We aren’t going to lie here at Uptown Imports. A blown head gasket is a serious automotive repair, but if you love your import and have no plans to get rid of it, we can replace the head gasket for you. The most common reason why a head gasket blows is heat. If you have been driving your import when the engine is overheating, you can blow the head gasket and cause additional damage. Here are signs that you have a cracked head gasket in your import.
Leaking Coolant
The head gasket prevents coolant and motor oil from leaking into the cylinders by forming a seal over the cylinder block. This seal also allows compression to build up inside of the cylinders for combustion. When the head gasket cracks, the engine coolant will leak into the cylinders. This will reduce the level of coolant that you have circulating through the import’s engine.
Overheating
Unfortunately, if the engine wasn’t already overheating, it will now. Even if you add coolant to the cooling system, the coolant will continue to leak into the cylinders until you have the head gasket replaced. An engine that overheats constantly is definitely a sign of a blown head gasket.
Boiling Coolant
In fact, your import’s engine may get so hot that the coolant will start to boil in the radiator. Naturally, boiling coolant circulating through the engine is only going to increase the engine’s temperature more. In addition, it will start to create pressure that will build up inside the radiator. When the pressure reaches its critical point, it will blow the radiator cap off the radiator. As you know, this causes the coolant to spray out of the radiator and all over the engine.
White Exhaust
This will cause white exhaust as will the coolant being burned in the cylinders. You should never see white exhaust flowing out of your import’s tailpipe. If you do, pull over and call for a tow truck to bring your vehicle to our shop. White exhaust means that the engine is burning away the coolant.
Milky Motor Oil
In addition, when the head gasket cracks, the coolant and motor oil mix. This creates a diluted solution that circulates through the engine and causes serious damage. If you believe that you have a cracked head gasket in the engine of your import, do not drive the vehicle. Call for a tow truck.
Uptown Imports in Minneapolis, MN, is here to help, so give us a call today to schedule an appointment for your import.