Head Gasket Leaks - Are By Far, Any Motorist’s Worst Nightmare

So, head gasket leaks, can cause a lot of problems with your vehicle.

Consequently, the biggest problem caused by head gasket leaks, is the loss of coolant.

Because, a low coolant level, can lead to your engine overheating. And, that can quickly cause even more damage.

And, if coolant is drawn, into the combustion chamber, that’s when head gasket leaks, are the worst.

So, burning engine coolant, can foul your spark plugs. Also, engine coolant in your cylinders, can cause rust and corrosion, to form on pistons and rings. As a result, causing, loss of engine compression. Furthermore, if a head gasket is leaking, coolant and oil may mix, causing damage to the engine’s bearings. Coolant and/or oil may also burn off, which can cause, overheating or lack of lubrication. But, not head gasket leaks.

What Are The Most Common Signs Of Leaks:

Coolant leaking externally, from below the exhaust manifold.
Misfire on startup, if accompanied by, a puff of white exhaust smoke.
White smoke, from the exhaust pipe.
Bubbles, in the radiator or coolant recovery tank.
Overheating engine.
Oil-contaminated, coolant forms a mayonnaise-like film.
Coolant-contaminated, oil takes on a white frothy consistency.
Fouled, spark plugs.
Low cooling system integrity.

So, an internal coolant leak doesn’t always mean, you have head gasket leaks. Similar leaks can also be caused, by hairline cracks in the cylinder head or engine block.

Regardless of what type of head gasket is used or how carefully it is installed. Some operating conditions, can cause even the best head gasket to fail. So, pre Ignition/detonation is probably, the most common cause, of head gasket failures today.

As a result, all of these factors can lead to, permanent damage of the metal parts in your engine. So, head gasket leaks, can be external or internal. Consequently, external, you can usually see the leak. However, internal leaks are bad, because, you don’t even know where to look.

Choose Your Help Topic Below

White Stuff, Under My Oil Filler Cap – What Is It ? Is It Bad ?

Blown Head Gasket – Head Gaskets May Fail In Several Different Ways

Cylinder Head Gasket Leaks – Know The Signs And Symptoms

Blown Head Gasket Symptoms – Learn About The 5 Common Symptoms

Head Gasket Leaks – Engine Overheating Is Often The First Sign Of Trouble

GM 6.6L Duramax Diesel – How To Choose The Correct Head Gasket

Head Bolts – Inspect And Never Reuse Torque To Yield (TTY) Head Bolts

GM 3100 – 3400 Engine – Issues With Head, Manifold Leaks, Rocker Bolts

Cylinder Head Cracking – Overheating Is The Most Common Cause

Cylinder Head Resurfacing – All About Getting The Correct Surface Finish

Oil Mixed With Coolant In The Cooling System – Cleaning Tips