Head Gasket Problems Occur When the Gasket Cracks

A cracked head gasket creates a huge problem in your car, truck, or C/SUV’s engine. Righteous Auto Care advises that you have your vehicle towed to our shop right away if you suspect you’ve blown the head gasket. We will explain the importance of the tow below. We will also list the signs that you have a cracked head gasket underneath the hood so you know what to look for in your automobile.

One of the first things that is going to happen when the head gasket cracks is your engine’s temperature will begin to rise. This is one reason why you should call for a tow truck. There will be no way to drive your vehicle without the engine overheating, and driving with an overheating engine will cause further damage to it. The head gasket is a huge repair on its own; don’t add salt to the wound, so to speak.

The reason why the engine overheats quickly is that it loses coolant through the head gasket crack. The head gasket is the main gasket above the cylinder block. It is designed to keep coolant and motor oil out and compression in. The coolant will flow into the cylinder block when the head gasket cracks. This will cause the rise in engine temperature. You never want the engine’s temperature above 220 degrees.

As the engine’s temperature continues to rise, the engine coolant will start to boil. At this point, you run a very high risk of blowing the radiator cap off the radiator. In fact, when the coolant starts to boil, you will be able to hear it. We cannot stress enough how important it is that you do not drive your automobile when the engine is this hot. You could crack the cylinder block and exhaust manifold.

As the coolant makes its way into the cylinder block, it will be burned in each cylinder with the fuel and air. This will cause your vehicle to release white exhaust smoke. You will see this exhaust in your rearview mirror as it exits the tailpipe. This, too, is an indication that you’ve got a cracked head gasket.

Finally, the other reason why it’s important that you avoid driving your automobile is that the coolant and motor oil mix when the gasket cracks. Consequently, you end up with diluted motor oil circulating through the engine. This can damage the engine beyond repair if you keep driving your vehicle.

Righteous Auto Care in Racine, WI, would be happy to help if you believe you’ve blown the head gasket in your engine. Call us today.