Head gasket leak

The head gasket forms the seal between the engine block and cylinder head. If there is a leak, the compression chamber will not be sealed, allowing the fuel/air mixture to leak out and fluids such as coolant to leak in.

Table of Contents

• 1. Symptoms
  • 1.1 Exhaust Blows White Smoke
  • 1.2 Engine Not as Powerful
• 2. Causes
  • 2.1 Lose Cylinder Head
  • 2.2 Damaged Head Gasket

Symptoms

Exhaust Blows White Smoke

If the head gasket has a leak, coolant may leak into the combustion chamber and ignite with the fuel. This will produce a white smoke from the exhaust.

See burning coolant.

Engine Not as Powerful

If the engine is not as powerful, some of the fuel/air mixture may be escaping through the breached seal.

Causes

Lose Cylinder Head

A loose cylinder head will not form a tight seal with the engine block. There may be no damage to the head gasket itself.

Damaged Head Gasket

A blown head gasket may be the cause of the head gasket leak.