HOW TO TELL HEAD GASKET IS ACTUALLY BLOWN

How to tell head gasket is blown and what are the symptoms
Top5autorepairs
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[@headpainter1]

I took my radiator cap off and crank the motor. Each time the Piston went up a 3 to 4 ft spray of water came out the radiator neck. I would say blown head gasket. Great video.

[@kento6201]

I have this issue right now. Did you fix that issue by replacing the gasket?

[@kento6201]

The engine oil is fine, no white smokes or any smokes in the exhaust. But I regularly lose coolant new thermostat and radiator cap. I only have that issue that when cranking water burst up.

[@headpainter1]

@kento6201 yes. The head gasket can blow on any given location. It can mix coolant and oil, between 2 cylinders mixing compression or just blow compression out the atmosphere. Water and oil mix is a definite sign but not always the case. Do a compression check, then with engine cold, crank motor and coolant should remain in radiator without blowing out or bubbling constantly if headgasket is good.

[@headpainter1]

@kento6201 I did use a bottle of crc headgasket repair on a corolla with a small leak and it's held great for a year now. Just follow the instructions to a tee if you choose this route. You put it in radiator and warm up engine then shut it off. The cap holds pressure in cooling system and it'll push sealer into gasket failure. Let it cool, then repeat a few times. But let us know what compression check results you get on each cylinder first. Definitely the first step in the process.

[@headpainter1]

​@kento6201 if it's got good compression, problem could lie elsewhere. Don't just assume headgasket without readings. A lot of parts stores have loan a tool programs to keep from having to buy a bunch of stuff.

[@nataliesierra5745]

I have watched at least 10 vids and this is the MOST informative and understandable. Thank U!!

[@Top5AutoRepairs]

You're welcome!

[@teddyboy252]

On my 96 ford Windstar van the lower hose leaking what is that one called thank-you good show

[@thegoodinu]

It's called the lower radiator hose. One pumps coolant in. The other pumps coolant out. When the car is completely cold, take it off and replace it with one the same length but new. You may check if the hose clamps are good or not too.

[@altonlynch5464]

white smoke doesn't always mean a blown head gasket, water in your gas could cause the same thing, or old gas.

[@krazor8]

especially in texas... almost all gas has ethanol, except ethanol free, my camaro ss is straight piped so it constaly smokes under about 60F ambient, which is just water vapor

[@altonlynch5464]

@@krazor8 That is water compensation coming from exhaust pipe , white smoke can also mean you have a bad fuel injector, or dirty intake. or bad pcv valve.

[@Interestingstuff6909]

You have to take into account with this new technology in automobiles. it's not always simple to diagnose a blown head gasket.

[@RC-qf1et]

Headache. I have a FORD Econoline. It has an oil cooler. If the cooler leaks oil it will mix with the coolant and also create this problem. I solved it by by-passing the coolant lines and oil cooler, plugging them. Thanks for the video, helpful.

[@martinhawrylkiewicz2025]

Great vid! I have noticed an issue with my 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport today: very low heat when driving to work. I pulled over the gas station, popped the hood and noticed very low coolant level. I added some coolant up to the max line, drove home with normal heat... But when I got home I noticed the coolant reservoir was low again. There was no white smoke at the tail pipe, idling normally.. just not sure what is going on.

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

White smoke out from under my hood, the coolant reservoir was near empty but the oil is good and at level. I never checked the exhaust yet for white smoke and the temp gauge was shooting to near red.

[@anandapadmanabhanp.v3328]

Your radiator may be leaking.if you keep running your headgasket will blown

[@JESthree5734]

Oops, hand shook and i hit dislike, sorry

[@StevenLynch-w1j]

How to seal up s blown head gasket

[@hjkjccdggjhvb]

all my compression test good, but at the end i had a blown gasket leak cylinder two after two doing radiator pressure test ... so the pressure test is not always accurate

[@b1maxc135]

Coolant leak after car parked, and found coolant in the oil. Was told possible water pump failure on an infiniti. I just did not understand how it was possible. Found out water pump run by timing chain . Has 2 gaskets .It seem possible if chain side gasket fails coolant can mix with oil. Not sure about it. However will change water pump and chain tensioner and have car tested for head gasket leak.

