Have your SUV, car, or truck towed to Journey Auto Repair if you suspect you’ve blown the head gasket. This generally happens if you have been driving the automobile when the engine is running too hot. If the head gasket has cracked, the engine will definitely run too hot. Let’s talk about the signs of a blown head gasket below so you know what to look for in your automobile.
Significant Coolant Loss
The engine has a head gasket to seal off the combustion chamber. This keeps the compression inside the chamber so it builds for engine combustion. It also keeps the motor oil in coolant out of the chamber so it is not burned. If the head gasket cracks, the coolant is going to flow into the combustion chamber. Unfortunately, this means that your engine will suffer from significant coolant loss.
Overheating Engine
Naturally, this will cause the engine to overheat right away. In fact, your engine will overheat every time you try to drive your automobile. This is one reason why it is crucial that you have your automobile towed to our shop rather than drive it. If you continue to operate the vehicle when the engine is overheating, you will cause more engine damage including a cracked exhaust manifold.
Excessive Coolant Heat
Another thing that will get too hot is the coolant itself. The coolant that is left in the radiator and overflow reservoir will start to boil as the engine temperatures exceed 220 degrees Fahrenheit. You will be able to hear the coolant boiling in the engine. This opens you up to the risk of the radiator cap blowing off the radiator and scorching coolant spraying all over the engine.
White Exhaust Smoke
As we previously mentioned, when the head gasket blows, the coolant leaks into the combustion chamber where it is burned away with the air and fuel. Unfortunately, when coolant is burned by the engine, the engine releases white exhaust smoke out of the tailpipe.
Coolant in the Oil
Finally, when the head gasket blows, the coolant and motor oil mix. This is the other reason why you should never drive your automobile with a blown head gasket. The motor oil is diluted by the coolant and can no longer protect the engine as it circulates through it. In fact, the motor oil will turn milky white because of the coolant that is in it.
Call Journey Auto Repair in New Hope, MN, today to set up a service visit for your automobile if you suspect the head gasket is blown. Make sure to have your vehicle towed to our shop.