Here’s A Detailed Report on Consequences of a Worn Head Gasket

When you assess a car's engine, it is easy to understand that an engine repair is one of the more expensive repairs. However, there is a complex structure working tirelessly to generate force to initiate and sustain movement.

There is a particular discussion about head gasket, a critical component remains between the cylinder head and the cylinder block. The primary responsibility of the head gasket is to protect the internal combustion process while blocking the coolant and engine oil from entering the cylinder block.

The head gasket bears the highest load among other gaskets throughout the vehicle. It has to seal lubricants and coolants at the same time blocking the compression.

However, a worn head gasket may cause catastrophic damage under the hood. Let's take a look at the possible outcomes of a bad head gasket.

What makes the head gasket deteriorate?

Though a head gasket is made of durable material because it has to deal with the extreme heat, but a vehicle often goes through frequent episodes of overheating. The head gasket is definitely going to receive some sort of damage. And, it may surrender at some point in time.

A number of observations point out overheating as a primary cause when a gasket sustains a tear, especially holes.

However, any problem with ignition that has been disturbing the combustion process can push extensive pressure into the cylinder head, tearing things away, including the head gasket.

Besides, an improperly installed gasket is more likely to wear and tear. A head bolt should be screwed properly—not too loose to allow any leakage and not extremely tight to avoid any damage to the gasket.

However, a diagnosis, especially for a worn head gasket, is quite typical because it is hidden underneath the head. Besides, a head gasket problem is always capable of doing substantial damage. Therefore, it requires expert intervention to figure out the problem. 

Service My Car is the right place for such a sensitive issue, where you get a professional inspection and head gasket replacement at very competitive prices. Service My Car not only provides car head gasket replacement services but also provides car services like car battery replacement, car aircon regas, car mot check, car engine oil, car tyres repair, car ac repair, car detailing services etc. In case, you are looking for a trusted car garage to change an engine oil, we would like to suggest you Service My Car, the best and trusted car workshop in the town.

If you do not know what a blown head gasket can do to your engine, here is a detailed analysis.

A sudden loss of power might be dreadful in traffic

A head gasket failure is associated with one or more perforations. So there would be enough probability that combustion would not happen properly when there is a possibility of losing some quantity of compressed air to the fuel mixture. If there is an inconsistent amount of fuel at each internal combustion cycle, the engine will not generate proper power, and eventually, the ride will be rough.

This does not follow typical riding, especially in the traffic and even on the motorways.

Overheating might result in serious damage to critical components

Though the engine overheating due to any reason (coolant leakage, radiator blockage, etc.) does not favor the head gasket too much, but, a worn head gasket too makes an engine be in an overheated condition.

Due to perforation, coolant might find a way inside the cylinder, denying its primary job of cooling the engine. Besides, the exhaust gases that appear after the combustion process might raise the temperature further.

A heated environment under the hood is not good for a number of parts, fluids, gaskets, etc. A car, if it is driven in an overheated condition, would be catastrophic for the cylinder head. And, when coolant burns inside the chamber and turns into steam, there is always a risk to the catalytic converter. These components may multiply your repair bill.

However, it is better to sense the warning signs of a bad head gasket and take action promptly before things turn badly.

Oil contamination, specifically coolant into engine oil

As stated above, head gaskets seals the coolant and engine oil when they perform their specific duties. But a worn head gasket may allow the two to infiltrate and mix with each other. Usually, a milky sludge appears in the engine oil pan, especially at the oil filler cap or around the dipstick afterward.

Generally, this is a very strong sign of head gasket failure. However, an expert inspection is a much better alternative to finding the root cause.

On the other hand, when coolant is involved in the act of contaminating the engine, especially during a drive, there would be damage to the engine's bearings. It may require a thorough cleaning of the entire system and sometimes complete disassembly of the engine's lower part to confirm any damage.

As discussed above, a blown head gasket might initiate a number of critical damages to your car. However, it is up to you to be mindful and update yourself on the signs of a bad head gasket. If you act on time, you may be able to cut a lot of losses.

However, an engine overheating, white smoke at the tailpipe or engine oil contamination significantly hints at an issue with a head gasket. However, take a professional service and be assured about the issue. You can call roadside assistance from Service My Car in such a condition. Or, just book a car service or order a car repair quote on our website or app.