We hate to say it here at Demore’s Automotive but a cracked head gasket is a serious engine problem. The head gasket is the seal above the cylinder block that traps the compression in the block so the engine can produce combustion. It also prevents the engine coolant and motor oil from leaking into the cylinder block. The following are signs that you have a blown head gasket in the engine.
Reduced Coolant Level
One of the first things that is going to happen is coolant will start to spray all over the engine through the crack in the head gasket. It will also start to flow into the cylinder block. Naturally, this means you do not have the coolant level circulating through the engine that you need. Rather, the engine is hemorrhaging coolant out of the blown head gasket.
Overheating Engine
Consequently, your engine is going to overheat fast every time that you try to drive your automobile. This is one reason why we suggest that you have your vehicle towed to our shop. This ensures that you don’t cause additional engine damage such as cracking the cylinder block or blowing the exhaust manifold gasket due to the excess heat.
White Exhaust Smoke
You are also going to see white exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe. This color is a sign that the engine is burning away coolant. In addition to what is going on behind you, you will notice white smoke coming out from underneath the hood in front of you. Your engine is getting way too hot quickly. Pull over and stop driving the automobile before you blow the radiator cap.
Scorching Coolant
Once you have pulled over and cut the engine, you will likely hear the coolant boiling in the radiator and the overflow reservoir. Do not attempt to check the coolant. It is scorching hot and could spray out of the radiator if you remove the cap. Simply call for a tow truck and have your automobile towed to our shop so we can check the head gasket after the engine has cooled.
Diluted Motor Oil
Finally, another reason why we keep stressing that you call for a tow is that the motor oil and coolant will mix as it leaks into the cylinder block. Consequently, this turns the motor oil milky white and dilutes it as it circulates through the engine. This will damage your engine further.
Call Demore’s Automotive in Palmer, MA, today so we can check the head gasket and replace it if necessary. Please note that this is an extensive repair.
