The head gasket serves a crucial role in the combustion process of an engine. When the head gasket goes, an expensive repair bill can usually be expected. However a failed head gasket doesn’t necessarily mean the end for your vehicle.
Explore our Q&As to gain a deeper understanding of this vital engine component and how you can potentially prevent future issues.
What exactly is a head gasket, and what function does it perform?
The head gasket's role involves sealing oil passages between the cylinder head and block, facilitating the unrestricted circulation of oil throughout the engine. Similarly, it seals water passages, enabling coolant to flow efficiently to where it's needed.
Positioned between the cylinder head and the block, the head gasket bears significant stress as, unlike other gaskets, it must simultaneously seal oil, coolant, and compression from the cylinders.
What can go wrong with a head gasket?
It isn’t always easy to immediately identify problems with the head gasket because of its hard-to-reach location. However, the most common problems are holes or a blown head gasket. When this happens, the engine is likely to overheat.
What causes a faulty head gasket?
Wear and tear is a primary factor contributing to head gasket malfunctions, but incorrect installation or a faulty part can cause problems over time, too. If you notice a problem that could indicate a faulty head gasket, your mechanic may well check that the head bolts are properly tightened.
Is it expensive to fix a head gasket?
The cost of any vehicle repair will depend on a range of factors, from availability and cost of parts to the amount of labour required to complete the repair (this will often be determined by how easy it is to access the parts in question), and the extent of the damage that has been done. It is reasonable to expect that repairs for a damaged head gasket will cost around £500 – £1,000, but this could be more if the problem is ignored and the resulting engine overheating leads to more damage.
What about head gasket sealer?
A quick fix is the use of head gasket sealer, a liquid that finds and fills cracks in the gasket. Once sealed, the heat of the engine will strengthen the sealer, making the fix more robust. However, this tends to be a short-term fix; if your mechanic has used a sealer, make sure that you book your vehicle in for the full repair if recommended.
Can I drive with a blown head gasket?
Although it is technically feasible to drive with a blown head gasket, it is strongly recommended that you get it checked out by your local garage as soon as possible as the longer you leave it, the more damage you are likely to subject your engine to. You may not be able to afford the repairs, but it will probably cost you in the long run if you don’t get things fixed as soon as possible.