Replacing a head gasket is a major repair job that can save an engine from catastrophic failure.
However, many car owners are left wondering what happens to their engine’s performance and longevity after such a repair.
What are the common issues, and how to deal with them? Let’s delve into engine life after head gasket replacement and solve your common concerns.
What Is The Engine Life After Head Gasket Replacement? Some Commons Problems
After a head gasket replace, your engine can run about 50,000 to 200,000 miles.
Still, there are some common problems such as overheating, misfire, broken parts, and other engine issues that can affect its lifespan.
Common Problems After Head Gasket Replacement
Overheating
Overheating is one of the most common problems after replacing the head gasket.
If you notice your car overheats while driving after head gasket replacement, the air may be trapped in the coolant system.
It can cause hot spots and prevent the coolant from circulating properly, resulting in the engine overheating.
Another possible reason is a faulty thermostat, which regulates coolant flow through the engine.
If the thermostat is stuck closed or not functioning properly, it can cause the car to overheat and stop working.
Moreover, if the gasket is not installed correctly, it can lead to gaps or air leaks that allow coolant to escape and cause overheating.
Warped Cylinder/Engine Block
If there is no evidence of a leak, it can be due to a warped cylinder head or engine block. When a head gasket is blown out, it creates a weak spot for other components.
Engine overheating can force the cylinder head and engine block to warp or become distorted due to extreme temperature changes.
Besides, once the cooling system is not functioning correctly, or there is a blockage in the cooling passages, it can trigger uneven cooling, resulting in distortion of the engine components.
Worn Timing Belt
During the headgasket replacement process, if the timing belt or its components are accidentally damaged or mishandled. It can result in premature wear or failure of the belt.
A frayed timing belt can also overheat or completely wreak havoc on the engine.
Some primary symptoms of a worn timing belt I noticed in my car include engine misfires, engine vibration, loss of power, engine noise, and difficulty starting.
Misfire
Misfires can occur after a head gasket replacement due to mismatched connectors.
If the connectors are not properly matched or installed correctly during the head gasket replacement process, it can end up with a misfire.
Some signs of a misfire are the intermittent flashing check engine light, acceleration problems, shaking or idle vibration, and decreased fuel efficiency.
Coolant Leaks
When replacing a head gasket, you have to remove the coolant hoses, water pump, and thermostat system.
As a result, the coolant can leak after the replacement because of the disconnection and reconnection of these components.
In addition, during replacement, the coolant oil will leak if the gasket is not properly sealed.
Oil Contamination
Once the head gasket fails to seal properly, engine fluids can mix with coolants, and you’ll notice signs of contamination.
And if the engine oil is reduced, it can leave increased friction and wear on the engine’s internal components. Over time, an entire engine failure is to be expected.
Oil contamination is also linked to poor engine performance. The contaminated oil can affect the engine’s ability to maintain proper temperatures.
Decreased Engine Performance
Decreased engine performance can stem from lingering problems from the faulty head gasket that was replaced.
If this problem is left unsolved, other engine components (pistons, cylinders, or valves) will be damaged.
When my car faced this issue, the engine experienced power loss, rough idling, and other performance issues.
Additionally, the check engine light turned on to indicate a problem with the engine’s performance.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
Incorrectly replacing gaskets on car can trigger improper engine timing and air/fuel mixture. It can result in poor combustion, which is followed by decreased fuel efficiency.
If the modern head gasket is not sealing the engine’s combustion chamber correctly, it can allow coolant or oil to leak into the chamber, affecting the combustion process.
This can also cause poor fuel efficiency, as the engine is not burning fuel efficiently.
What To Do After Replacing Head Gasket?
Remove Any Residue From The Block Surface
When the head gasket is removed, it can leave behind traces of the gasket material, affecting the sealing of the new gasket.
Moreover, any dirt or debris on the block surface can also impact the sealing of the gasket and cause leaks.
To remove any residue from the block surface, I usually use a scraper or wire brush to gently scrape or remove any remaining gasket material or debris.
Once the block surface is clean, inspect the cylinder head and gasket to ensure they are free of any defects or damage.
Replaced Parts If Necessary
You can replace the cylinder, engine block, or timing belt if you notice they are damaged.
