{"id":16478,"date":"2019-05-08T15:42:30","date_gmt":"2019-05-08T14:42:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stage.kseal.com\/expert-advice\/engine-problems\/head-gasket\/blown-head-gasket-symptoms"},"modified":"2021-10-08T11:33:06","modified_gmt":"2021-10-08T10:33:06","slug":"blown-head-gasket-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/stage.kseal.com\/nz\/expert-advice\/engine-problems\/head-gasket\/blown-head-gasket-symptoms","title":{"rendered":"Tell-tale signs of a blown head gasket"},"content":{"rendered":"

Blowing your head gasket is a common problem for motorists \u2013 especially if you have an older car. If you\u2019re not careful this can result in damage to the engine and high head gasket repair costs<\/a>. You could even require a mechanic to replace the head gasket entirely, for no small cost.<\/p>\n

Luckily you can identify a number of common symptoms of a blown head gasket early on \u2013\u00a0 providing the opportunity to save yourself time, money and hassle.<\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of a blown head gasket?<\/h2>\n

Having trouble with your car, but not sure if your head gasket is the issue? You may want to look out for these common signs of a blown head gasket:<\/p>\n

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\"An
Radiator constantly needing to be topped up<\/strong> with water or coolant.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\"A
Increased engine running temperature<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\"An
Engine gauge showing maximum temperature after a few minutes<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\"White
Cloud of exhaust fumes<\/a> when idling, or white smoke<\/a>\u00a0coming from exhaust.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\"Underside
Coolant clearly leaking<\/strong>\u00a0onto the ground beneath the head gasket.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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\"An
Bubbles forming<\/strong> in the radiator and reservoir overflow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"An
Oil has a milky discoloration<\/strong> (here on an oil filler cap).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The final, most noticeable symptom is a big cloud of smoke pouring from the exhaust, and the engine gauge showing maximum temperature after a few minutes. Unfortunately, these symptoms often arrive when it is too late to sort the problem out.<\/p>\n

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\"An
A blown head gasket.
(Credit: Tony Harrison, Flickr<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why you shouldn\u2019t ignore blown head gasket symptoms<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not unusual to ignore these symptoms, as many drivers simply don\u2019t want to even think about the cost of potential repairs<\/a>. However, leave it too long and a blown head gasket<\/a> could cause major damage to your car.<\/p>\n

For example, changes in coolant temperate<\/a> and coolant leaks<\/a> could:<\/p>\n