Your car’s head gasket plays a vital role in the engine’s combustion process.
Helping to maintain engine power and prevent it from overheating, it is essential that you act quickly if you suspect the head gasket is failing.
Read on and find out what a head gasket is, what it does, and what happens when it goes.
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What Is a Head Gasket?
A head gasket is a seal between the engine block and cylinder head, which prevents fluids such as the coolant and oil from coming into contact with one another.
By sealing the internal combustion chamber, the head gasket helps the fuel ignition process to run smoothly.
A blown or leaking head gasket means costly repairs, poor engine performance, and the possibility of the car overheating.
Be sure to book a head gasket repair or replacement when needed.
Glossary
Internal Combustion Chamber – Fuel and air are burned off inside the combustion chamber.
The chamber is made up of the cylinder head, cylinder walls and piston.
Cylinder Head – The cylinder head creates the combustion chamber by sealing the top of the cylinder.
It contains passageways which allow coolant and oil to travel safely.
Engine Block – The engine block houses the main parts of the internal engine.
This includes the crankshaft, cylinders and water cooling system.
The engine block is made from a strong metal, which gives it the ability to transfer heat from the combustion process over to the main cooling system.
What Does the Head Gasket Do?
As your car’s engine is split into two parts – the engine block and the cylinder head – your head gasket has a vital role to play in protecting the components that reside within these halves.
The cylinder head contains the valves and spark plugs.
The engine block contains pistons and connecting rods and is sealed to the cylinder head by the head gasket.
What Is Head Gasket Sealer?
Head gasket sealer is a substance which you can pour into your radiator to seal small cracks in the head gasket.
This should only be seen as a temporary solution to the problem.
You must have head gasket issues looked at by a professional mechanic to properly fix the issue.
How Does a Head Gasket Become Faulty?
Head gasket failures tend to be caused by an overheating engine.
Other reasons for a faulty head gasket include:
- A clogged radiator
- A coolant leak
- A faulty fan
- A blown head gasket
When the head gasket goes, pressure in the combustion chamber will be lost, and you will feel a significant loss of power.
If your head gasket blows, this could cause coolant to leak, meaning your engine is much more likely to overheat.
Understanding what a head gasket does is essential for maintaining your vehicle's health.
If you think your head gasket is failing, don't wait for the problem the escalate.
Book a head gasket repair with a trusted mechanic today for a thorough inspection.
Is My Head Gasket Leaking?
When liquids and gases in the engine block leak into areas they aren’t supposed to be in, this is known as a head gasket leak.
Oil and coolant are not meant to leak into the cylinders. When your car’s head gasket is working well, it will keep these liquids separate.
However, as the head gasket is exposed to extreme temperatures and pressures, it can begin to deteriorate over time.
How Do I Check for a Head Gasket Leak?
You may smell a sweet scent coming from the exhaust if there is a leak in the combustion system.
Your engine may also overheat if the head gasket leaks coolant.
Coolant is a clear liquid with a coloured tinge to it – likely green, blue or yellow.
Unlike water, coolant has a slimy texture, so you should be able to identify it.
You can remove the spark plugs - if applicable to your model – and look for signs of oil and water.
If you notice oil and water on the plugs, this can be an indication of a faulty head gasket.
You can purchase a head gasket tester – a block tester – and place it in the water expansion tank with blue dye. If the dye changes to a green or yellow colour, this can indicate a combustion leak.
You should also look out for a white cloud of smoke coming from your exhaust - as opposed to clear smoke – which may be caused by excessive water vapour.
Why Is a Head Gasket Important?
Inside the engine block there are pistons and connecting rods that transform the force of expanding gases into mechanical power.
The cylinder head contains the valves and spark plugs, which are responsible for delivering the spark that ignites the mixture of air and fuel in the combustion chamber.
Your head gasket needs to seal the gaps to stop any leaks and prevent fluids from mixing inside the engine.
If these fluids mix, you could find yourself with engine failure.
This is why it is important to have your head gasket looked at if you think you have a leak.
Is a Head Gasket Leak Serious?
Yes, a head gasket leak is a serious issue which can cause major engine problems if left unchecked.
Can You Drive with a Leaking Head Gasket?
Whilst you can drive for some time with a leaking head gasket, you cannot drive with a blown head gasket.
This is because your car’s engine might not be able to generate significant compression, and oil and coolant may continue to leak.
If you continue to drive with a faulty head gasket, you will cause serious damage to the engine block.
A leaking head gasket can, in turn, lead to a blown head gasket if you do not have the issue addressed by a professional mechanic soon.