[@thelonelyhunter942]

hello now i have a megane 2005 petrol 1600. and I did a test with coloring liquid. 2 different brands and it discolored twice, so you would say there were lots of mistakes. but now it comes. no white smoke. no flashover or problems with starting, not even frost. no coolant loss. no oil oil cap. no oil at dipstick or sludge. no problem with heating. no problem with engine temperature. The car drives, it still has a lot of power. so yes, what should I do with this, oh yes, not to forget. the 2 hoses at the radiator can be squeezed, so they do not inflate like a balloon. I think those tests pinpoint so many more things than just emissions

[@gotsu21]

Milky radiator cap may also be a faulty engine oil cooler.

[@crystalshaban8265]

How do you know the difference between and cracked head and a blown head gasket

[@esehavek1]

That’s easy. When you take the engine apart & get to where the head gasket is at, you’re going to see it right there lol

[@whysoserious6997]

Great video! I have a 2010 Toyota Tundra. What parts are needed when the head gasket is blown that Inhave to order?I was told by a local mechanic that the parts alone with cost him $1300. I’m just crossing my Ts and dotting my Is. I know he mentioned the timing chain, and something about new guides, etc. I just want to make sure everything on the up and up. Then he said $1500 labor.

[@Top5AutoRepairs]

Head gasket kit + new head bolts + timing chain kit is less than $400. Shop around online.

[@whysoserious6997]

@ wow. Trying to see why he would tell me it’s costing him $1400 for all the parts. Whew!

[@marouaneahdadouch7219]

You're awesome man, great explanation

[@johngomez5523]

I got the head gasket leaking on the back of my engine. Toyota corolla 2016, But barely leaking oil,a to the point it doesn't leave spots on the floor. The engine runs good.never over heated and doesn't make any smoke so I'm gonna change the head gasket but don't know if I should machine it.

[@upper510]

@Top 5 Auto Repairs What if none of the other factors mentioned are happening, but you're being told that a compression test showed no external coolant leakage and the engine is overheating... what should you do next?

[@Ghost_Panther_06]

Started with temperature issues so I changed the thermostat since i did the heater core in the summer. My coolant turns into chocolate milk and I thought maybe it was the radiator but been procrastinating to do it. Yesterday my car overheated and eventually was told my head gasket is blown. Smoke from the back or the motor.

[@SultanAlzahrani-c7z]

hi sir, how are you? This is sultan from Saudi Arabia. I need to ask you some question I have BMW N 63TU engine when I change the PCV and start the car after 15 minutes. I get message temperature high after that when they opened the cap oil I found like little milky, but there is no any smoking from the exhaust and no misfire messaging and the brush for cylinder. It’s 200 to 190. Did I accept this from PCV valve?

[@MALUMEMALUME-mn9tg]

What are symptoms of engine when needed to be retorqe?

[@hopeimright2026]

Why does my 1988 honda civic coolant start boiling and it overflows from tank ?

[@135-j]

Well, the exhaust always smoke with the blown head gasket or just on initial start up. I am looking at buying a Toyota Tacoma now a 2007 with a 2.7 L it hasn’t been ran in a few months and when I started it yesterday, it had a little white coming out exhaust but then quit

[@Top5AutoRepairs]

It always smoke since coolant leaks into the combustion chamber

[@135-j]

So a slight leak won’t cause smoke only on startup after sitting overnight and coolant leaking into a cylinder

[@steelcitycaprice.899]

I used to just depend on know fluid in the oil. 👍🏾😎

[@lionsofwar6851]

That's like stage 3 cancer

[@RehabeOfficial]

Good insight before I take my car to the shop!

[@w.d.gaster8872]

What is your suggestion on gasket repair fluids?

[@jayjaypowers8930]

K&W Fiberlock Head Gasket & Block Repair 32oz *AMAZING* Works great, I have used it multiple times and I have never been disappointed. The last time I used it I got a whole year plus sold it and it's still working. It's a little pricey 42+$ but worth it and if you're like me and don't have money to take your vehicle to a shop, it's way cheaper.

