 copy.jpg)
A blown head gasket is one of the more serious issues a vehicle can face, leading to expensive repairs if not caught on time. The head gasket seals the combustion chamber, keeps coolant and oil from mixing and maintains proper engine compression. When it fails, a variety of symptoms appear, and ignoring them can lead to engine damage or even total engine failure.
Knowing the signs of a blown head gasket helps you respond quickly and minimize the risk of further complications. Let’s take a closer look at what you should watch for.
Overheating That Doesn’t Go Away
One of the most common symptoms of a blown head gasket is engine overheating. When the gasket fails, it can allow coolant to leak into the combustion chamber or escape externally. This lowers the coolant level and disrupts the system’s ability to regulate engine temperature.
If your temperature gauge rises quickly or your vehicle frequently runs hot even after adding coolant, the head gasket could be to blame. Continuing to drive under these conditions can cause warping or cracking in the engine block or cylinder head, so it’s best to get the issue checked right away.
White Smoke From the Exhaust
White, sweet-smelling smoke pouring out of the exhaust is a clear sign that coolant is burning in the engine. This happens when the head gasket fails between a coolant passage and a cylinder, allowing coolant to enter and burn along with the fuel-air mixture.
While some condensation in the exhaust is normal in the morning, consistent white smoke during regular driving is not. This type of smoke usually comes with a misfiring engine and a rough idle.
Milky Oil or Contaminated Coolant
When the head gasket fails between oil and coolant passages, the fluids can mix. One common symptom is oil that looks milky or frothy, looking like a milkshake. You might also see brownish sludge under the oil cap.
On the other side, your coolant reservoir might show signs of oil contamination. Either way, fluid cross-contamination is a major problem. Oil diluted with coolant loses its lubricating ability, increasing engine wear. Coolant contaminated with oil can damage the radiator, heater core, and water pump.
Loss of Power and Poor Performance
A failed head gasket can cause a drop in compression in one or more cylinders. This leads to noticeable performance issues, such as:
- Rough idling
- Engine hesitation or misfiring
- Poor acceleration
- Increased fuel consumption
You may also notice the engine shaking more than usual or a loss of responsiveness when accelerating. If compression loss is severe, the engine might not start at all.
Bubbles in the Radiator or Coolant Reservoir
When combustion gases leak into the cooling system, they create pressure that causes bubbling in the radiator or overflow tank. If you see a constant stream of bubbles after the engine is warm, or if the reservoir overflows without overheating, it could indicate a head gasket problem.
Some shops use a chemical test or a gas analyzer to confirm the presence of exhaust gases in the coolant, which helps confirm a diagnosis.
Check Engine Light and Error Codes
Modern vehicles monitor engine performance closely, and a blown head gasket can trigger various warning lights. A misfire code, loss of power, or emissions-related error may show up as a check engine light.
While these codes don’t always confirm a blown head gasket on their own, they do offer useful information that can support further inspection.
What Causes a Head Gasket to Blow?
Head gaskets usually fail due to prolonged overheating, excessive pressure in the cooling system, or poor engine design. Lack of maintenance also increases the risk of failure.
Some engines are more prone to head gasket issues than others, especially older aluminum engines or those with known design flaws. Keeping your engine well-maintained and addressing cooling system problems early can extend the life of the gasket.
Rix Automotive – Head Gasket Repairs in Mason, OH
At Rix Automotive, we help drivers in Mason, OH, identify and resolve engine problems before they turn into major repairs. If your car is overheating, running rough, or showing signs of a head gasket failure, our technicians can perform a thorough inspection and offer an honest, effective solution. Catching it early can save your engine and your wallet.