A blown head gasket is one of the most common engine problems on older cars. It can be a serious issue, as it can cause engine damage and even a fire. In this blog post, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to fix a blown head gasket. We will discuss the different types of head gaskets and give you some tips on how to diagnose the problem. We will also cover the different repairs that you can make and which ones are the most reliable.
The Symptoms of a Blown Head Gasket
If you’re experiencing weird engine noise, loss of power, or hesitation when accelerating, your car may have a blown head gasket. When this happens, the head of the piston (the part that goes into the cylinder) can come loose from the engine block and leak oil. If the gasket fails completely, oil will flood the engine and warp components. In extreme cases, this can lead to an engine fire.
A blown head gasket is often caused by excessive heat or pressure inside the engine. The most common culprits are high-performance cars or trucks that are driven hard on the street or raced at tracks. Over time, these vehicles can burn through their head gaskets more quickly than usual because they’re under such intense stress.
Symptoms of a blown head gasket vary depending on what kind of motor is involved and how badly the gasket has failed. In most cases, you’ll notice a loss of power and/or strange noises from your car’s engine. If the gasket has completely failed, oil will start leaking all over your car and may even cause an Engine Fire!
How to Test for a Blown Head Gasket
There are a few ways to test whether a head gasket is blown. One way is to heat the engine up and see if the oil pressure goes down. If it does, then the gasket may be blown. Another way to test for a blown head gasket is to take the car into a mechanic and have them check the oil pressure and temperature.
How to Fix a Blown Head Gasket
If your car has a blown head gasket, it’s important to take it to a mechanic as soon as possible. A blown head gasket can cause serious engine damage and even be fatal in the worst case scenario. Here are four tips on how to fix a blown head gasket:
1. Remove the Head Gasket
The first step is to remove the head gasket. This involves removing the bolts that hold down the cylinder head and removal of the head itself. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when doing this as oil and hot metal can cause severe burns.
2. Replace the Head Gasket
Once the head is removed, it’s time to replace the gasket. This will involve replacing the old gasket with a new one and re-installation of the bolts and head. Again, make sure to wear gloves and eye protection when doing this so you don’t end up getting burned again.
3. Check for Leaks
After replacing the head gasket, it’s wise to check for any leaks. This includes checking for dents or tears in the engine block caused by pressure from the blown head gasket. If there are any leaks, repairs will need to be made before proceeding with re-installing the head onto the engine block.
What to do if the Head Gasket is Fixed
If your head gasket is fixed, you will need to remove and replace the head bolt. It’s a good idea to also replace the fan belt, water pump belt and thermostat. After all of these repairs have been made, you should reinstall the head gasket and torque it to spec.