Have your European automobile towed to Kinetech Motor Werkes if you suspect you’ve blown the head gasket. Continuing to operate the vehicle could damage the engine beyond repair. The head gasket forms a critical seal above the combustion chamber to keep automotive fluids out and compression in. Let’s talk about the damage caused by a blown head gasket below.
Instant Coolant Loss
When the head gasket blows (cracks), coolant immediately starts to leak into the combustion chamber. This not only affects the engine’s ability to produce combustion but also the level of coolant circulating through the engine. You will end up with little to no coolant in the engine and this will raise the European engine’s temperature well above the maximum threshold.
Overheating Engine
You will see the needle on the temperature gauge begin to rise into the red area right away. This is one reason why it is crucial that you avoid driving your European vehicle. Driving the engine when it is running too hot will not only increase the crack in the head gasket but can also crack the cylinder block, exhaust manifold, and exhaust manifold gasket.
Coolant That Boils
In fact, the engine in your European beauty can get so hot that any coolant that is left in the radiator and overflow reservoir will begin to boil. If you can hear boiling noises coming from the engine, pull over to a safe parking place right away and call for a tow truck. The boiling coolant will cause pressure to build up inside the radiator and this will blow the radiator cap.
White Exhaust Smoke
Another strange thing that can occur when the head gasket cracks is white exhaust smoke. As we mentioned above, the coolant will leak into the combustion chamber. Consequently, it is burned along with the fuel and air. Burning coolant creates white exhaust smoke. As an aside and for your information, burning oil creates blue smoke and fuel creates black smoke.
Milky-White Oil
Finally, the motor oil is also going to leak through the cracked head gasket and into the cylinder block. The coolant and motor oil will mix and this will leave your brown motor oil looking white and milky. When this happens, the diluted oil can circulate through the engine and cause serious damage. This is another reason why you should not drive your European vehicle.
Call Kinetech Motor Werkes in Indian Trail, NC, today if you think the head gasket in your European vehicle’s engine is cracked. We can replace it.
