how to start a car with blown head gasket

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

06-02-2025

1

0

Share

A blown head gasket is a serious car problem. It means the seal between your engine block and cylinder head is compromised. This allows coolant and oil to mix, leading to a range of issues. While you can't fix a blown head gasket easily, you might be able to start your car temporarily under specific conditions. This is not a recommended long-term solution; it's for getting the car to a mechanic.

Assessing the Damage: Before You Try Starting

Before attempting to start your car, carefully assess the situation. Several factors influence whether starting is even possible:

• Coolant Level: Check your coolant reservoir. Is it severely low or completely empty? Low coolant can cause overheating, which will worsen the head gasket damage.
• Oil Level and Condition: Inspect your oil dipstick. Is the oil milky or foamy (indicating coolant contamination)? Driving with contaminated oil can severely damage your engine.
• Engine Symptoms: Did your car overheat dramatically before it stopped? If so, attempting to start it could cause irreparable harm.
• Extent of the Leak: A small leak might allow a temporary start, while a large leak will likely prevent the engine from running.

Warning: If your oil is milky or your coolant is severely low, do NOT attempt to start your car. This could lead to catastrophic engine failure.

How to (Maybe) Start Your Car (Proceed with Extreme Caution!)

If the coolant leak appears minor and the oil looks clean, you might be able to start your car for a very short distance to get it to a repair shop. Follow these steps with extreme caution:

1. Add Coolant (If Necessary): If the coolant is low, carefully add a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% distilled water to the reservoir. Do not overfill.
2. Check the Oil: Ensure the oil level is within the acceptable range. If it's low, adding oil is risky if the head gasket is blown, as it's likely contaminated.
3. Short Cranking Attempts: Try to start the car for a few seconds at a time. Avoid extended cranking. Listen closely for unusual noises.
4. Monitor Temperature: If the engine starts, keep a close eye on the temperature gauge. If it starts to climb, immediately shut off the engine.
5. Drive Carefully and Slowly: If the engine runs, drive very slowly and carefully to the nearest repair shop. Avoid any strain on the engine. Keep the RPMs low.

What NOT to Do

• Don't drive long distances. This will only exacerbate the damage.
• Don't ignore warning lights. Pay close attention to the temperature gauge and any other warning indicators.
• Don't ignore milky oil or extremely low coolant. These are critical indicators of a serious problem.
• Don't add stop-leak products. These are rarely effective and could cause more harm than good.

Getting Your Car Repaired

A blown head gasket requires professional repair. The cost can vary greatly depending on the car make, model, and the extent of the damage. You'll need to take your car to a qualified mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair. This likely involves replacing the head gasket, and possibly other related parts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I drive my car with a blown head gasket?

A: No, not for any significant distance. Doing so will likely cause further damage to your engine. It's best to have it towed to a repair shop.

Q: How much does it cost to repair a blown head gasket?

A: The cost varies widely depending on the vehicle and labor costs in your area, but expect to pay several hundred to potentially thousands of dollars.

Q: How can I prevent a blown head gasket?

A: Regular maintenance, including proper coolant levels and timely oil changes, can help prevent head gasket failure. Avoid overheating your engine.

Remember, attempting to start a car with a blown head gasket is risky. It's always best to err on the side of caution and have your car towed to a qualified mechanic for repair. Ignoring the problem will only lead to more extensive and costly repairs down the road.