[@w.d.gaster8872]

@ are you serious? Thank you 🙏. I just needed to try one and worst case scenario I have to pay to get it replaced. The car doesn’t have any other problems other than it over heats.

[@andrearichardson831]

For pentastar v6 engine? It’s different bc there’s no way to open a radiator cap, everything is thru the antifreeze container

[@friendsclose-enemiescloser8551]

Appreciate your knowledge bro🤙

[@gergsbane]

Any other reason why you could get air into cooling system? I seem to get getting some air into the cooling system and there is an unknown small leak ( I suspect heater core is the location). Issue is limited heating in car. No issues with contamination in coolant or oil. No smoke out of tail pipe, no engine overheating ect. However, When I bleed the coolant heater works fine and coolant still had some bubbles even after bleeding for 20 minutes or so. Then when placing radiator cap and under pressure getting low amount of heat. smell coolant in car and getting film on windshield.

[@owenaquilina5001]

What is bad pcv?

[@jesseruiz2337]

Thanks for the video. Can the gas combustion going into the coolant cause over heating?

[@Top5AutoRepairs]

Yes, absolutely.

[@danny-xz1zh]

I have 2021 Hyundai Elantra 2.0 with 80k miles, white cloud smoke only under hard acceleration around 4000 rpm in second , white cloud smoke lasted 50 seconds . Need add 8 fl.oz. Coolant Every 10k miles , did radiator pressure tested to 15 psi that 10 minutes later it dropped to 13 psi and holding there . Is this head gasket

[@esmereldaflores3163]

My ford escape 2020 is blowing out white smoke when pressing on the gas I went to get it read at autozone and it only pulled up my canister purge valve which I replaced and it is still blowing out smoke could this be head the gasket?

[@mitsuoo1012]

Milky stuff can be from bad oil cooler is engine runs ok and no smoke

[@jp-us9rq]

i can smell the coolant not real strong its not using any and no drips pr smoke i dont waunt to get ripped off im not machanically inclined what can i do

[@fallenone6]

Can i still have a blown head gasket if my engine compression is fine?

[@HartlessAce]

Great information bro 👌🏾

[@mrmarcomotor]

Good info. Thank you Sir.

[@gikaradi8793]

arew those gasket seals any good ??

[@andymurray1294]

2001 Dodge Dakota 4.7 L. Coolant was 1 gallon low, checked oil and the cap was milky. No white smoke no misfiring. I tend to think the head gasket has a leak. What do you recommend. Resurface or replace the heads?

[@calebymaya420]

Your good as long as you don’t have bubbles on radiator

[@vincentrabbit8497]

Thanks.. I have a fiat 500 pop transmission dualogic I need help because it can't drive

[@percogz5742]

I have a 2012 dodge challenger 3.6 sxt I just swapped pcv valve, starter, oil pan/new oil my oil cap was milky but my dipstick wasn’t, grey smoke occasionally the last few rides but not the whole time the very last drive no smoke and it still won’t start

[@pnw.shenanigans]

Air bubbles keep coming up after 15 min… combustion leak ? Do I need to fix the head gasketv

[@trampingwithcosmo6848]

My Denali HD runs great but blows white smoke and holds pressure in the tank for days after running. Never has a misfire.

[@purrpocet]

Why does my steering making a cranking sound when I turn either side - with leakage of water under my car on the passenger side

[@pinkiebritt2074]

I have a 02 Buick century 3.1liter. There is silver gray sludge all around the radiator cap. No smoke at all. Engine running smooth. I just bought it a week ago and drove it two hours on the interstate home. The last 15 minutes of the drive the gage kept creeping up to three quarters of the way. I did a flush and gray sludge still there. Any suggestions

[@pinkiebritt2074]

Also oil is not milky.

[@lavictoire1960]

sounds like someone put radiator sealer in it

[@pinkiebritt2074]

@@lavictoire1960I’m just replacing the whole cooling system. You’re the second one who’s told me that. Thanks

[@mikeking9777]

2001 F150 4.6. White smoke on crank up. Cold or when it has been off for maybe 10 mins or longer. Does it half the time. Not always. Can go 2 or 3 days without smokin. Then it will occur again. Only last 3 or 4 seconds. Never in driving conditions. Only crank up.

