What happens if you blow the head gasket on a Chevy Impala?

Loss of Power – A blown head gasket can leave your Impala feeling sluggish at speed. “Milky” Oil – Depending on how bad and where the head gasket has broken, engine coolant can mix with the oil.

Do you have to change the oil after installing a head gasket?

It’s definitely recommended to change the oil after doing this type of job, as antifreeze may have worked its way into the oil pan through the cylinder walls and past the piston rings. Both the oil and antifreeze should be replaced due to the possibility of cross-contamination. Thanks!

Where is the head gasket on a V-8 engine?

The head gasket is found between the engine block and the cylinder head or heads in a V-type engine. The gasket functions as a seal that prevents the combustion process from leaking into the coolant passages that surround each cylinder. In many cases, it seals oil passages from coolant passages so the fluids do not mix.

Where is the coolant leak on a Chevy Impala?

This is the most common place to see a coolant leak on these vehicles. After getting the car in the air to do some diagnosing, I saw right away that it had the ‘usual’ leak in the back corner of the rear cylinder head.

What are the head gaskets on a Chevy Impala?

GM has redesigned the cylinder head gaskets for these engines that are a little beefier and better sealing. Always use the new design when doing this repair. Some block and head clean up, and it was ready to go back together.

How does the head gasket work on a BMW?

The head gasket maintains a seal between the engine block and cylinder head. It prevents oil, coolant and combustion gases from escaping the engine. How does the head gasket work?

How often do head gaskets need to be replaced?

Head gaskets can fail at any time, but they typically last at least 100,000 miles, especially if the oil and coolant are properly maintained. In order to keep the gasket in good condition, dirty or contaminated fluids should be replaced on schedule, and the engine must run at the proper temperature.

Is there a recall on the Chevy Impala?

General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles.

Why does my Chevy Impala have white smoke coming from the exhaust?

This is a very serious concern. Oil that is too this can lock the motor up and leave you stranded. White Smoke from Exhaust – A certain amount of white smoke is completely acceptable. But, if you feel that it has greatly changed recently don’t ignore it.

Can a Chevrolet Impala steering shaft be replaced?

THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE. IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

How to tell if you have a blown head gasket?

After watching this video you will be able to test for a head gasket problem and know 100% if your head gasket will need to be repaired. Here are the links to the test equipment I used in the video. With the cost of most head gasket repairs, you always want to be sure that is the problem before spending that kind of money on any repair.

Where does coolant come from in a blown head gasket?

A head gasket leaking external would cause coolant to come from below the intake or exhaust manifold and often only happens when the engine is completely warmed up.

What does the head gasket do in an engine?

The head gasket forms a seal between the engine block and the cylinder head. This means your head gasket has to seal both extremely hot, high-pressure combustion gases as well as engine coolant which can be anywhere from cold ambient temperatures to the normal operating temperature of your engine.

What are the symptoms of a blown head gasket?

Most of the symptoms of a blown head gasket are obvious, since the way that the engine runs is usually affected. Here are some of the most common signs of a blown head gasket: Rough/Choppy Idle- When a head gasket blows, it will lower the effective compression ratio of one or more cylinders.

Can a blown head gasket cause white smoke?

“Milky” Oil – Depending on how bad and where the head gasket has broken, engine coolant can mix with the oil. This is a very serious concern. Oil that is too this can lock the motor up and leave you stranded. White Smoke from Exhaust – A certain amount of white smoke is completely acceptable.

How much does a head gasket cost on a car?

With parts and labor, the average head gasket price is north of $1200. They can be significantly more depending on the model year and engine. If you plan on tackling the job yourself, start at the beginning of the weekend, and make sure that you use a torque wrench when putting everything together.

Can a cracked engine block cause a blown head gasket?

The antifreeze fluid will be able to find its way through the crack and then circulate with the oil. This will spell major trouble for the engine. As noted above, oil mixing with antifreeze can also indicate a blown head gasket so consider other symptoms as well. A huge symptom of a cracked block is smoke coming out of the engine.

How much does a blown head gasket cost?

It’s a bit easier with traditional engines that have the camshaft in the block. With parts and labor, the average head gasket price is north of $1200. They can be significantly more depending on the model year and engine.

Can a head gasket cause a V6 engine to overheat?

I had this job about a week ago and thought it would make a good article. I’ve done many head gaskets over the years, and it becomes kind of a no brainer for me, but this is a common problem on the V6 engines so it deserves some recognition.

What happens if you blow the head gasket on a Chevy Impala?