Finding internet queries on the pros and cons of a head gasket sealer are common. Most of these queries are from drivers searching for a solution to a faulty head gasket.
A car’s head gasket can be found between the cylinder block and the cylinder heads. Its major role is to maintain compression and as well prevent oil and coolant from leaking into the car’s cylinders. Therefore, a blown or a faulty head gasket could cause issues like coolant and oil leaks as well as engine misfire, along with other issues.
Most vehicle owners with a faulty head gasket issue choose to fix it with the use of a head gasket sealer, but what are the pros and cons of head gasket sealer.
This article gives you a detailed explanation of the pros and cons of head gasket sealer, how to properly use a head gasket sealer, engines you can use head gasket sealer on, and lots more.
Let’s begin
Pros and Cons of Head Gasket Sealer
Below are the pros and cons of a gasket sealer
Pros of Head Gasket Sealer
1. It Is a Quick Fix
The gasket sealer can be used if there is an oil leak in the car or you have issues related to engine overheating. The sealer gives a quick and easy solution to your vehicle’s leaks.
These sealers help prevent engine damage and leaks. Head gasket leakages could be mainly stopped by the head gasket sealers.
It could equally be used for other preventive purposes as well.
2. Easy to Use
Another advantage of a gasket sealer is the ability to use it easily. You must pour it on the affected part and allow it to perform its functions.
3. Head Gasket Sealer Provides Leak-Free Seal
The gasket sealer also provides a leak-free and excellent seal.
4. Affordability
You have to get a product such as a head gasket sealer if you are looking for an affordable sealant. The head gasket sealer is designed to fix leakages and prevent liquids from oozing.
The procedure for the use of this sealer is quite easy. It can be poured into an engine easily by following the instructions given by the manufacturers. Leaks in hoses, valves, and ducts of a vehicle can be sealed with a sealant.
The gasket sealers can equally fix repairable issues linked to the HVAC system, water pumps, fuel filters, and air conditioners of your car. The main advantage of the gasket sealant is that it aids in sealing leaks from the water pump and air conditioner of your vehicle.
5. It Saves Your Time
The gasket sealer serves as a better option for saving time and money. It helps in fixing leaks in your vehicle’s engine without taking up so much time. Minor issues could be fixed immediately with the aid of the sealant preventing further engine issues.
The sealants comprise a mixture of polyvinyl acetate and methanol. The mixture of these components produces a hard and durable film that can stand the test of time. Sealants can be used for various reasons, such as:
- For tightening loose nuts in an engine
- To prevent leakage
- Aids in decreasing the consumption of oil used by the cooling system
6. It Is Easily Available
The gasket sealant will need to be added if your engine is suffering from overheating. You can find these sealants at automobile stores.
The sealants aid in preventing your engine from further damage. If you feel that your vehicle is overheating, add one or two drops of the sealant on top of the radiator lid.
Cons of Head Gasket Sealer
1. Head Gasket Sealer Produce Problems
As discussed earlier, the gasket sealer’s major role is to prevent leaks on the head gasket. The mixture of different fluids produces the sealer. When there is a leak in the engine gasket, pour the sealant inside the engine, and the leaking surface will get sealed, thereby stopping the leak. Although, this sealer could equally develop various issues in the vehicle.
A gasket sealant’s major disadvantage is creating too tight or stressed seals. The overstressed seal could lead to water pumping inside the engine by the vehicle’s water pump. Due to the seal created by the sealant, the water may stay trapped in the engine’s head gasket.
2. Incompatibility
It is important to know the compatibility between your vehicle head gasket and the gasket sealer.
Before using the sealant, it is advisable to consult your mechanic if you don’t know how to check the compatibility. If you observe a leak or horrible smell from your engine, consult an expert to check if the sealant is responsible for the leak.
Replace your engine head gasket if the gasket sealant is leaking. But, if there is no compatibility between the sealant and your vehicle, visit your mechanic and have the sealant removed.
3. Malfunction in the Spark Plug
When it comes to a fuel engine, spark plugs are very important. There will be no combustion of the fuel-air mixture without the spark plugs.
If your gasket sealer has a silicone constituent, it could lead to spark plug failure. This tends to happen when the silicone moves towards the spark plug electrode area, creating a slim layer that prevents the movement of the spark through the hole.
