Question 1

What is a Head Gasket?

Accepted Answer

The Head Gasket is the gasket (thin sheet of metal creating a perfect seal) that sits between the engine block and the cylinder head (the section of the engine which fits over the cylinders).

Question 2

What is a 'blown' Head Gasket?

Accepted Answer

A blown Head Gasket means that the seal between the cylinders and the other parts of the engine (most commonly the cooling system) has been broken. This can lead to rough running and, moer significantly, overheating, which can cause significant engine damage.

Question 3

What are blown Head Gasket symptoms?

Accepted Answer

If the car is overheating, running poorly, allowing exhaust gases into the radiator (which may cause a bubbling sound) or has a white 'mayonnaise-like' gunk on the underside of the oil filler cap, it is likely that the Head Gasket has blown.

Question 4

Will a Head Gasket 'sealer' work?

Accepted Answer

There are products on the market to seal a blown head gasket but we don't recommend them. They may provide a temporary fix but can block your cooling system, thus causing further damage.

Question 5

How much does Head Gasket repair cost?

Accepted Answer

The Head Gasket itself is a cheap part (usually under £50), but there is a lot of labour involved in dismantling, changing and reassembling. You can expect to pay a minimum of 350, rising depending on the complexity and layout of your car's engine.

Question 6

Can you drive with a blown head gasket?

Accepted Answer

If you must drive with a blown head gasket you technically can, however by no means does this mean you actually should. A blown head gasket can cause all sorts of problems especially an overheated engine and coolant mixing with oil which can seriously damage the engines components such as the camshaft and the bearings.

Question 7

How to know if my head gasket is blown

Accepted Answer

This is a diagnosis that may require some time. Indicators include 1) An oil or coolant leak at the seam between the engine block and the cylinder. 2) Cylinder misfire or misfire on start up accompanied by a puff of white exhaust smoke. 3) Over heating (can be rather subtle). 4) The mixing of coolant and oil which will present itself as a creamy milky texture.