Peerless Automotive would be happy to answer the titled question. You are right if you believe that a cracked head gasket is a serious engine problem. In fact, it takes rebuilding the engine partially to repair a cracked head gasket. Let’s talk more about this below.
What the Gasket Does
The reason why a blown head gasket causes numerous engine problems is that it forms the seal above the combustion chamber. Also called the cylinder block, it is crucial that this portion of the engine is sealed off from the rest of the engine. This keeps auto fluids out of the cylinders that should not be in there, such as coolant and motor oil. It also increases the compression build-up inside the combustion chamber. The more compression the better the combustion.
How the Gasket Cracks
The head gasket cracks if it gets too hot. This being said, it is designed to deal with a tremendous amount of heat because the combustion chamber is extremely hot. As such, any additional heat can overstress the head gasket and cause it to crack. Usually, the additional heat is caused by an overheating engine. This is one reason why it is important that you never drive your automobile when the engine is running too hot. You could crack the head gasket.
Signs the Gasket Cracked
Let’s talk about the signs that you have blown the head gasket in your engine. One of the first things that is going to happen is the engine is going to get even hotter. This is because the coolant will flow out of the engine through the crack in the head gasket. This leaves the engine coolant-starved and unable to control its own temperature.
In addition to this, when the head gasket blows, the heat that is trapped in the combustion chamber is released into the engine. This, too, will cause the temperature gauge needle to rise on the dashboard. In fact, you may start to hear the coolant oil in the engine because the temperature is extreme. You should stop driving your automobile immediately to avoid further engine damage.
Another sign that the head gasket is cracked is excess exhaust from the tailpipe. When the coolant flows out of the engine, it flows into the cylinder block. This burns the coolant along with the fuel and air. The burnt coolant will produce white exhaust. It will also mix with the motor oil, which creates a toxic solution that circulates through your engine.
Do not worry. Peerless Automotive in Olathe, KS, can help. Call us today to set up a service visit so we can talk with you about replacing the head gasket.