The most popular question I get everyday involves a blown head gasket (or a perceived one) and alternatives to the costly replacement repair job.
First things first! Rule out EVERYTHING else before you jump to conclusion and blame the head gasket for your engine overheating and coolant loss.
I get so frustrated reading emails from readers that say “my mechanic says I need a new head gasket and it will cost $1200”. The $1200 price is probably correct, but NOT doing the proper testing for a head gasket failure and ruling out other items first is NOT correct.
So you have been told you “might” have a blown head gasket. Yep, I hear ya….let me guess, your mechanic “thinks” you might have a head gasket leak because he has already changed a ton of parts and still can’t figure out why the engine is overheating…so it MUST be the head gasket’s fault. Argggggg
In ANY overheating case, or coolant loss situation get a “cooling system pressure test FIRST” if your mechanic has not done that run….run fast and find a real mechanic. It would be like going to the doctor for chest pains and he says “you need a heart valve replacement” without even checking your blood pressure. Would you stand for that? Arggggg
OK, I want you to watch my overheating video FIRST, rule out what you can. When does it overheat is the best starting point, are you adding coolant regularly, does it have white smoke out the tailpipe, is the check engine light on, does it run bad, is there water in the engine oil? etc.
OK, now after you have watched the video above, and you still think you have an internal coolant leak and want to try my favorite head gasket sealer by K&W Block Seal then watch the video below for MY instructions.
Please leave your questions and comments below. I answer all of them. If you found this helpful please share on Facebook or Twitter and bookmark my site.
Blessings,
Austin C. Davis