What is a Blown Head Gasket and What Are the Symptoms?

[VanNevaeh]

Blown head gasket is caused by excessive engine load, where the high temperature and pressure inside the cylinder impact and erode the head gasket. Symptoms of a blown head gasket include: 1. The radiator may backflow with bubbles forming, leading to higher water temperature and white smoke from the exhaust; 2. The engine oil may emulsify and turn white, or partially enter the cylinder, resulting in blue smoke from the exhaust; 3. The vehicle may exhibit noticeably reduced engine power and acceleration performance, with severe cases causing knocking sounds from the cylinder. The cylinder head gasket, located between the cylinder head and cylinder block (also known as the cylinder bed), serves to fill microscopic gaps between the cylinder block and cylinder head, ensuring a tight seal at the joint surface. This maintains the sealing of the combustion chamber, preventing gas leakage from the cylinder and coolant leakage from the water jacket.