As we all know, for a car to function correctly, it is necessary to have a harmonious combination of all parts. Therefore, when a component fails, it will affect the smooth operation of the vehicle.
So, how to fix a blown head gasket 2025? In particular, the corroded head gasket is the cause that it is difficult for us to improve them. Check the parts below for more details!
What Are Head Pads Used For?
The head gasket is the sealing element between the engine block and the cylinder head. It is exposed to both high and low-pressure levels. In operation, the gasket seals the combustible gases in the engine and retains all the coolant designed to cool the engine cylinders.
For the engine to work correctly, an air seal is indispensable. However, after several years, the head buffer can dry out, crack and fail. When that happens, the coolant will not be retained, and the fuel will not be able to move correctly.
From there, your engine will be at risk of facing overheating, significantly affecting the car’s performance.
So how do you know when the head gasket needs to be replaced? We can rely on some strange car behavior to identify problems related to gaskets. Or you can depend on the average life of the head pads.
Average Life Of A Head Gasket
The head gasket is at the junction between the cylinder head and the engine block. When the cylinder is in operation, the piston will pump up and down hundreds of times per minute with the help of lubricating oil.
At the same time, the engine is also home to the internal combustion system, and the spark will ignite fuel and air to move the pistons. Engine overheating can cause a fire if the head gasket is missing.
The head pad will bear 2 large forces at the same time when the car is operating. On one side is the high pressure, the other is the high temperature and vibration of the engine.
Therefore, the head gasket must have excellent heat resistance and resistance to chemical corrosion or tremendous pressure from the piston side.
With harsh operating environments, the average head gasket will have a service life of about 2 years. If you use your car a lot, the service life can be shortened.
The best way to protect your vehicle is to change the head gasket every time you perform maintenance. However, to replace the head gasket, you need to remove many outer parts to access the pad.
Here are 3 simple steps for you to effectively repair and replace blower head gaskets when problems occur.
How To Fix A Blown Head Gasket 2025
Step 1: Disassemble details
This is the most important and complicated step when it comes to head gasket repair. Because you will have to disassemble a lot of details. Memorizing the sequence of more information is a difficult task for the repairman.
- To start, you need to step on the car’s emergency brake to keep the vehicle in place. At the same time, you need to prepare the car manual to remember the location of each detail. If not available, you can use e-books on the internet.
- Next, you need to drain the engine oil and coolant, disconnect the battery power, and remove the fan cover. At this stage, you need to sort the screws carefully after disassembling them. Otherwise, you will have a hard time finding them after the head gasket replacement is complete.
- After removing the fan and ventilation compartment, you will remove the belt set around the pulley. For convenience, it is recommended that you take pictures of the pulleys and routing patterns for later reattachment of the belt.
- Finally, you need to remove the air conditioner compressor and unplug the car spark plug wire. It would help make sure the parts (spark plug wire, wire, hose, and throttle body) are free from fuel oil.
The task you need to do then is to remove all the bolts holding the valve cover and use the wrench to remove the spark plugs. You need to memorize the exact order of each bolt.
Step 2: Flexible use of tools to clean and replace damaged parts
After completing step 1, the head pad will appear above the top of the cylinder. You need to pull it out and check everything around the cylinder block. If you find any parts that are corroded or have cracks, you need to replace them immediately.
To replace the head gasket, you need to use a toothbrush to clean the cylinder heads and walls. Also, check the cylinder head and make sure it’s not warped. You can then insert the new head gasket.
Step 3: Reassemble the parts in reverse order
After you have checked and replaced the head gasket with a new one, you need to reassemble all the parts in their correct order.
In particular, you need to pay attention to the order of mounting the bolts and the amount of torque to be applied. Because if you twist the bolts too hard, the detail will likely crack or break.
Finally, you need to add oil and coolant to the engine. Usually, you should drain both the oil and the coolant before adding new oil. Because oil and coolant leaks can cause the head gasket to blow.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth fixing a blown head gasket?
The answer is yes. Because it is an important part that determines the performance of the vehicle. Depending on the age and actual condition of the head pads, you should consider replacing them. On average, after two years of use, you will need to carry out maintenance and replace the head gasket.
How much does it cost to repair a blown head gasket?
On average, the cost of a head gasket repair can run into thousands of dollars. It will cost you about 1000 to 2000 USD to repair.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the article will help you better understand how to fix a blown head gasket. With this job, you need to pay attention to remembering the exact order of details. Because if you install it wrong, you will cause your car a lot of trouble.
The best way to memorize them is to use your car’s owner’s manual.
Accordingly, you can refer to the “Chilton vs Hynes” to understand more about 2 versatile car manuals.
