Diagnosing a Bad Head Gasket: How to Spot the Telltale Signs So You're Not Ripped Off.
Diagnosing a Bad Head Gasket: How to Spot the Telltale Signs.
If you suspect your car may have a bad head gasket, it's important to diagnose the blown head gasket before it causes more serious damage to your engine. In this video, I'll show you how to spot the telltale signs of a failing head gasket, including low engine compression, overheating, coolant loss, and more. I will also show you the different things a head gasket seals. In addition to that I will also show you why a bad head gasket has the symptoms that it has. Finally, I'll walk you through the basic diagnostic process, so you can determine if in fact, you do have a blown head gasket or not.
Tools used in this video:
Cooling System Pressure Tester: amzn.to/3zjrWpA
Combustion Gas Leak Test Kit: amzn.to/3JUX186
WiFi Borescope: amzn.to/3lS3QiF
Compression Tester: amzn.to/40pVa27
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00:00 Intro
00:04 Why you need to understand the symptoms of a bad head gasket.
00:42 What this video is going to cover.
1:22 Engine Teardown
1:57 What does a head gasket seal?
4:21 Symptom #1: Coolant and Oil Mixing
7:07 Symptom#2: White Smoke, Bubbling Coolant, Misfires, & Overheating
10:12 Symptom #3: External Leaks
10:51 Pressure testing the cooling system
12:08 Where my head gasket was leaking from.
13:05 Checking for coolant leaks into cylinders
14:36 Compression testing
15:00 Combustion gas leak testing
15:47 What my bad head gasket looked like.
16:34 How long can you drive with a blown head gasket?
19:22 Outro
#headgasket #autorepair #diy
Disclaimer:
The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user Repair Geek makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness or safety of the contents of this video. In no way should the contents of the video, including the tools used, be repeated or tried by anyone. Viewers should only seek the help of a trained professional located at a licensed auto repair shop for any fix, modification, alteration, or any change to their vehicle. Repair Geek shall not be liable for any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property that may result from use of the tools, equipment, or any content contained in this video. In addition, there is no way to guarantee that the video is not altered or modified or is not in the final form submitted by Repair Geek and therefore, Repair Geek does not warrant that the video is unaltered or not modified. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Viewers understand that anything contained in this video or linked to or from this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and in no way provides an express or implied warranty as to the safety or effectiveness of any linked tool, product, or video. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge Repair Geek or anyone affiliated with Repair Geek, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Tools used in this video: Cooling System Pressure Tester: amzn.to/3zjrWpA Combustion Gas Leak Test Kit: amzn.to/3JUX186 WiFi Borescope: amzn.to/3lS3QiF Compression Tester: amzn.to/40pVa27 My Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/repairgeek Help support the channel, buy using my Amazon links As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and your cost is exactly the same.
I have a 2010 Toyota Yaris 1.5 engine, my question is I have overheating problems, and bubbling when cold through the radiator cap opening, but I do not have milky oil, nor white smoke out the exhaust pipe,so based on just the bubbling on a cold start, what part of the head gasket do I have the problem with that is causing the overheating? my cylinder compression test is #1 190 lbs #2 189 lbs #3 190 lbs # 4 220 lbs as we speak.
What will take to get my truck on the road what can I put to fix my blows head gasket
I need to know what product I can use to take care of the problem so I use
Fantastic video. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. I have just replaced the radiator in my Camry. There was no coolant left in the reservoir and I had to add two liters in the engine. I caught it just in time. Yours is the best video ever. Regards from Sydney Australia.
*so i am on my third blown head gasket and this is within two months since the last fix and i babied the car(never pushed it or went over 120kph(80mph) with the car so what might be the reason it continuously blows as this is verrry frustrating right now*
I'm a little over middle age and can't believe how someone so young, can be so articulate. Your knowledge and delivery on problems are so professional. You really are a breath of fresh air on KZhead. Cheers Steve.
Honestly, I almost skipped the video when I saw a young guy and a Honda. Glad I didn't. I'm impressed. I seldom subscribe to anything. This guy gets one.
It's called having a passion
@@SummerEazelivin Having passion does not mean one can magically speak well.
Totally concur!
*so i am on my third blown head gasket and this is within two months since the last fix and i babied the car(never pushed it or went over 120kph(80mph) with the car so what might be the reason it continuously blows as this is verrry frustrating right now*
Unbelievable how easy it is to understand the diagnosis of whatever the problem may be going on. So glad I came across this.
That was the most informative upper cylinder diagnosis Ive ever seen.
Thanks! That was the idea. So many people make videos saying coolant is mixing with the oil, so the head gasket is bad. Nobody ever explains why.
@@RepairGeekwould you happen to know how deep are the cooling jackets? Also, can a coolant leak from the head gasket cause the engine to get hot?
I was literally about to say exactly that. I know stuff but the details n this video I've never actually heard anyone say before. I actually learned something 2day 🤔. SUBSCRIBED.
