How to start engine after head gasket repair? A Step by Step Guide for 2023

Repairing the head gasket is hard. You don’t want to run to servicing again by causing another problem while you start the engine.

Starting an engine after head gasket repair might seem a complex task, but with a few correct steps, you can do it easily with little to no hassle at all.

In the following paragraphs, we are gonna give a deep dive into how to start the engine after head gasket repair.

What Is Head Gasket?

The Head gasket is located in between the cylinder and engine block. It allows oil and coolant to travel through the internal chamber of the engine. It works as a layer between the oil coolant and the internal chamber of the engine.

If it doesn’t work properly, it might totally damage your engine, which would cost you a huge amount of money.

Also check:

• You also check our guide for How to Reattach the Gas Pump Hose?
• You can check our guide on How to Fix Diesel Engine Knocking?
• You can read about How long can a car run without transmission fluid?

What Causes Head Gasket to Blow?

If your engine gets too hot, your head gasket often gets blown. If your coolant doesn’t have enough coolant within the radiator to cool down the vehicle.

Usually, it happens if you haven’t changed or refilled your coolant for a very long time.

All types of metal expand when it’s heated. This expansion property of the cylinder head slowly ruins the ability of the head gasket to properly seal.

If your head gasket gets blown, it is highly recommended to repair it asap.

How to Identify If My Head Gasket is Blown or Not?

The symptoms aren’t limited to the below-mentioned things:

• You might face the engine getting overheated and smoke emitting from it
• You may face a loss of power as a result of less compression inside the engine
• If you see your is looking discolored, it might be a good indication that coolant is mixing with the engine

Starting Process of How to start engine after head gasket repair

Once all repair has been done, start the car and open the hood. Wear your gloves and safety glass before you get started. It is important cause you might burn yourself on any hot surface of the car.

Check if your coolant level is at the right level. If it is low, fill it up with water/ coolant. Check if there is any leak in the system too.

Check the radiator and water pump as well. Check if they are in good health or not cause they might cause the engine to heat.

You should try the things mentioned above for at least after 2 days. Take it for a short drive before you go on any long drives. After the short drive, come and check if there is any spill of oil and coolant.

If you have done everything right, it should start properly. If you still can’t start, better to get it checked by a professional on the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have already answered all the necessary stuff regarding dos and donts after repairing the head gasket. If you still have any questions or confusion, you might find them in this section:

1. What Else Should I Replace When Replacing a Head Gasket?

The Water Pump, Coolant, thermostat, hoses, oil filter, spark plugs, hoses, and the new cylinder can be considered to be replaced while you replace the head gasket.

Clean the coolant system, clean the oil filter and put new oil and coolant.

2. What Happens If You Drive a Car with Blown Head Gasket?

 If it is getting into the oil chamber, then it is about time your engine is about to be dead If it is spreading in the combustion chamber, you will see a loss of power, and eventually, it will ruin your engine.

If you continue to drive while the coolants get leaked, the engine will be no longer cooled down. Thus, your engine will be further damaged, and its health will be getting ruined.

3. How long does the Head Gasket Sealer Last?

It depends on lots of factors like the sealer, the condition of the leak, the person who sealed and so on.

There is a wide variety of sealers, each suited for a particular application. If you put the right sealer in the right way, then the joint should about last for a very long time unless it starts to leak again for some other reasons.

4. Can You use a Head Gasket twice?

Only if you could clean it thoroughly, and if it’s a titan and pro copper style, then you may. However, it is not a permanent solution at all.

5. Do You Put Sealer on a New Head Gasket?

Most modern head gaskets don’t require being coated with any sealers. If you install a coated gasket, you wouldn’t require any chemical coat.
Newly put chemicals can interfere with already put new chemicals found on the new gasket.

6. How long Should I Let My Car Sit after It Overheats?

It is recommended by industry experts to let your car sit for at least 30 minutes before you start your engine. There is one important thing to look for in case situation like this to make sure your coolant is full.

7. Why My Car doesn’t start, but my battery is fine?

The battery supplies a good amount of electricity that helps to start the car. Then, through the alternator, the battery gets recharged when it is running.

It is likely you have an issue with the alternator, which is causing the car not to start. You may try changing the alternator and see if it works.

Conclusion

If you have done all the things properly step by step, you should be able to start the engine without any hassle at all. If you still can not start your engine, it is highly recommended to take it to an expert.

You should fix your head gasket as soon as you can. It is better not to drive with a ruined head gasket as it would just impact the health of the engine. To help you through the process, we have shown the steps to do after repairing the head gasket.

Related Post:

• For more must-have products How to Fix a Knocking Engine Rod?
• Don’t forget to check the How to Fix a Broken Seat Recliner Lever?
• Check out the Guide for What does no engine brake sign mean?