A blown head gasket is a failure of the seal between the cylinder head and the engine block. This can allow coolant to leak into the cylinders, which turns into steam and creates the white smoke. The loss of coolant can also cause the engine to overheat and eventually seize up, preventing it from starting.
Here are some additional symptoms of a blown head gasket:
- Loss of coolant
- Engine overheating
- Rough idling
- Loss of power
- Misfiring
- Oil contamination with coolant
- Coolant contamination with oil
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic to confirm whether the head gasket is blown and to have the necessary repairs made.
