Head Gasket Repair Fluid – What Type Of Product Should I Use?

Car owners need to know the function of head gasket repair fluid in their car when analyzing their engine health.knowing the head gasket function, importance of a head gasket, faulty head gasket symptoms, and the 15 best choices for head gasket repair fluid can help you keep your car in good working order.

Head Gasket Function 

The head gasket is a component that sits between the engine block and the cylinder heads within your car’s internal combustion engine. The purpose of the head gasket is to seal and block off the cylinder entrances. The sealing and head gasket repair fluid ensures maximum compression within the engine mechanism to avoid any excess coolant leakage, leading to overheating, potential fires, and lack of lubrication. 

Head Gasket Anatomy

The cylinder head sits above the cylinder block, helping form the closure on the top of the engine’s combustion chamber. The upper part of the engine is the cylinder head, while the lower part is commonly referred to as the engine block. 

The engine block is the lower part of the engine that houses all of the major components of the bottom of your car's motor. This is where combustion occurs in an internal combustion engine and houses important components like the crankshaft.

If the crankshaft, housing component, or head gasket fail within the engine, it can lead to irreversible engine failure. As you can see, using head gasket repair fluid is vital to your engine’s lifespan and longevity. 

What is a blown head gasket?

So, here comes our next question – what is the cause of a blown head gasket? The cause could be anything from a coolant leak to internal combustion components concerns. This means that the cause could range in severity from a minor fix to a serious replacement, increasing the overall repair cost. 

One of the most confusing aspects of a blown head gasket is the frequency of a blown head gasket resembling another problem in your vehicle. Since head gasket failure could be similar to other issues, drivers may not notice the head gasket leak symptoms before it is too late. 

Some examples of common symptoms of a head gasket failure are overheating caused by a blocked radiator, leading to increased engine damage the more you drive. In addition, the coolant in the oil is typically attributed to head gaskets but could be traced back to the intake gasket malfunctioning. 

Blown head gasket symptoms

There are a few key symptoms you can use to determine if your head gasket has become damaged. In this case, you need to use head gasket repair fluid. 

• External Head Gasket Leak

First, you may have an external head gasket leak. A head gasket leaking can cause coolant to flow for the intake or the exhaust manifold. As this will only happen once your engine is warmed up, you will notice the head gasket leak symptoms by examining the cooling passages or hoses near the head gasket.

• White Smoke

Second, if you notice white smoke coming from the tailpipe, you may be noticing one of the main head gasket leak symptoms. When the coolant flows into the combustion chamber too frequently, the coolant burns and evaporates with the combustion process. Drivers will notice this smoke differs from moisture you may notice during a cold start, as the smoke will continue even after the engine has been warmed up.

• Radiator Bubbles

Third, an internal head gasket leak symptom can be noticed by bubbles in the radiator. If the leak causes exhaust gases to leak into the coolant, the bubbles will move into the cooling system during the combustion process, leading to a blown head gasket.

• Overheating

Fourth, if you have a blown head gasket, your engine will overheat during long drives in tough conditions. This usually happens due to the lack of coolant in your engine, excess heat, and the inability of your car's radiator to cool the engine liquid. If the engine overheats, you will notice one of the main head gasket leak symptoms. 

• Coolant Leaks

Fifth, coolant leaking into your combustion chamber can move past piston rings and into the engine oil. Over time, oil and water will combine and cause the oil to change color and prevent any lubrication during overheating and engine movement. If your oil ineffectively lubricates your motor, it can cause the need for head gasket fluid.

• Faulty Spark Plug

Lastly, a broken spark plug or malfunctioning plug can cause tiny white deposits to be left on your spark plugs and engine electrodes. Using head gasket repair fluid can help repair the spark plugs.

Best Head Gasket Repair Fluid Choices

• BlueDevil 38386 Head Gasket Sealer

This first head gasket repair fluid is a low-end product that contains 32 ounces of engine and cooling sealant that can also be used as a radiator flush option. The product is one of the few sealant choices that does not use additional particles. When you use this head gasket repair fluid, it permanently fixed the leaking gas radiators, heating cores, freezer plugs, and saves money in the process.

• The positives of this head gasket repair fluid includes the multi-functionality, cheap costs, 95% success rate, and fix of head gasket problems.
• The negatives of this head gasket repair fluid is the limited functionality with only 4 and V6 cylinder engines. 

• Bar’s Leaks 24-Ounce Head Gasket Fix

With this head gasket repair fluid, this low-end product is a 25 ounce option that requires only 15 minutes of installation and downtime. In addition, this product requires no radiator flush, saving time and money.

• The positives of this head gasket repair fluid includes the money-back guarantee, only 30 minute fix time, easy to use, user friendly functionality, no need to drain the cooling system and antifreeze before applying, and effective product.
• The negatives include the ability to only fix small and tiny leakages when using this head gasket repair fluid.

• Permatex 80062 Gasket Sealant

This product uses a blend of resin and elastomers, working at a maximum temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit and a minimum of -65 degrees. Using a silicone-made adhesive, the dry solution helps to prevent any substance buildup or penetration of gasoline, kerosene, antifreeze, oil, and axle lube. 

• The positives of this head gasket repair fluid include the easy to apply nature, quick drying ability, impermeability of fluids and gases, working effectively in high temperatures, highly recommended by car owners, multiple functionality, and affordable nature.
• The negatives of choosing this type of head gasket repair fluid is the messiness while using this product.

