Stop by RSW European Auto Repair right away if you think you have blown your Volvo’s head gasket. This is a serious problem that can damage the engine beyond repair if you continue to operate the Volvo. It’s better to have the vehicle towed to our shop even if you aren’t certain that the head gasket is cracked. If you are having any of the problems listed below, driving the Volvo can cause serious engine damage.
Significant Coolant Loss
The head gasket is installed in the engine to form a tight seal over the combustion chamber. The chamber needs this seal to prevent coolant and motor oil from leaking into the cylinders. It also needs the seal to help compression build up inside the chamber. When the head gasket blows, it cracks. Consequently, the engine will lose coolant as it leaks through the crack into the combustion chamber.
Constant Overheating
This coolant loss is going to cause the Volvo’s engine to overheat every time you operate the vehicle. If you continue to drive the Volvo when the engine is running too hot, you may also crack the engine block. This is severe engine damage that requires significant work to repair it. In addition to cracking the engine block, the exhaust manifold can also succumb to the excess heat and form a crack.
Boiling Engine Coolant
In fact, you may have so much coolant leaking into the combustion chamber that the engine’s temperature will reach a point that the coolant will boil. If you can hear boiling noises coming from the Volvo’s engine, pull over right away and turn the engine off. Do not try to drive the Volvo. Rather, call for a tow truck to bring your Volvo to our shop.
White Engine Exhaust
One way that you can tell that coolant is being burned in the combustion chamber is the release of white exhaust out of the tailpipe. When coolant is burned, it creates white smoke. You may also see bluish-white exhaust because the combustion chamber is also burning motor oil that is leaking into it.
Milky-White Motor Oil
Finally, when the head gasket blows, the motor oil and coolant mix. This turns the motor oil milky-white. Aside from the excess heat damaging your Volvo’s engine, the milky-white motor oil can also cause severe damage because it has coolant in it.
RSW European Auto Repair in Kinnelon, NJ, or Greenbrook Township, NJ, is here to help. Give us a call today to set up a service appointment for your Volvo.