a consequence. 

THERMAL EXPANSION RATES

Since its normal for engine to produce heat as it operates, the head gasket receives a high level of mechanical and thermal pressure, which gradually damages the gasket. This happens when the engine block and the head gasket has a significant difference in thermal expansion rates. 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A BLOWN HEAD GASKET

We have compiled a quick list of complaints that are signs and symptoms of a blown head gasket. 

• You will smell the strong, sweet scent of the heated coolant
• No visible leaks but low levels of the coolant level in the reservoir 
• Forming of bubbles in the cooling system 
• Reduced power with idling and acceleration of the engine
• Frequently overheated engine 
• White smoke from the exhaust 
• Engine misfiring 
• By checking the oil cap, signs of milky discolouration in the oil

Now that you know the signs and causes of a blown head gasket, here are some questions you might have about fixing the issue.

HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO REPAIR A HEAD GASKET?

A new head gasket is not too costly, but the disassembling process takes time. This is because the head gasket is within the engine, and therefore, you first have to disassemble the engine. Once you get your hands on it, you will have to fix the problem that caused the gasket failure, which is not likely possible at home unless you have the mechanical knowledge and expertise. After that, you will have to recreate the seal that rolled off the assembly line within the engine. Thus, it takes a lot of effort to repair the head gasket at home. 

If you own an old vehicle, then the engine rebuild or the head gasket replacement may cost you more than the actual worth of your vehicle. Given this fact, you can opt to buy a used car in the UAE, which is comparatively new and may not cost you a fortune.

CAN I DRIVE WITH A BLOWN HEAD GASKET?

You can, but you shouldn’t. A broken head gasket can lead to a myriad of problems that would only cause you expensive repairs but damage other parts as well. For instance, driving with a blown head gasket can cause the coolant to enter the cylinder or leak from the engine, leading to overheating and engine damage. 

DO BLOWN HEAD GASKETS DESTROY THE ENGINE?

If left unrepaired, they can. However, if you detect the issue early enough, you can save your vehicle from a lot of damage. When symptoms of a blown head gasket are identified, head to a workshop right away.  

As head gaskets are critical to the health of your vehicle’s engine, the issue should be identified and rectified as soon as possible. Make sure you keep the causes of a blown head gasket in mind alongside its symptoms to get the problem fixed as soon as possible. 

Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information about different vehicle parts, failure causes and repair guides.