• BlueDevil Pour-N-Go Sealer

The BlueDevil head gasket repair fluid you can pour into your radiator and use. This liquid works to get to the point of hte leak and forms a seal against the broken head gasket surface. 

• The positives of using this type of head gasket repair fluid is the road ready nature after just 2 hours, adding 5,000 miles to your travel distance, easy to use nature, and affordable price.
• The negatives of using this head gasket repair fluid is only working on small leakages, potential for engine failure after using, and a noisy head gasket.

• Steel Seal 8-cylinder engine Sealer

This head gasket repair fluid is the most expensive option, permanently fixing broken, blown, or cracked head gaskets, heater cores, and freeze plugs.

• The positives of using this head gasket repair fluid includes the lifetime guarantee, no paperwork needed for a money-back term, 8-cylinder engine ftalit, and potential for a refund.
• The negatives of this head gasket repair fluid is the high price and the incompatibility with antifreeze.

• Steel Seal Blown Head Gasket Fix Repair Sealant

This type of head gasket repair fluid works well for preventing premature cracked heads, gasket head leaks, freezer issues, and heater core concerns. 

• The positives of this head gasket repair fluid is the ability for trucks to hold water, easy to work with fast results, helps the engine run smoothly, less consumption of oil, less smoke, and easy efficiency when using due to the clear instructions.
• The negatives of this head gasket repair fluid is the expensive price and the lack of foolproof seal for some users. 

• K-Seal ST3501 Pour and Go Permanent Head gasket Seal

This head gasket repair fluid is one of the safest and easiest ways to seal cracks as a permanent method. Works well with coolant or antifreeze for enhanced compatibility and long-lasting results.

• Using this kind of head gasket repair fluid is great for those who want to stop and seal a leak permanently and obtain long-lasting results.
• The downsides of using this head gasket repair fluid is the inability to work on certain makes and models of vehicles, like the Nissan Altima, and the non-refundable policy if it does not work.

• Permatex 85224 The Right Stuff

This head gasket repair fluid is a permatex sealer to instantly seal leaks by using an elastomeric gasket.

• This type of head gasket repair fluid only requires one application to use effectively, resistant to solvent requires 2-4 hours to dry effectively, and fixes a leaking oil pan.
• The only downside of using this head gasket repair fluid is the ineffectiveness in some model cars, showing a lack of reliability for sme car owners.

• Permatex 34311 The Right Stuff Grey Gasket Maker

This head gasket repair fluid is for special use in important vehicles that have specific bolt patterns. This head gasket sealer uses a blowout resistant design to help fix any leaks instantly.

• The positives of this head gasket repair fluid is the reliability in fixing seals, perfect application in just 10-15 minutes, and exceptional results when using thermostats.
• The only downside of this head gasket repair fluid is the log0 quality and hard to use applicator.

• ATP AT-205 Re-Seal Stop Leaks

For all leakages on rubbers, gaskets, and other internal components, the ATP head gasket repair fluid is one of the most effective in sealing leaks permanently. Rejuvenating old seals, this type of fluid has no negative effects on internal bearings and components.

• The best parts about using this head gasket repair fluid is the permanent fix for a leak, resealing of the main seal, and long-lasting nature.
• The downsides of this head gasket repair fluid is the inability to work with certain model years, like the toyota sienna, and the failure to work on power steering and transmission system.s

• BlueDevil Radiator and Block Sealer

This Blue Devil block and sealer helps seal and repair leaks inside the engine and radiator. 

• The positives of this head gasket repair fluid is the effective and permanent fix, no negative side effects when used, useful in sealing furnaces, and helps you spend less money when using a diesel rv engine.
• The negatives of this head gasket repair fluid is the prevalence of sludge formation when using and lack of effectiveness on plastics.

• Prestone AS663 Head Gasket 

This powerful sealant works well on a variety of coolant, antifreeze, and engine types. 

• The positives of his head gasket repair fluid is the low price, sealing the leaks permanently, and easy to follow directions and easy applications for user efficiency.
• The negatives of this head gasket repair fluid is inconsistent with results.

• K-seal ST5501 Permanent Coolant Leak Repair

This pour and go sealer quickly seals leaks ages around the coolant. 

• The positives of this head gasket repair fluid is the lack of need to drain coolant or flush the liquid, proper mixing with antifreezes, and effective use on the cylinder head, radiator, or water pump.
• The negatives of this head gasket repair fluid is the inability to work on heater cores and the potential for overheating when using a water pump.

• K-Seal ST5516 Permanent Coolant Leak Repair

This head gasket repair fluid works well for a water pump casing, heater, freezer plugs, head gasket, and radiator. 

• The positives of this head gasket repair fluid is the low price, permanently sealing off the leakage, working well with a BMW 8 cylinder, and helps prevent exhaust manifold repair.
• The negatives is the low lifespan sealing action, potential to clog radiators, and lack of long-lasting results.

• Bar’s Leaks 1194 Radiator Stop Leak

This sealer seals off a leakage or helps you save money and time from going to a shop.

• The positives of this head gasket repair fluid is the ability to seal pinhole leaks and compatibility to work with major and minor leaks.
• The negatives of this head gasket repair fluid is the failure to work with specific kinds of antifreeze and cars.

The Bottom Line

Car owners need to know the function of their head gasket, the anatomy of this part, the best head gasket repair fluids to use for their vehicle, and symptoms of a blown head gasket!