Village Autoworks is going to talk about a blown head gasket in this blog post so you know what to look for when driving your automobile. In all honesty, you should not drive the vehicle if the head gasket is blown. You will understand why as you keep reading. We recommend that if you suspect that the head gasket has cracked in the engine, call for a tow truck to bring your vehicle to our shop.
Low Coolant Levels
One way a blown head gasket affects your engine is that it reduces the level of coolant circulating through the engine. The head gasket is designed to provide a seal over the combustion chamber to keep the engine’s coolant out. When the gasket cracks, the coolant leaks into the chamber’s cylinders. Adding coolant to the engine will only cause that coolant to leak into the cylinders, as well.
Overheating Engine
You already know that when the engine has a low level of coolant in it, it will overheat. But this isn’t the only thing that is overheating the engine. The combustion chamber is where the spark plugs ignite the fuel and air. As such, a tremendous amount of heat builds up inside the chamber. When the head gasket cracks, this heat is released into the engine and overheats the engine.
In addition, the engine can get so hot with a cracked head gasket that the coolant will reach a boiling point. You will literally be able to hear the coolant boiling. This opens you up to a different kind of danger. The boiling coolant will cause a pressure build-up in the radiator that will blow off the radiator cap. If you are anywhere near the engine, you could be scalded by spraying coolant.
White Engine Exhaust
The spraying coolant, and the coolant that is being burned in the combustion chamber, are going to create exhaust that is white smoke. You will also have white steam flowing out from underneath the hood. Your engine is so hot now that it could crack the engine block.
Milky Motor Oil
Heat is just one problem that happens when the head gasket blows. The other problem is dilution. A cracked head gasket allows the coolant and motor oil to mix into a milky liquid that looks creamy or white. As this diluted liquid circulates through the engine, it damages it.
Call Village Autoworks in Roseville or Woodbury, MN, today to schedule a service appointment for your automobile if you believe the head gasket has cracked.