[@upper510]

What if none of the other factors mentioned are happening, but you're being told that a compression test showed no external coolant leakage and the engine is overheating... what should you do next?

[@blk_jok3r89]

Thermostat

[@r3poman671]

Dude my car has had white smoke coming out the tail pipe since i got the vehicle but i never had misfires until i replaced the spark plugs

[@markp8277]

Pull spark plugs if one is very clean it’s basically being steam cleaned by leaking coolant !

[@roscodavis6731]

I have,a,dodge caliber and the oil is still the right colour but the radiator is pushing out the coolant fast when I crank the engin also the engin is not starting when I try to crank the engine but there is cranking

[@jacquelynserrato8125]

When my truck is running after a while the coolant reservoir starts over flowing …any idea what it can be ?

[@Top5AutoRepairs]

You might have a faulty radiator cap

[@jacquelynserrato8125]

@@Top5AutoRepairs your awesome thank you !

[@TuffHaeTuff]

I have a 17 Pacifica and my radiator leaked suddenly at the highway. Car overheated. Had to replace radiator and thermostat. Things have been ok since then. How can I test now?

[@olnappy]

I have no white smoke, no milky engine cap or oil, no milky transmission fluid, the only issue I have is higher operating temperatures than last year this same time. The temperature is even higher still after I replaced the 195 deg thermostat. The prior 195 deg t-stat was partially open when I removed it, but the engine temperature was always low with it in. (I replaced it because the engine started running hotter. The daily outdoor temps have been in the 100s.) Any advice?? Thank You

[@nobueno3514]

Sorry IDK either

[@kairu_aname]

You more than likely have an obstruction somewhere. High restriction with a cooling system like a motors, equals higher temps because less flow through the system a a whole. Are you losing coolant somewhere? Is it low, or lowering over time? You didn't mention anything relevant to diagnosing, is that because it's not lowering? It could be because of a number of things when it comes to just heat. If it's JUST heat, then there could be two things that cause that which AREN'T the cooling system. Number one, check the pcv valve.(potential to run weird) Number two, check to see if your exhaust is clogged(you didn't say it was running weird) If it ISN'T these two, it could very well be the cooling system is obstructed(even partially) somewhere. But I'm reluctant to give a definitive "this is it" because of how little information you have.

[@marknathanks7592]

Check your large cooling hoses going to and from radiator for being really soft, they can collapse due to water pump intake suction, hose too soft.

[@thegoodinu]

Are you sure the new thermostat is good?

[@nav021298]

These are indications that you might have a blown head gasket, the problem could be elsewhere, e.g. EGR Cooler

[@sarah-hn5iy]

Please elaborate my egr has been throwing code. Coolant seems yo be leaking from somewhere but passed the pressure test. Noticed fans weren't coming on tested with AC, bypassed by unplugging the Coolant temp sensor. Fan 3 relay was bad and replaced. Fans come on for AC but not on their own. Bought a new gasket for the thermostat.

[@kchilz32]

I have a 2000 ford f150 5.4l and I would have to add coolant at least twice a year. Could it be a bad head gasket or can a bad intake manifold cause similar issues? Thanks

[@CloutDonkey]

Intake manifold the gaskets in those year fords are very crappy id recommend replacing asap with felpro rubber do lower and upper gaskets

[@luisherrera-mi2fz]

O7 Saturn red line oil on my coolen plastic re?

[@RicGabrizaJun]

My coolant is out of control splashing out using funnel kit after when the engine is hot. Is that a sign of bad head gasket?

[@iang4817]

Bad water pump, bad thermostat, air block, blocked radiator

[@RicGabrizaJun]

@ the radiator is new and I already tried the thermostat with the hot water and it’s working properly.

[@aceblund3134]

3:20 what if i jus added coolant without bleeding? bc its never done that before.

[@dessy0523]

White smoke from exhaust when idling but not over heating, no visible coolant loss, no milky oil or any other symptoms. Is that a blown head gasket ?

