Cylinder Head Gasket
The head gasket seals the gap between the engine block and the cylinder head, keeping coolant, oil, and combustion gases where they belong. Signs of a blown gasket include white smoke from the exhaust, milky oil, overheating, or coolant disappearing with no visible leak. This is a serious repair, but catching it early protects the rest of the engine.
Find a TechnicianCommon causes
- Engine overheating that warps the head and breaks the gasket seal
- Age and heat cycling that gradually degrade the gasket material
- A warped or cracked cylinder head no longer sealing flat against the block
- Pre-ignition or detonation putting extra pressure on the gasket
- Coolant loss from another fault that let the engine run too hot
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with a blown head gasket?
It's risky and not recommended. Driving with a failed gasket can cause severe overheating, mix coolant and oil, and lead to total engine failure. It's best to stop driving and get it inspected right away.
Why is the repair so expensive?
Replacing a head gasket means removing the cylinder head, which involves a lot of labor and often resurfacing the head. The part itself is inexpensive, but the time and precision required make it a big job.
How do you confirm it's the head gasket?
A mechanic will usually run a compression or leak-down test and check for combustion gases in the coolant. These tests confirm the gasket has failed before committing to the full repair.
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