How to Use Head Gasket Sealer
The head gasket is a pivotal part of your car’s engine. Located between the head and engine block, the head gasket protects your engine’s internal combustion process. Head gaskets stop leaks in your engine, help to preserve its power, and aid in compression. But, like any other car part, head gaskets can fail, and spectacularly. For this reason, investing in a head gasket sealer is important. Pricing for these sealers can vary between $14.50 and almost $70.00.
Head gasket sealers are essential for ensuring your engine's health. Read on if you're experiencing engine issues and wondering how to use a head gasket sealer.
What is Head Gasket Sealer?
A blown head gasket can be a pricy repair, and a head gasket sealer can help you avoid an expensive replacement. This product can help hold a blown head gasket in place and seal a head gasket to prevent leaks. The product starts as a liquid but the heat in the engine’s area helps it to harden over gaps.
Can Head Gasket Sealer Fix a Blown Head Gasket?
Have you ever asked yourself, “Do head gasket sealers work?” Well, they can. Depending on the type of damage, a head gasket sealer can help fix a blown head gasket. If it’s resulted in a small leak, it may permanently take care of the problem. However, if the damage is a bit more advanced, a head gasket sealer may only be a temporary solution for fixing your head gasket.
For this reason, it’s important to inspect your head gasket if you see any signs of engine trouble. Understanding the problem will help you know if using a head gasket sealer is the right solution or if you need to have a professional mechanic look at the problem.
When Should I use a Head Gasket Sealer?
There are ways to tell if your head gasket is damaged, and you need to invest in a sealer. Here are some things you should look out for:
- Engine misfiring – If you feel a jerking motion when accelerating your car, you may have an engine misfire. This is a result of your engine’s cylinder not firing, which causes a combustion reaction not to happen. If this becomes frequent, you may have a blown or leaking head gasket.
- White smoke from your exhaust – A leaking head gasket can lead to your coolant burning, resulting in white smoke from your car’s exhaust.
- Cooling system issues -If you notice bubbles in the cooling system or your coolant has evaporated without seeing a leak, you may also be witnessing a blown head gasket problem.
- Car is overheating – If the temperature warning light is illuminated on your dashboard or the hood of your car is hot to the touch, then your vehicle is likely overheating, which could be due to a head gasket issue.
While the above instances can point to other issues, it’s worth checking the head gasket if they’re happening. If it’s damaged, consider using a head gasket sealer.
How to Use a Head Gasket Sealer
Are you wondering how to fix a leaking head gasket? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step process of using a head gasket sealer to mend a leak.
1. Get the necessary materials
First, you’ll need the right items to start the process. Here is a list of materials you’ll need:
- Head gasket sealer
- Car Jack
- A bucket
- Wrench
- A container of water
- Coolant
2. Elevate your car
First, you’ll use a jack to elevate your car from the ground. Once you ensure the car is securely suspended, move on to the next step.
3. Prepare to collect the coolant under the radiator
Locate where the radiator is underneath your car and put a container below it. This is to ensure that you can collect the coolant that leaks from this area once you release the petcock. Be sure to consult your car’s owner’s manual so you know the amount of coolant your vehicle contains so you can get the right-size bucket or container to hold it.
4. Drain the coolant
Go to the radiator and locate the petcock. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen it and let all of the coolant liquid drain into the bucket.
5. Close the petcock and add water
As soon as the coolant stops draining out, close the petcock. You’ll then open the radiator cap and add water to the radiator.
6. Remove the thermostat
The thermostat can get gummed up by the sealer you’re about to add to the system. So, take it out temporarily it to keep this from happening.
7. Turn on the car and heater
Turn on the heat and ignition. Doing this will help circulate the water throughout the vehicle so it can drain out any remaining coolant. Keep an eye on the dashboard for any potential high-temperature warning.
8. Drain the water
After you’ve cleared out the rest of the coolant, drain the water and any remaining coolant into the bucket. Then, close the petcock for the radiator.
9. Add the coolant and water mixture
Blend a 50-50 distribution of coolant and water. Consult your owner’s manual to determine the best coolant to use for your car, and only add in small amounts at a time until you reach capacity.
10. Add the head gasket sealer
Now is when you’ll add in the head gasket sealer. Open the radiator cap and slowly add in the sealer. If you’re wondering what is the best head gasket sealer for your car. Look at our selection, including products like Bar’s Leaks Block Seal Head Gasket Sealant 20oz. Always consult the sealer’s instructions to ensure you’re following the correct steps for adding it to your vehicle.
11. Drive your car, then let it sit
Replace the radiator cap and restart your vehicle. From there, drive your car for under 30 minutes to help the head gasket sealer move throughout your vehicle. After that, let your car sit for two to three hours before moving on to the last step.
Put the thermostat back in – Now that the sealant is activated, it shouldn’t plug up the thermostat. Install it back into the cooling system.
12. Check for leaks
After letting it sit, check to see if the head gasket sealer stopped the leak. Check for white exhaust, misfiring, or white build-up under the oil filter cap. If all looks well, you’re done!
If you find a leak, you can avoid a pricy replacement by DIYing your head gasket repair. Check out our best head gasket sealers at AutoZone to get started.
FAQ/People Also Ask
You would carefully pour a head gasket sealer liquid into your radiator. Drive it for around 15 to 20 minutes to ensure it circulates throughout your car, and then recheck it for leaks after a few hours.
Depending on the size of any gaps, the head gasket sealer could be a permanent fix. But, for larger leaks, it may only last six months or less.
If you follow the product directions, it should not harm your engine. In fact, it should protect it as it’s meant to seal up any gasket leaks and ensure your engine continues to work optimally.
Yes, especially if you notice the evidence of a leak in your gasket. However, it’s worth it to analyze the severity of the leak, as it may require you to seek the help of a professional mechanic.
Hopefully, a head gasket sealer is a permanent fix. But, if you are still noticing evidence of a leak, you may need to get the head gasket replaced. If the damage to this component is severe, the product will only last about six months.
Adding liquid glass is almost the same as adding a regular head gasket sealer. However, you would mix the liquid glass with water before pouring it into the radiator.
While black pepper can temporarily stop a leak since the particles can clog up holes, it’s best to seek a more permanent solution — like using a head gasket sealer or taking it to a professional mechanic.
