![]() ![]() Oil-contaminated coolant forms a mayonnaise-like film, which you might find on the radiator cap or in the overflow reservoir.Coolant-contaminated oil takes on a frothy consistency it’s like finding a latte under your oil cap or in the valve covers. ![]() Discolored fluids are more subtle signs of a blown head gasket.Blue exhaust smoke could also indicate head gasket failure, but so could worn rings, valve stem seals or a faulty PCV system.Depending on the severity of the leak, you may see bubbles in the overflow tank, indicating that the cylinder is leaking into the cooling system. Overheating is one of the less-obvious signs of a blown head gasket.Misfire on startup, if accompanied by a puff of white exhaust, could indicate a leak from the cooling system into the cylinder.Cylinder compression and leakdown tests can localize the leak for scrutiny on disassembly. Cylinder misfire is another sign of head gasket failure, especially if the breach is between two cylinders on the same head.On disassembly, check for cracks and cylinder head warping. An external oil or coolant leak at the seam between the engine block and cylinder head is a sign that you have a head gasket failure or a cracked block.Here are eight of the most common indications that your head gasket has failed: The signs of a blown head gasket can be subtle. The head gasket prevents oil from entering the cylinders, between power strokes, and the coolant. It also drives hydraulic actuators, such as variable valve timing. The oil pump sends pressurized oil - up to 60 psi in most applications - throughout the engine to lubricate bearings, bushings, journals and timing chains. The head gasket prevents coolant from entering the cylinders between power strokes and when the engine is off, and the oil (when the engine is off).Įngine oil performs three important functions: lubrication, cooling and hydraulics. The head gasket prevents liquids and gases from escaping into adjacent cylinders and the surrounding oil and coolant galleries.Įngine coolant surrounds each cylinder in order to maintain a stable operating temperature it also needs to flow into the cylinder heads to cool the combustion chamber, valve and spark plugs. In order to keep that pressure in the combustion chamber, the head gasket needs to be robust and installed properly. Upon combustion, air and fuel can generate upward of 700 psi in gasoline engines and upward of 2,000 psi in diesel engines. The head gasket is mounted between the engine block - where the cylinders are - and the cylinder head - where the intake, exhaust and valves are - and performs several critical functions. ![]() Engine design keeps these liquids and gases from mixing so they can perform their specific functions. In addition to electrical sensors and actuators, today’s internal combustion engine relies on liquids and gases to function: air-and-fuel, engine coolant and engine oil. Knowing exactly how the head gasket works can help steer you in the right direction when it comes to making a successful diagnosis and repair. The signs of a blown head gasket aren’t always obvious. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |