How to Check if Your Engine has a Blown Head Gasket

TLDRLearn how to check if your engine has a blown head gasket and avoid expensive repairs. Find out the signs to look for and alternative solutions.

Key insights

🔍Testing for a blown head gasket can save you from costly repairs.

💡If your engine is running poorly and coolant and gas bubbles out of the radiator, it's a clear sign of a blown head gasket.

💸Repairing a blown head gasket can be expensive, especially on modern cars.

🧪There are head gasket sealers available, but they are temporary solutions.

⚠️Prevent a blown head gasket by maintaining clean antifreeze, changing the coolant regularly, and avoiding engine overheating.

Q&A

What are the signs of a blown head gasket?

Signs include coolant and gas bubbling out of the radiator, poor engine performance, and exhaust gas getting into the cooling system.

How much does it cost to repair a blown head gasket?

The cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the car model and extent of damage.

Are head gasket sealers effective?

Head gasket sealers can provide temporary relief, but they are not permanent solutions and may not work well with modern antifreeze.

How often should the coolant be changed?

It is recommended to change the coolant every 3 years or 30,000 miles, or according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

What can cause a head gasket to blow?

Common causes include engine overheating, coolant leaks, and dirty or old engine oil.

Timestamped Summary

01:00If your engine is running poorly with a blown head gasket, coolant and gas will bubble out of the radiator.

02:38Use a head gasket test to check for exhaust gas leaks and a blown head gasket.

03:22Various head gasket sealers are available, but they are not permanent solutions.

04:13To prevent a blown head gasket, maintain clean antifreeze, change the coolant regularly, and avoid engine overheating.

05:17Leave a clean, non-offensive comment to have a chance of winning a leak block test kit.