Do you sometimes find your Volvo using more coolant than it used to or the temperature rising as if it is not being cooled at all? If so, then, your vehicle might be having a leaking head gasket issue and you may have to get professional help. This might sound like a small issue, but it can grow into a serious issue if not well addressed.
The head gasket has a very important duty in your car’s engine since it covers the space between the engine block and the cylinder head. When it fails, the engine may overheat, and the performance of the car will be wanting as well. Let’s find out how you can know that your Volvo is suffering from a head gasket that is seeping and what you can do to rectify the problem and get your automobile to run like it should again.
Symptoms of a Head Gasket Leak
- Coolant Loss and Overheating Engine: If your Volvo is always overheating or if the temperature gauge is increasing than its usual level then there are high chances that your head gasket is leaking. The gasket assists in closing the cooling system so if it is damaged it results in low coolant and your engine will not be able to cool itself. If you discover that you are always adding more coolant into the vehicle’s reservoir, you may be dealing with a head gasket leak.
- Milky Oil: If you decide to check the oil of your Volvo and you see that the oil has a creamy color it might signal that the coolant is leaking into the oil. If not rectified, this can result in immense engine harm.
- Bubbling in the Radiator: If there is foaming of the liquid in the radiator or coolant reservoir with the engine on, this may mean that the head gasket has blown. There is a possibility that some of the gases which are produced in the combustion chamber are leaking into the cooling system.
How To Repair A Leaky Head Gasket
- Confirm the Issue: The head gasket problem is often considered a common cause of car issues, however, before attempting to fix it, ensure that it is the actual issue. Get your vehicle to an expert mechanic who can do some tests to prove if truly there is a leak in the head gasket.
- Replace the Head Gasket: Replacing a head gasket is a very difficult task which usually involves dismantling the engine. It is not a simple do-it-yourself job and should be handled by experts only. First of all, the exhaust manifold, intake manifold, and cylinder head have to be unbolted from the engine. After the head is removed, both the internal surfaces of the cylinder head and the external surfaces of the engine block have to be scraped off to remove dirt and gasket residues. It is after cleaning that a new head gasket is fitted, and the cylinder head is reinstalled. Last, the parts of the engine are assembled and the system is sealed and checked for leakage.
- Test the Repair: Once the new gasket has been installed then the engine should be checked for any signs of leakage. To confirm whether the problem of leakage has been sorted out, the coolant, oil, and exhaust systems should be checked.
Bring Your Volvo To Kruse Lucas Imports For Reliable Head Gasket Repair
Experience is very important when it comes to the issue of a leaking head gasket. At Kruse Lucas Imports, we are among the best automobile companies in Modesto, CA that deal with European cars and we have technicians that are highly trained and specialized in handling any challenge your Volvo has.
Our staff is professional and prepared to diagnose and sort all kinds of Volvo issues including head gasket leaks. We ensure that we use the most recent equipment to provide precise repair services. During repairs, we only use replacement parts that are of high quality and long-lasting. If you want, we will explain the entire process of the repair so you know what is being done about your car. Our repair shop is located in Modesto, CA and we are also the first choice for Volvo repair for drivers in neighboring areas like Ripon, Manteca, Oakdale, and Turlock, CA. Contact us now to fix the gasket leak in your Volvo.