A blown engine head gasket is among the problems that one is likely to experience while using their truck. But there are a few more serious problems. Such issues are costly and take time to diagnose. So how will you be if there is a problem with your engine head gasket? This guide equips you with all the requirements to test for a blown head gasket.

Roles of Engine Head Gasket

The head gasket is located between your engine and the combustion chamber, and its primary role is to keep all the engine fluids in their correct channels. The head gasket’s job might sound simple but wait until it malfunctions. The head gasket near the combustion chamber is exposed to server forces and movements.

If its seals start to malfunction, your truck will run into various problems which can seriously damage your engine. 

Testing Your Head Gasket

The two most straightforward ways of testing your gasket are checking your oil and your truck’s exhaust. But, you can do a lot to try for your gasket. Here are some practical ways of testing for a blown head gasket 

Checking the Engine Oil

Looking at your engine is the simplest way of testing if your head gasket is blown. You will do this by pulling the dipstick and observing it. If your engine oil is low, you must drain it on a pan and watch it.

If it is milky instead of its original color, know it is mixed with coolant.

Checking Your Exhaust

If you realize your truck emits more smoke than usual, it might mean your head gasket is blown. When diagnosing excess exhaust smoke, you should know a few things.

First, your truck will produce more smoke when it is cold than when it is warmer, which is very typical.

Second, a blown engine head gasket produces a lot of white smoke, the color your coolant will produce if it burns in the combustion chamber.

Finally, the smoke should be excessive to determine if the problem is related to the head gasket.

Checking Spark Plugs

You will know you have a blown head gasket when you check your spark plug and notice its oil. Oil will get into the combustion as soon as your head gasket blows, and some will be on your spark plugs.

To know this, pull out your spark plug and keenly look at it.

Checking the Radiator

Checking your radiator will let you look for a few various things.

First, a blown engine head gasket will enable air into the cooling system, and your radiator will have a foamy mixture.

Sometimes, oil and fuel might mix in the system, and if this happens, you will notice a milky color in your radiator.

Conclusion

The head gasket gives a crucial function in your truck. If it blows off or gets damaged, your truck will not be able to serve you. Immediately when it gets damaged, you notice be keenly observing your engine. This guide has given you the most basic and common ways of testing if your head gasket is faulty.