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This sort of failure typically is accompanied by a sound like an exhaust leak. This loss of compression results in a rough running engine and a notable reduction in engine power. If a failed head gasket allows compressed air/fuel to escape, the compression of that cylinder is reduced. If the car is driven while overheating, it can also result in the alloy cylinder head warping, or steam damaging the catalytic converter, adding significantly to the cost of repair. Once a head gasket has failed it can cause all manner of problems, including: 1) OverheatingĪn engine overheating one too many times (as a result of a clogged radiator, coolant leak, faulty fan, etc.) can cause head gasket failure but, conversely, a blown head gasket can also cause the engine to overheat. Hot exhaust gases can leak into the cooling system, or coolant can leak into the cylinders and be burned off as steam, either way, the end result is an overheating engine. Moreover, some engines are just designed with poor clamping force from the head bolts, or have heads prone to warping, and a reputation for failure. This issue is made worse on some motors that have an iron cylinder block and an aluminum head. Typically head gaskets fail when the cylinder head and the engine block expand at different rates as the engine is warming up, and the gasket can't seal the newly expanded gap. If that's happening, stop the engine right away. However, one of the clues to a blown head gasket is a sweet-smelling white cloud behind you. That's because a head gasket can fail seven slightly different ways, which we l ist here, all of which are potentially catastrophic for the engine. If you even think yours might be going, act now. A blown head gasket is definitely going to spoil your day.
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