[@Brad.W]

I got a 2014 Jeep Patriot latitude that is currently in the shop that was doing the exact same thing as yours with mine the only reason I knew the head gasket was blown is because it tested positive for exhaust gases in the coolant I didn't even have white smoke out the tailpipe nor was i losing any coolant. Overflow tank was sounding like it was boiling but my jeep wasn't overheating. They took the head off Friday and confirmed head gasket was completely blown around the number 3 cylinder.

[@dessy0523]

@@Brad.W thanks for sharing, what kind of test did you perform? Was it the block tester ?

[@Brad.W]

@@dessy0523 not sure what it was to be honest can't think of what it is called but it connected to the reservoir tank and they poured a blue liquid into it crank the car up and it turned yellow instantly because there were a ton of bubbles coming out of it when the car was cranked.

[@GUSftw]

what about oil leaking down the engine from between the block and head?

[@Top5AutoRepairs]

Head gasket is blown or the cylinder head or block is cracked

[@noyes7794]

In my radiator the cooling is bowling bout my enige temperatur gauge is Reading ok.The cooling fans are ok bout can't com on the engine temperatur sensor is ok im getting no false code no engine light it's a Nissan Almera 2000 modell. ??

[@BThehelpfuldad]

I’d love to speak with you about my Durango bro

[@Soldados23]

My coolant it’s doing bubbles but there’s no overheat??

[@christianpeters4057]

Pls advice my car coolant is drying up everyday and I had to refill it...and there is no white smoke coming out from the exhust pipe , bubbles in the radiator...does that mean my gasket is blown

[@RDC2054]

Water pump

[@Josh45263]

My car is overheating, I have air pockets , oil cap looks a little milky but looks like a little sludge, but there’s no white smoke coming out my tail pipe at all

[@Luui2x]

my car turns on wheneever it wants to but rn it wont and misfire.weird smell by left side of the engine.loud air sound like coming out

[@joshuaalob4246]

What about excessive white smoke for a few minute when it’s cold start?

[@Top5AutoRepairs]

Then you have bad valve stem seals

[@daryl_evans]

Thank you for the info

[@JasonLingerfelt]

I have a car it uses a little co when I run it but it doesn't lose the coolant until the car is turned off I go back later and some of the coolant. Is gone but no coolant in the oil and no white smoke.

[@JasonLingerfelt]

Does anyone know what is wrong

[@broduscrowell537]

Great information

[@eliasseda6543]

Thanks 🙏🏽

[@jasonward4716]

so my truck overheated and white smoke was pouring out of my tail pipe and when I was driving it it just shut off out of no where does that mean I have a blown head gasket

[@Top5AutoRepairs]

Unfortunately, the engine blew a gasket causing low compression.

[@jasonward4716]

@@Top5AutoRepairs so should I go to a mechanics or can I replace it myself because the mechanic out here is not good

[@Top5AutoRepairs]

If you're handy enough then it's possible you can replace it yourself. Use All Data for spec.

[@stalekristiansen2942]

Hi, i have an 2011 Subaru STi, and i have oil in my coolant resarvoir, but noe milky cap. I took a test with those coolant testers, and it went light green but not yellow….what does that mean? Can it be the head gasket or something else?

[@donovan6982]

Head gasket

[@stalekristiansen2942]

@@donovan6982Well, i delivered my Car to a Subaru mechanic and they said it wasnt the headgasket

[@stalekristiansen2942]

@@donovan6982 wrong, ive just checked it and it’s not the headgasket, it was just wrong reading, and the there was just little oil in the resarvoir, and that was because of faulty oil cooler

[@Samurai10.000]

White smoke like all the time you drive? Even when engine reached work temperature?

[@ag1639]

Yes

[@CardellIvie]

I put water in it goes straight 2 my motor what's wrong

[@erika92]

An employee from auto zone helped me put oil in my car and said I need new gaskets. How could he tell just by putting a quart of oil in my 2005 hyandai tucson gls v6?

[@diycast6914]

Maybe he said new OIL gaskets not head gaskets. But if he said "head gasket" then maybe he say a frothy/milky looking oil cap

[@genep.6008]

Do you have your own shop, and where are you located?

