Head Gasket Replacement in Tyne and Wear

The head gasket is a thin but hard-working seal between the engine block and the cylinder head. It keeps combustion pressure in and holds coolant and oil in their own passages. When it fails, an engine that seemed healthy can overheat quickly.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we carry out head gasket replacement as part of our engine repair work. This page explains the warning signs, what the job really involves, and why a proper inspection matters before anyone agrees to it.

Signs a head gasket may be failing

No single symptom proves a head gasket has gone, because several can come from other faults. Together they are worth investigating promptly.

If the temperature gauge climbs or a warning light says the engine is overheating, stop driving as soon as it is safe. Running it hot can turn a repair into a much bigger job.

• Coolant level dropping with no visible leak on the ground
• White smoke from the exhaust, especially a sweet smell
• Overheating, or the temperature gauge rising and falling erratically
• Milky, creamy residue under the oil filler cap or on the dipstick
• Bubbles in the coolant header tank or hoses that feel hard-pressurised

What the job involves

Replacing a head gasket means draining the cooling system, removing the parts around the engine and lifting off the cylinder head. The head and block surfaces are then cleaned and checked.

The head itself must be inspected for warping or cracking, which is where cylinder-head repairs can come in. A new gasket on a head that is not flat will not last. The head bolts must be tightened in sequence to the manufacturer's procedure, and many engines need new bolts.

Afterwards the cooling system is refilled, bled of air, and the engine is run and checked for leaks.

What affects the outcome and the cost

Head gasket jobs vary widely, so we do not quote blind. The engine layout matters, because labour is the biggest part of the bill.

So does the condition found on inspection. If the engine overheated for some time, the head may need machining or replacing. We explain the findings and options at the estimate, before work goes ahead.

• Engine type and how much has to come off to reach the head
• Whether the head is flat and crack-free
• Condition of the cooling system and related parts

Alternatives and when not to proceed

Bottled head gasket sealants are no substitute for diagnosis. A cooling system pressure test and a check for combustion gases in the coolant can confirm whether the gasket is the problem.

Sometimes the cause is a hose, radiator cap or thermostat, all far simpler. On an older car with other serious problems, it is fair to weigh the repair against the car's value. Whether the repair is possible depends on what inspection shows.