Mercedes is one of the timeless cars with the finest performance and engineering. But just like any car, Mercedes can also face issues that can be fixed. One of the severe issues a driver can experience is a blown head gasket.
The head gasket is used to seal cylinder pressure to prevent leaking. If there is an issue in the head gasket, its repair can be expensive. So, it is always better to know the common symptoms so you can get the problem fixed. Read on the symptoms of a blown head gasket.
White Smoke from the Process of Combustion in the Exhaust
If you see white smoke emitting from your Mercedes’ exhaust, particularly during the start of the engine or when accelerating, chances are you have a blown head gasket. The exhaust being emitted is now steamy as the white smoke is an indication that the coolant is entering the combustion chamber and being burned together with the fuel.
If this sign is not treated in time, it will cause damage to the engine and lower its efficiency. Thus, getting your car checked by a European auto repair shop is essential to avoid any further damage.
Milk-like or Foaming Engine Oil
If the head gasket gives way, this oil will contain bubbles or a milky appearance. The oil can also be found on the dipstick or oil filler cap. When antifreeze infiltrates through the head gasket because it is blown, it makes a milky mixture with the engine oil which is harmful to the oil’s lubrication properties.
If you encounter this problem during your regular maintenance check, you must address it immediately to prevent engine internal damage.
Overheating Engine
Generally, when the head gasket blows, it results in a problem of overheating the engine. The head gasket is the one that has to be replaced, as it might allow coolant into the combustion chamber or engine oil passages, which will make the engine cool less efficiently.
Ensure that you stop to check the temperature gauge of your Mercedes if you see that it is persistently in the red zone or if somebody is coming out of the hood with steam. It is essential that you address the issue immediately in order to avoid causing any damage to the engine.
Visible Tailpipe Smoke
The vital function of the head gasket is to supply coolant through the coolant channels located in the engine. If the head gasket leaks, the coolant seeps into the combustion chambers, which are situated right adjacent to the coolant channels. The liquid also accompanies the gasoline while it is burning.
This produces an emissions signal in the form of white or black smoke, which is continuously emitted through the exhaust pipe. This is actually a symptom that you have a head gasket failure.
Non-visibility of Coolant Leaks Lost
If your Mercedes is evidently losing the coolant and you have no visible leaks or puddles under the vehicle, it could be a blown head gasket. A radiator coolant leak caused by a blown head gasket will be mainly internal, meaning the coolant is seeping into combustion chambers or engine oil passages instead of leaking out.
Keeping the concentration of the Mercedes’ coolant in check can help you prevent this problem from worsening to the point when the engine gets damaged.
Compression Loss
One of the signs of a bad head gasket is compression loss on more than one of the cylinders. A compression test performed by a professional mechanic is an effective solution for compressor diagnosis because the pressure generated by each cylinder at the crankshaft’s compression stroke can be measured.
A considerable difference between cylinder compression readings could imply the presence of a blown head gasket, prompting repair works for the restoration of engine functionality and efficiency.
Strong Smell of Exhaust Gas Inside the Cabin
In case you get suspicious about a strong smell of exhaust gas in your Mercedes cabin, your car might have a blown head gasket. As the breakthrough of exhaust gases is taking place from the combustion chambers into the inside of the vehicle due to the leaks in the head gasket, exhaust smoke can penetrate into the car’s cabin through the ventilation system, producing the stink of gas fumes.
What Should You Do if Your Mercedes Has a Blown Head Gasket?
It is crucial to get your Mercedes checked carefully by a qualified mechanic in the case of a blown head gasket as soon as you suspect a blown head gasket based on the symptoms mentioned above.
Filling a blown head gasket with a car while driving may lead to engine destruction and the need for expensive repairs. A professional mechanic is capable of undertaking an in-depth diagnosis that will verify the problem and recommend the proper repair.
