There are many things that happen when you blow the head gasket in your engine, and all of these things can damage the engine severely. As such, it is best to have your vehicle towed to our auto repair shop to avoid causing additional and expensive engine damage. It is nearly impossible to miss the problems that occur when the head gasket blows. Let’s talk more about this below.
You Lose Coolant and Oil
The head gasket is a seal over the combustion chamber, also called the cylinder block. It protects the block from coolant and oil and protects the engine from excess heat. When the head gasket blows, it cracks. Consequently, this gives the coolant and oil a chance to leak into the combustion chamber through the crack. This is just the start of the problems.
The Engine Overheats
One thing that you will notice very quickly is that your engine is overheating. This is because the coolant is leaking into the cylinders rather than circulating through the engine. Consequently, your engine’s temperature will rise above 220 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the maximum temperature, whenever you drive your automobile. This is one reason why we recommend a tow truck.
Because the head gasket is no longer forming a seal over the combustion chamber, the heat from the combustion chamber will also increase your engine’s temperature. Unfortunately, the engine can get so hot that your radiator cap may blow off the radiator. In addition, you may actually be able to hear the engine coolant boiling in the radiator because it is scorching.
There Is White Exhaust
As the coolant leaks into the cylinders, it is burned along with the air and fuel. The same is true with the motor oil. In the case of the coolant, however, your vehicle will produce white exhaust smoke. This is a result of the burning coolant in the combustion chamber. The exhaust smoke can turn blue if there is more oil than coolant burning in the combustion chamber.
The Oil is Contaminated
Finally, another reason why we recommend you avoid driving your automobile is that the oil gets contaminated with coolant when the head gasket cracks. Consequently, this prevents the oil from protecting your engine because it is diluted.
Give us a call today to set up a service appointment so we can replace the head gasket. We are going to be completely honest and warn you that this is an extensive auto repair.