Great teaching @repairgeek. Very clear explanation and good video... I'm saving it in my playlist for sharing lol
Rule of thumb is, the longer you wait to fix a problem the worse it gets. So you should stop immediately upon discovering a problem with your car. It can mean the difference between replacing the gasket or replacing the vehicle altogether. Excellent video.
or trying different things to sort the problem until you eventually and very expensively replace the whole vehicle ....these issues never givingly present themselves
@@vincemarshall8550why are you guys replacing a vehicle because the engines bad? Just drop a new motor in lol
@@TM-fx5le not a nice job in a transit mate but i get your point
This comment is underrated
Don’t all these problems practically make the car totaled in terms of cost to repair. Requiring extensive labor. Like what’s the average cost to replace a head gasket with labor. $5k+… especially today’s rates. What’s the cost for a used engine + labor…
Good technician who methodically covers the range of scenarios involved with head gasket issues.
Sir, I have watched so many videos trying to get a full understanding of how to diagnose a problem with my combustion. This was by far the most thorough and succinct I’ve found. Thank you thank you.
I have watched dozens of videos about blown head gasket related and, by far, this is the best ever I watched. Congratulations.
Man o man if you are not a professor I don't know what you are!!!!! Explanation on point. I'm a rookie lube tech on my way to wrenching, and this was absolutely gold. Thank you.
Excellent teaching! Thank you for being so detailed and covering the essentials in terms a novice could understand. Keep videos like this coming. Thank you!
Tremendous tutorial ! The amount of information , and specificity , and video shots , and simple to understand terminology ; has , without any doubt , whatsoever , made the greatest impact on my learning this particular topic . Thanks mate !! 👊🏼
Beautiful and coherent articulation of what the head gasket's role is, and moreover, why you are leaving your engine to certain demise if not repaired in a timely manner.
Easily one of the best explanations on the types and causes of various head gasket failure modes. Excellent approach using the removed head for the explanation.
Gone through many related content but this was the best, answered almost every question in mind!❤
I am much less car stupid now . No need to ask questions because you answered them before I had the chance. Great video man for real...much thanks
I'm not sure how much practice you do, but it's working. Kudos 👍
Of all the videos I've watched on head gasket failure, this video does great job of explaining this problem. Thanks for this great video
Thanks I think this video was on point and it explained all the symptoms' and diagnoses. I live in the Bahamas and is very much appreciative of all the equipment you use to diagnose this problem. I will continue to follow you for more mechanical videos .. Again Thanks
Excellent, thorough description. I really appreciated the distinction made between the higher pressure oil passage ways, but the fact that the coolant system stays under pressure (albeit lower) after the motor is shut off. Great points, and helpful in diagnosing different symptoms. I've done motor swaps and head gasket replacements on several motors and still learned something. Well done.
This has been incredibly informative to me my head gasket just blew and this video helped me diagnose what exactly happened
Outstanding and informative overview of the whole diagnostic!! Smart guy. Very smart indeed
This is an excellent video. You tell the "whats", "whys", & "hows". I learned so much. Thank you!
Excellent indepth analysis. This video couldnt be better. Thanks for sharing
THE BEST EVER COMPLETE BREAK DOWN!!! Thank you!
excellent explanation . The one thing i do is pressurize the cylinder with air and watch the cooling system for bubbles , like you said but without running the engine. Ive used this technique several times on Hondas and it worked for me
Hands down the best vid ive seen on head gasket issue explanation.Thank u very much for taking the time to make this.
By far the best video on KZhead about this topic! congrats!
Very intelligent dude and great at explaining things. Videos are very informative. Thanks
Very methodically detailed video on this topic. My tacoma has bubbles in the radiator.
Great video! Thank you for breaking things down, and explaining things.
Thank you so much! You are an awesome instructor/teacher!!!! Even I halfway I understood how it all is working together as a wh.❤
Very detailed explanation! Probably the best video I’ve found. Subscribed.
Very Nice! Your delivery on this topic was top knotch and right On Point! Keep those videos a coming. I am sharing this... Thank you...
Dude this is the best breakdown and Informative video I’ve ever seen on KZhead. Amazing job and I learned Alot! Thank you!
I drove a Nissan with a bad head gasket for 2 months and 300 miles , I just kept extra coolant and oil in my truck to top it off, but it got annoying and after 2 months I was able to save some money to put as down payment on a newer , better car, drive safe and God bless ❤
2 months of driving with a bad head gasket will damage your engine badly enough that you shouldn't feel okay with selling it, except to a dealer or scrap yard. It's quite simple for a mechanic to change the gasket, if you find yourself in this situation and can't afford the repair you should probably consider selling it there and then. The mechanic, or some car enthusiast can repair the engine and you can use the funds to buy a cheaper car. It's a tough call to make since we're usually reliant on our cars to get to work, but the car's worth a lot more money with a working engine that has a bad gasket than it is once the engine itself is damaged. The gaskets themselves are usually $100 or less, it's the labour to install them which is expensive. Compared to a new engine which may cost thousands, and has an even higher labour cost you're really incentivised to act quickly once you discover a bad gasket.
Such a great educational video, deserves more views.
Great video! This has always been a fear of mine.... I have an 04 Accord. I know this day is coming. Thanks for doing a great video.