First, you need to access and remove the damaged part, then install the new one. Remember to reassemble any other parts that you removed when replacing new parts.
After parts have been replaced, I always test the entire engine to ensure that it runs smoothly and that the head gasket repairs were successful.
You can visit the auto repair shop, service center, consult an experienced mechanic, or follow the instructions in the service manual. The head gasket repair cost may range from $1,600 to $ 2,000.
Use Recommended Oil
The type of oil the manufacturer recommends is designed to provide optimal lubrication and protection for your engine, which can ensure its longevity and performance.
The oil can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the driving conditions, and the climate in which it is used.
Thus, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for the best oil.
Use Enough Coolant And Oil
Check the engine coolant level and top it off to regulate engine temperature and prevent overheating. It’s best to use the coolant the car brand suggests.
Moreover, ensure the engine has the proper oil level for lubricating engine components and reducing friction and wear. Overfilling or underfilling the oil would damage the engine.
You should also monitor the engine for signs of head gasket leaks, such as coolant or oil leaks.
Monitor Engine Performance
After replacing the head gasket, you should monitor the engine for leaks, unusual noises, changes in fuel efficiency, and other performance issues.
I also check the oil pressure, exhaust color and odor, engine coolant temperature, and the check engine light. Doing so can help identify potential problems.
Solving problems promptly can prevent serious and permanent damage to the engine.
Regularly Do The Maintenance
By staying on top of regular maintenance, you can help prevent future engine problems and ensure your vehicle continues running well after a head gasket replacement.
It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, which may include additional tasks like timing belt replacement or valve adjustment.
Replacing A Head Gasket: How To Do?
How To Change Head Gasket?
- Step 1 – Remove the old head gasket: This may involve removing cylinder head bolts and other components attached to the head.
- Step 2 – Clean the engine block and head surfaces: Use a gasket scraper or wire brush to remove any residue from the engine block and head surfaces.
I use a cleaning solution to remove rust or debris. This will ensure that the new gasket has a tight seal.
- Step 3 – Install the new gasket: Place the new head gasket onto the engine block. Follow the vehicle manufacturers’ instructions for proper placement and orientation.
- Step 4 – Reinstall the head bolts’ torques and reassemble other components that were removed during the process.
How Long Does It Take To Replace Head Gasket?
On average, replacing a head gasket can take anywhere from 6 hours to a few days. However, in some cases, the job can take longer if other engine components need to be replaced or repaired.
For example, if your head gasket is totally blown, fixing it may take quite a long time.
On the other hand, if the problem is just coolant leaks or worn timing belts, it’ll take some hours to replace damaged parts and solve the problem.
FAQs
How Long Does A Head Gasket Last?
In general, the head gasket of most cars can last around 200,000 miles. However, several factors can contribute to a shorter life expectancy for a head gasket:
- Overheating of the engine
- Lack of proper maintenance
- Use of incorrect coolant or oil
- Mechanical failure of other engine components
- Due to design or manufacturing issues, vehicles may be more prone to head gasket failure.
Thus, if you suspect your vehicle may have a head gasket issue, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
Continuing to drive with a damaged head gasket can bring further engine damage and entail more expensive repairs down the line.
Which OBD2 Scanner Code Indicates A Blown Head Gasket?
P0300 code: hints at an engine misfire. It could be caused by a blown head gasket severely damaging the engine’s compression.
When a head gasket is blown to a significant extent, it can lead to a loss of compression, which can end up with a misfire.
P0171 code: indicates that the engine has an issue with the air-fuel combination. Specifically, it suggests that there is a lean condition on bank 1 of the engine, which means that there is more air than fuel in the combustion chamber.
This high level of oxygen shows that there is less fuel being burned than there should be, resulting in a lean condition.
P0172 code: there is too much fuel in the fuel/air mixture and not enough air. It can originate from a faulty oxygen sensor, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor, or a clogged fuel injector.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the engine life after head gasket replacement can vary depending on a variety of factors.
While a properly performed head gasket replacement can restore the engine’s performance and prevent further damage, other underlying problems may shorten its lifespan.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help extend the life of an engine beyond a car gasket replacement and keep it running smoothly for years to come.