A leaking gasket is a real problem.If you don't want to take your car in for a head gasket replacement, you can try fixing it on your own with engine block seal.A small leak in a head gasket can be repaired with engine block sealer.If the damage to the head gasket is too serious, a professional will have to replace it.
Step 1: Check the oil cap.
Mayonnaise is a common symptom of a head gasket leaking.There is a film on the underside of the oil cap that resembles mayonnaise.A leaking head gasket is caused by a white, creamy build up on the underside of the oil filler cap.A lack of white build up does not mean the head gasket is not leaking.
Step 2: Look for smoke coming from the exhaust.
The air and fuel mixture is burned when a head gasket fails.The vehicle's exhaust will appear white or grey, instead of the normal dark shades, as a result of burning coolant.The exhaust will become white as the leak grows.
Step 3: Take the oil out and look for something.
Look for signs of coolant when you change your oil.There is a chance of a leak in the head gasket that will allow coolant to enter the oil of the vehicle.The oil is likely to have light swirls in it.The color of the coolant is usually green, orange or pink.
Step 4: Listen and feel for a failure.
A misfire in your vehicle will cause it to vibrate throughout the vehicle.The shudder in the RPMs may be related to the vibration.This may be caused by the failure of the cylinders to ignite.The check engine light will come on if you have a misfire.There are a number of issues that may cause the check engine light to come on.
Step 5: It's a good idea to use an OBD II scanner.
If the check engine light comes on in your vehicle, you can use an OBDII Code Scanner to check the error code in the engine's computer.The error code can give you an idea of what the problem is with the car.A bad head gasket may be the cause of the error code.Many auto parts stores will be able to check your codes for free.
Step 6: The temperature gauge can be used to watch the temperature.
The ability to regulate temperature is compromised by a bad head gasket.If the engine in your vehicle is running hotter than normal, that could be a symptom of a leaking head gasket.Pull over and shut the engine down if your vehicle is overheating.Damage to the engine and cylinder head can be caused by driving an overheating vehicle.
Step 7: Jack up the car.
To access the low point in the system, you will need to raise the vehicle to a height that will allow you to work beneath it.Lifting and pressing or turning the handle of a vehicle is possible if you jack up the vehicle by placing a jack beneath one of the designated jack points.Once the vehicle is jacked up, place jack stands beneath it to support the weight.Refer to the owner's manual if you don't know where to find the jack points.Don't work on a vehicle that is supported by a jack.
Step 8: The container should be placed beneath the radiator.
You need a container large enough to catch all of the fluids you drain from the vehicle twice over.If you don't have a large container, pour the system into a bucket that is large enough to hold it once and then seal it before draining it into the bucket a second time.The petcock should be placed on the end of the container.Refer to your vehicle's service manual to determine the coolant capacity you will need to keep.
Step 9: Take the petcock out of the fridge.
To open the petcock on the bottom of the radiator, use a wrench.Before closing the petcock, allow it to drain completely.It is bad for the environment to allow any of the coolant to leak from the container.The system will drain quicker if the cap is opened.
Step 10: The petcock needs to be closed and the radiator filled with water.
When the system is empty, use the same wrench to close the petcock.The only way to refill the system is to open the cap and pour the water in.If the cap is damaged or worn, you should buy a new one at your local auto parts store.If you can't locate the cap, you should check the service manual.
Step 11: The thermostat has to be disconnected.
The thermostat in your vehicle helps maintain operating temperature by opening to allow the coolant to pass through the radiator and be cooled by air flow when it becomes too hot.As you add the sealant, the thermostat should be disconnected to prevent it from engaging.The thermostat has a line leading to it.If you are unsure about the thermostat, check the service manual for your vehicle.
Step 12: Start the vehicle with the engine running.
If you refill the system with water, you can start the vehicle again and use the water to flush the rest of the coolant out.Allow the vehicle to run for a while.If the vehicle begins to warm up, turn it off immediately.
Step 13: To drain the water, open the petcock.
Once the water has an opportunity to run through the system, open the petcock and drain it into a container.Before closing the petcock, allow it to drain completely.The same process would be used to drain and flush your system.The first time you drained the system, the water will flush it out.During this step, connect the thermostat.
Step 14: The system should be filled with a water and coolant mix.
A mixture of water and coolant is needed to refill the system.The clerk at your local auto parts store can help you figure out which type of coolant is right for your vehicle.You can either buy pre-mixed water or mix it yourself.Give the coolant a minute to drain into the system, then add more until you reach the capacity.
Step 15: The head gasket must be applied.
The head gasket should be put into the open radiator cap.It's a good idea to read the instructions on the brand you bought for the type of head gasket you chose.You can put the seal into the cap with the water and water.
Step 16: For fifteen to twenty minutes, drive the car.
The head gasket needs to be reached through the coolant system.Allow the motor to run or drive for fifteen or twenty minutes to allow the seal to travel throughout the system.If the vehicle begins to heat up, immediately stop the engine.Allow the vehicle to sit for a few hours after fifteen to twenty minutes.
Step 17: The vehicle's head gasket needs to be looked at.
Use the same qualifications you used to determine that there was an issue in the first place to reexamine the head gasket leak in your vehicle.A head gasket seal can be a permanent solution in some situations, but it may not solve the problem in others.Keep an eye out for the symptoms of a leaking gasket after using a head gasket seal.Replacing the head gasket is the only permanent solution to a leaking gasket.