If you own a Subaru, you understand there’s nothing that will trigger your fear like a blown head gasket. A blown Subaru head gasket is one of the most expensive repairs on the engine. It’s also a labor-intensive service that will require your vehicle to stay for a day or two at the garage, which will inconvenience you further. It’s a nightmare for Subaru car owners.
While tiny, your Subaru head gasket performs a pretty important task in your engine. It prevents fluids from mixing. With an airtight seal, the head gasket works to avoid residue buildup, keeping your engine free from things that could cause a fire.
We have a running joke in Kirinyaga Road – every rumbling Subaru is a gasket away from our shops. They are some of the most common repairs we attend to. As a result, my shop rarely misses an EJ20 Subaru head gasket kit.
What Exactly is a Subaru Head Gasket?
The head gasket is a ringed panel normally placed between the engine block and the cylinder head. It functions as a barrier, preventing engine fluids from entering the cylinder.
Due to its proximity to hot and cold engine components, the head gasket experiences a full range of temperatures from combustion to cooling. Over time, bearing the full grant of engine conditions, the head gasket is prone to wear out.
Leaks will begin to form in crucial areas, and if the problem persists, the gasket will blow.
What Are the Symptoms of a Blown Subaru Head Gasket?
If this has never happened to you, you might wonder what causes a blown head gasket. There are several reasons, from the cooling system to the engine combustion chamber.
White smoke from the tailpipe
Most head gasket leaks are internal, forcing the coolant into the combustion chamber. When this happens, the coolant burns and goes through the combustion process, appearing as white smoke from the tailpipe. The difference between this and a cold start is that it produces a sweet smell and billowing smoke.
Overheating engine
One common symptom of a blown head gasket is an overheating engine, which usually happens after a long drive. This occurs because the vehicle experiences low coolant levels since the engine is consuming it.
When your engine overheats, it can create many problems due to the expansion of metal components under intense heat. This can lead to warping, damage to the seals and gaskets, and engine leaks.
Whitish milky engine oil
When coolant finds its way into the combustion chamber, it slips through the piston ring to the engine oil. Over time, engine oil and coolant mix, turning into a milky white color. The driver will notice this change by checking the dipstick.
When water or coolant gets into your oil, it will not perform its functions effectively, creating inadequate lubrication. This leads to loss of performance and overheating issues. Ultimately, internal engine components will get damaged and need replacing.
Damaged spark plugs
As coolant continues to enter your combustion chamber, it will form tiny white deposits on the spark plugs. This will lead to problems since your spark plugs won’t effectively produce sparks to burn fuel.
Is It Safe To Drive With a Blown Subaru Head Gasket?
If you have more than one symptom of a blown head gasket, it is advisable to drive your vehicle less frequently. This will prevent further damage to your internal engine components.
A blown gasket will leave your engine block vulnerable to excessive heat that can erode the metal head. This often costs a lot in machining bills to get it aligned and back to factory shape.
If the damage is extensive, you might require a new engine block (worst-case scenario). If you are unsure about your Subaru head gasket, contact a professional and seasoned automotive service.
