Is it necessary to replace the cylinder head gasket if it has a slight coolant leak?
1 Answers
The engine cylinder head gasket must be replaced if it is leaking coolant. Long-term use of coolant can lead to an increase in its freezing point and a decrease in its boiling point. If this occurs, it can affect the normal operation of the engine. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly replace the coolant during routine vehicle use, and each time the coolant is replaced, the old coolant in the cooling system should be completely drained. Precautions for replacing coolant: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leaks or cracks in the pipes, with a particular focus on the five-way water pipe. The five-way pipe is named for its five connections to various parts of the vehicle. The coolant is distributed to different parts of the car after flowing through the five-way pipe to perform its function. If there is any leakage of coolant in this section, the water pipe should be replaced or the connections should be re-secured as needed. Method for replacing coolant: Drain the old coolant, then flush the liquid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the coolant reservoir, then continue to pour water into the reservoir so that it continuously flows through the engine cooling system. Start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. Initially, the water flowing out of the reservoir will have a faint pink color. Continue adding clean water until the water coming out is clear. Note: Do not forget to remove the heater hose and drain the water from the heater core. After draining for about an hour, add the new coolant through the radiator hose—this allows the coolant to flow quickly into the radiator. Then, add another container of coolant to the coolant reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. At this point, the coolant level will drop slightly as air is purged from the cooling system. Add more coolant until the level reaches the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
