Auto >> AutoSPT >  >> Auto Repair

What Causes a Blown Head Gasket?

What Causes a Blown Head Gasket?If you are asking what causes a blown head gasket it’s probably for one of two reasons; you found out you have a blown head gasket on your vehicle, or you have a vehicle known for getting blown head gaskets and want to try and avoid having one in the future.  This article will address both of those concerns, but first, we will talk a little bit about what a head gasket does and how it might fail.

Avoiding a blown head gasket isn’t an exact science because engines and head gasket are all designed differently and have different operating characteristics.  However, there are some practical things you can do to reduce your chances of a blown head gasket.  First, the most common cause of a blown head gasket is overheating.  If your engine is run hotter than it was designed to, things will expand further than intended causing both the breakdown of the gasket material and the metal in your engine to warp causing a blown head gasket.  Keeping your car from overheating is easy if you follow these simple steps to keep your cooling system operating properly.

There are other small ways to help avoid blown head gasket such as keeping an eye on supercharger or turbocharger boost levels if your car is so equipped.  High boost levels create excessive cylinder pressure and can easily cause a blown head gasket.  Similarly, prolonged engine operation at high RPM causes excessive heat which can lead to a blown head gasket as well.  Lastly, if your car has a manual transmission you may consider avoiding downshifting as downshifting and engine braking can lead to excessive stress on the head and may contribute to a blown head gasket

If you’ve already got a blown head gasket, you only have two choices.  Fix the problem, or try and sell your car for parts.  Driving with a blown head gasket isn’t an option as it won’t be long before your engine stops running altogether and leaves you stuck.  When it comes to fixing the head gasket in your vehicle it might be worth calling a few mechanics in your area and asking for an estimate on a head gasket replacement for your car.  In that estimate, it is important to check their labor rates as well as what type of gasket they will be using.  It’s also important to make sure they plan on checking your cylinder heads while they are off the engine to make sure they are in good condition and will make a good seal with the new head gasket when they are reinstalled.

Once you receive a few estimates from local mechanics you may be leaning towards selling your car for scrap metal rather than paying the high repair costs.  Before you give up on your car, check out BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer to repair your blown head gasket.  BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer will permanently seal your leaking head gasket giving your vehicle new life without the high repair bill.  BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer contains no particulates that can harm your engine and is safe and easy to use.

You can also find BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer at local auto parts stores like:

  • AutoZone
  • Advance Auto Parts
  • Bennett Auto Supply
  • CarQuest Auto Parts
  • NAPA Auto Parts
  • O’Reilly Auto Parts
  • Pep Boys
  • Fast Track
  • Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts Specialists
  • S&E Quick Lube Distributor
  • DYK Automotive
  • Fisher Auto Parts stores
  • Auto Plus Auto Parts stores
  • Hovis Auto & Truck Supply stores
  • Salvo Auto Parts
  • Advantage Auto Stores
  • Genuine Auto Parts stores
  • Bond Auto Parts stores
  • Tidewater Fleet Supply
  • Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts
  • Any Part Auto Parts
  • Consumer Auto Parts

Pictures Provided By:

blown_head_gasket.jpg – By Sergeyrzhov – Licensed by Getty Images – Original Link