It is common to find many internet queries related to the “pros and cons of a head gasket sealer.” Such queries are made by drivers looking for solutions to a bad head gasket. A vehicle’s head gasket is a component that is situated between your cylinder heads and the cylinder block. It is responsible for maintaining compression while preventing coolant and oil from leaking into the vehicle’s cylinders. So a failed (or blown) head gasket will lead to problems like oil and coolant leaks and engine misfire, among other problems. Some car owners with a blown head gasket opt to repair it using a head gasket sealer. However, since there is some furor about head gasket sealers, this article will try to answer the question Are head gasket sealers worth it?
How to Install BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer YouTube
What Is Head Gasket Sealer?
Let’s get into this conversation with a look at why head gasket sealers are used in the first place. A bad head gasket can often degenerate into really bad situations if not properly handled. That said, replacing a bad head gasket can be pricey and might burn a hole in your pocket, depending on your location and the dealership or mechanic garage. There is another more affordable option: the head gasket sealer. Although the jury is not yet out on head gasket sealers, abandoning a failed head gasket is bad news for your engine and, ultimately, your automobile.
A head gasket sealer is used to hold the head gasket in its position. It is used as a stop-gap measure for blown head gaskets because it is manufactured to repair and seal any leaks in the head gasket. It does not contain solid or particulate matter, and it can merge with different materials. It basically prevents oil and coolant leaks, and it does not crack or shrink once it has dried. It is also relatively safe and quite easy to apply, which is why it is touted as a great repair solution for blown head gaskets. So are head gasket sealers any good? Well, read on to find out.
Does Head Gasket Sealer Work?
Yes. But you have to be sure that you are using a reputable brand of head gasket sealer. Interestingly, there are mixed reactions to the efficacy of head gasket sealers, especially on online forums like the head gasket sealer forum.
A number of car owners can testify of how well head gasket sealers repair their blown head gaskets and prolong the life span of their cars. On the flip side, several others see head gasket sealers as scams that do more harm than good. The truth is the answer to the question lies in a few factors. First of all, the type of head gasket sealer you buy matters. Be sure to buy the kind of product that is best suited to your vehicle. Secondly, the way you apply the sealer also counts.
A head gasket sealer is meant to be poured into the vehicle’s radiator. After this, you are required to run the vehicle for at least 15 minutes while keeping the heater and fan on high. Thirdly, the extent of the damage to the head gasket counts too. Some damages are irreparable and cannot be fixed by a head gasket sealer. So back to the question. Does the head gasket sealer work? Yes. A gasket sealer will work if it is of great quality, if applied correctly and if the damage to the head gasket is repairable.
Pros And Cons Of Head Gasket Sealer
There are divided opinions as to the efficacy of head gasket sealers. The reason is that, like most things in life, all head gasket sealers have both pros and cons. Interestingly each of the different head gasket sealers products has pros and cons that are peculiar to them. Since there is a wide range of such products, we will be looking at these pros and cons generally.
Pros Of Head Gasket Sealer
- Quick fix: Head gasket sealers can provide quick fixes to leakages that occur on account of a blown head gasket. For instance, you are traveling on Interstate, and in the middle of nowhere, no gas stations in sight, just miles and miles of tarmac, and somehow your head gasket gets blown. In such a situation, all you need is a head gasket sealer. If you apply it right, it will stop any leaks and prevent the engine from knocking.
- It is affordable: Interestingly, quality head gasket sealers are relatively cheap. Especially when compared to the cost of replacing the head gasket. Depending on the gasket sealer’s brand, you can find a permanent solution to the head gasket problems at half the cost of replacement.
- Time-saving aspect: It takes little or no time to apply a sealer to a blown gasket. Once you pour the sealer into the radiator, the car does the rest, and the problem is fixed within an hour. There’s more, though. You could also use your head gasket sealer to repair the vehicle’s heater core and freeze plugs too.
Cons of Head Gasket Sealer
- It can be problematic: Conversely, head gasket sealers can be problematic too. When poured into the vehicle, it could react with the heat to leave powdery deposits that build up over time. If you do not follow the instructions on how to use the products, the head gasket sealer might end up impeding the thermostat’s performance.
- Compatibility issues: There are compatibility issues. Head gasket sealers work with specific engines. So certain products are only designed for diesel engines and vice-versa. And, with some products, the effects of the sealer fade in little or no time.
FAQS
Q: Will Head Gasket Sealer Ruin An Engine?
No. If you use the right kind of head gasket sealer and apply it correctly, your vehicle engine is safe. The particles of the sealer are so small that while they fix head gasket leaks, they do not interfere with the engine’s components. The caveat is that you must use a head gasket sealer from a trusted brand.
Q: How Long Does Head Gasket Sealer Last?
That all depends on the brand of gasket sealer. Different brands promise different periods based on the quality of the products. So the length of time for the effect of a sealer is relative to the particular product. Then it all depends on how badly damaged the head gasket is. Given the different types of sealers out there, it is safe to say 6 months is the least period for a head gasket sealer’s effect to last.
Q: Where Do I Put Head Gasket Sealer?
In the radiator. That is where it is designed to go into the engine. To get the most of the product in its can, pour it through the radiator cap. You could pour it directly through the coolant reservoir or the hose itself.
Q: Will Black Pepper Stop A Head Gasket Leak?
Yes. It will temporarily plug the head gasket leak. How? Ground black pepper has small particles that will move to wherever there is a leak in the head gasket. They then increase in size until they can plug the hole and keep the leak sealed. A handful of ground black pepper is enough to prevent any head gasket leaks. However, it is in no way a permanent solution. Rather, it is meant to give you enough time to find a more lasting solution to the problem.
Q: Can You Use Blue Devil Head Gasket Sealer Twice?
Yes. You can use the blue devil head gasket sealer more than once. This product does not contain petroleum distillates, so you might use it more than once if a leak occurs after the last time you used it. You only need to follow the directions to the letter when applying it.
Final Words
So you might ask, what is the best head gasket sealer? Well, that all depends on your engine and the nature of the damage. There are tons of head gasket sealers on the market all claiming to be the best solution to blown head gaskets. Deciding on what works best for you might be tricky but not impossible. You’d need a good understanding of your engine so that you get to pick what works and what doesn’t. However, I recommend the blue devil head gasket sealer; it’s a nice product you need to try. You might also get some help from tons of online reviews on head gasket sealers. At this juncture, you have seen the uses and pros, and cons of head gasket sealer and their applications.