Yeah initially I thought my car had a Leaking radiator but the bubbling radiator (radiator cap removed and engine on idle) combined with misfire in cylinder 1 in the cold morning confirmed what the issue was. Thanks for the details 😊.
This was a first class tutorial. Excellent!
Great explanation mine I did it 3 times and I finally found it it was a cracked head deep in the oil gally so I got a new head and problem solved...the main problem was oil in the coolant like you said the oil has more pressure then the coolant so it was blowing into the coolant. I had no coolant in the oil.
You are an awesome teacher! Thank you for this video.
absolutely the g.o.a.t explanation about blown head gaskets.
Amazing video. Thanks for saving me so much headache and money on diagnosis
Absolutely brilliant tutorial 👌
Amazing f**** video. Best, most detailed informational video I’ve yet to see online on this topic. Covered all the basis and made it easy to understand. Really needed the help figuring out my 636 leaky gasket issue & this def did it for me. Excellent job, much appreciated.
Explained very well. Great detail!
You are a star. This information helped me a lot.
Awesome tutorial, another one I learned over the years is after the engine reaches operating temperature, one shouldn't have water dripping out the exhaust , that is a sign of coolant leaking at the head.
A very informative and explained technically and logically. Thanks
This guy is very professional and well trained
I’ve been looking at hella head gasket vids this guy explained it best
Great job man You know your stuff, finally someone who tells these people why and how,
Appreciate your knowledge and clarity. Thank you
This was the best “Explanation Video” I’ve watched
very well explained. Thanks man your a wealth of knowledge for sure.
I just subscribed, Thanks for sharing this information. I have bad head gasket on my s10 . You helped to confirm that.👍
Excellent video. Thank you for helping me better understand this issue. 🙏🏼
Best class on blown head gaskets
Great explanation!!! Thanks for making video.
Great Video! Thank you for posting this!
Excellent demonstration
Excellent explained
From an engine reconditioners view those alloy blocks with the open style water jackets around the cyls are a poor design and will always have headgasket problems the tops of the blocks go all over the place with constant heating and cooling. When you run the miller over them they have low spots everywhere.
My God what an excellent video! So competent and informative
Hi all. Thank you for the lesson. All the best for All of you.
This seriously the best video on diagnosing!
Great video breakdown bro
Great video. You got a new subscriber pal 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
well done very Educational. cant wait for your next video
That's a perfect explanation, thank you very much
Bro well explained I appreciate it and so many ways you don't even know thank you for being so thorough and explaining everything to a "T" 💪😎👍
I live in Stark County and work in Cuyahoga Falls. I also have a 2001 mustang gt in mineral gray. I really liked your series on the mustang and getting it ready for your trip. Hopefully we cross paths once the weather breaks and can swap mustang stories 👍
Great info. Thanks buddy.
Great job on the walkthrough!
Hey mate got a question if you have the time. Have a holden cruze 2011 petrol turbo. All 4 cylinders have coolant in them. No white smoke or overheating shown on the dash but the way we found it was the resvoir burst so must of been overheating to do so and built up pressure. Took spark plugs out turned over and coolant came out all cylinders. Without taking the head off what would be your best guess ? Gasket or head cracked between coolant jacket and cylinders or potentially something else ? No oil and coolant mixture signs.
Wow!!! This is awesome!!! Not sure I’m ready to be a mechanic. Yeah but I can now ask some questions!!!
Very good video in detail !!!
I wish I had more free time in my life to watch all your videos
Perfectly explained, thanks
Great educational explanation
Very well articulated
Excellent video thanks. There's another possible scenario which wouldn't happen on your Honda but it seems to be happening on a friend's M-B with the OM601 2 litre diesel. Oil is coming out the exhaust, without affecting the coolant. I haven't actually got the head off yet but there's a place on the head gasket which could lead directly from the oil supply to the cylinder. Symptoms are white smoke, rough idling and eventually oil spray from the exhaust.
Very well explained and videod, self explained diagnosis.
Great explanation. 👏
Excellent content. Thank you.
You are very informative!
Great Explanation ,, now i know what is a gasket and what are the issue associated.
I have low compression on side by side cylinders. But not exchange of coolant and oil in engine or radiator. Car is basically running on two cylinders out of 4. Before it gets worse I'm gonna put it in the shop and replace the head gasket. Hopefully it's the only issue. Thanks for your vlog.
Excellent information shared thank you brother
Fantastic Video.. Great explanation. Glad i found your video. if there is a leak between coolant to oil NOT (ENGINE combustion gas to coolant) then are you saying that tool used to chekc exhaust gas in ccoolant will not work ?..
Loody brilliant very informative 👍👍👍
An amazing video - liked and subscriber 💯
Excellent tutorials
Excellent video !
awesome video, thanks for sharing what you know
Learned so much thank you
Thanks for a great video. I have Nissan frontier 2008, the mechanic also told me that I may have a bad head gasket (just a guess). The car still runs and I do not have overheat during running. When I stop the car for about 15-20 minutes, I get an overheating. I also have a bubble from radiator. So, is it 90% that I have a bad head gasket? Thank you.
Very informative and useful❤
great video taught me a few things. thanks!
Great explanation