[@valerielander6883]

can you really repair a suspected blown gasket with kseal

[@trampingwithcosmo6848]

No. It’s a bandaid. It won’t last and can clog other parts in the system

[@JUSTGOE]

What if the engine starts normal the day after? I can drive for a few hours until the engine starts going limp and lose all power. Turn it off for 10 minutes, then back to normal

[@flipper9069]

Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@aw3157]

I dont have no consistent white smoke from exhaust no milky oil/coolant on dipstick passed compression test and passed block test had thermostat water pump tensioner pulley new belt ned radiator new coolant temperature sensor also no heat and only have a reservoir cap and seems to never loose coolant its always full past the fill line even the next morning after it sat all night 05 equinox

[@diycast6914]

You probably just need a new $10 radiator cap

[@shanayturner6104]

I have replaced the entire coolant system, including the coolant cap! And our 2017 dodge journey crossroad is still over heating! Please, someone help!! We don’t see anything milky anywhere! I just do not know what the problem can be! Please help!!!

[@sfcd4757]

Are you positive all the air is out? Air gets trapped in some cars and passeges which would cause overheating and very hard to get out. Or water pump fins are broken. Its frustrating for sure

[@KentuckyPoorboy64]

Great video!!!

[@davidpi2540]

I get it, thats why the coolant was gurgling out of the overflow bottle.

[@TheCooldude117]

I have oil in the coolant but no coolant in the oil

[@danielchitown9339]

Thank you

[@foshiki]

I am not sure if I have a blown head gasket but here's what's going on.... I have a misfire that only appears with a scanner, but there isn't a check engine light. There is a high idle at about 1500. The temperature gauge immediately goes to the mid point when I crank the car, then it immediately drops to 0. It never overheats when I drive or stop at a light. Coolant levels seems to be fine. My car is a 1994 Oldsmobile 88 Royale with 400k miles.on the original engine and transmission. Is my head gasket blown? Please help if you can?

[@longlivechina7538]

Your my hero

[@majordog85]

New subscriber here my brother! Thank you.

[@MOONSHADOW-jx2tw]

My truck blows white smoke @40 degrees outside temp

[@ebrahimi44]

Every car has white smoke in cold weather conditions.

[@dbenders1]

My 2014 nissan maxima put out no white smoke however the coolant in the reservoir was black and smelled of exhaust, hydrocarbon text was positive, bubbles from the radiator, a burst came from the radiator when open, coolant leakage somewhere.

[@TotodrivesspdTanker]

Thanks

[@KofiAsabereAnnoh]

Good guy

[@PrestigeWorldwide-XXII]

Handsome?

[@nicci206]

White smoke blew out my radiator neck when I took the cap off and started it.

[@chananon8120]

That's the obvious sign of a blown head gasket or block. If you have no milky oil yet you can save the engine with a new gasket. When you get milky oil in engine. You'll need to buy new engine

[@Joe-xj2tb]

Something else that will cause issues is if the previous owner started to take that b.s smog junk off and didnt finish thatll throw ya if ya dont know!

[@TruongTran-sb5nz]

Great info ..

[@altonlynch5464]

white smoke doesn't always mean a blown head gasket. A bad fuel injector will also cause white smoke.

[@SB37222]

What if it does none of that lol. ? But I’m still being told it’s a head gasket. A puff of white smoke maybe the size of a cigarette drag comes out of the tailpipe once a month if that. The car does not overheat. what do you say about the oil cooler or the water pump?

[@Top5AutoRepairs]

It's possible you might have bad valve stem seals

[@SB37222]

@@Top5AutoRepairs would that cause coolant to go into the engine oil Because three different mechanics that are pretty reputable without even looking at it or putting their money on the head gasket, even though that’s not what I’m seeing

[@SB37222]

@@Top5AutoRepairs I’m talking like a drag of a cigarette coming out of the tailpipe maybe once or twice a month if that Car idles a little rough sometimes and then other days it runs great The coolant gets sucked up. I use about a bottle every single week. But the car runs fine

[@NoName-zz8nl]

🤔 there is always white smoke coming out of everyone's car

[@dariuslewis9320]

When it cold outside yes