Therefore, starting the vehicle will be difficult after using the gasket sealer. It could also lead to wearing out of the plugs and causing premature engine breakdown.
4. Limited Use
Usage of the gasket sealers is limited to specific types of engines. It is not so compatible with every engine; only specific engines can use it.
5. Radiator and Heater Core Clogging
Another disadvantage of the gasket sealer is clogging the radiator and heater core. If your radiator hoses get clogged, your vehicle cooling system may not function properly, leading to overheating.
A heater uses the heater core to disseminate hot air into the vehicle. If the sealer clogs your heater core, it will lead to subsequent clogging of a hot airline.
If this line is clogged, there will be no flow of hot air from the engine to the heater or from the heater into the vehicle.
Also Read: Radiator Repair Options And Which You Should Choose
What Is Head Gasket Sealer?
We are going to answer this question by considering the uses of head gasket sealers. If you don’t pay proper attention, a faulty head gasket could degenerate into worse situations. Getting a replacement for a faulty head gasket could be quite expensive, and this also depends on the automobile shop and your location. But the head gasket sealer serves as a more affordable alternative.
Although the pro and cons of a gasket sealer are still being considered, if a faulty head gasket is abandoned, it could be detrimental to your engine as well as your vehicle.
The main function of a gasket sealer is to ensure the head gasket is kept in its correct position. It could be used as a temporary solution for a failed head gasket since it is produced to seal and repair all form of leaks that occurs in the gasket.
There is no particulate or solid matter in it, and it can be merged with various materials. It prevents coolant and oil leaks mostly, and if it gets dried, it neither shrinks nor cracks. It is relatively safe and simple to apply, which is why it is generally seen as an excellent repair option for a faulty head gasket.
Does Head Gasket Sealer Work?
The head gasket sealer works, but the brand of the sealer you decide to use should be reputable. Intriguingly, mixed reactions pop up about the potency of gasket sealers, particularly on online platforms like the head gasket sealer forum.
Several vehicle owners have testified that they got their failed head gaskets fixed by a gasket sealer, and their vehicles got lifespan extensions. On the other hand, some other users consider gasket sealers to be a scam that causes more harm.
The reason for these misconceptions could be linked to some factors. Firstly, the brand of the gasket sealer you purchase matters. Ensure to get the type that is the best fit for your car. Then secondly, the mode of applying the sealer should also be considered.
You are meant to pour the gasket sealer into your car’s radiator. Soon after, run the car for about 15 minutes and keep the fan and heater on high. The third factor will be the magnitude of damage to the gasket. Most damages cannot be repaired, and a mere gasket sealer cannot repair. So going back to the question.
Is the head gasket sealer effective? Yes, an excellent quality gasket sealer will work effectively if applied appropriately and if the gasket damage is not severe.
Also Read: How Long Can a Car Overheat Before Damage?
Can You Apply A Head Gasket Sealer By Yourself?
You can. The question is common, and many people argue that they can’t do it even after following the manufacturer’s instructions. So, let me explain the reason this happens.
Applying sealant to your vehicle works best if the surface is dry and clean.
Pay attention and be careful with every step as illustrated in the head gasket DIY kit instructions; also, ensure your hands don’t touch anything after the application to avoid further problems from the residue on your hands.
Things you should do if certain areas refuse to seal:
- Take off all residue or dirt from the cylinder surface or head using a degreaser.
- Apply sealant to these areas again and allow it to dry throughout the night.
- You could also decide to apply paint on the area to enable it to seal properly. But ensure you clean everywhere properly.
Can I Use Head Gasket Sealer on All Engines?
Avoid using gasket sealer on every engine. You should confirm with your engine or vehicle’s manufacturer before using a sealant to ensure you don’t make mistakes. Ensure to read instructions because most times, the specific product you should use for sealing is always indicated.
The use of a head gasket sealant is a major way people try to fix a faulty head gasket. These sealants are of two types, temporary and permanent.
The main constituent of the permanent sealant is epoxy, and you will have to take out all your vehicle’s components before applying. This product could cause damage if applied wrongly.
Frequently Asked Questions – Pros and Cons of Head Gasket Sealer
How Much Does A Head Gasket Sealer Cost?
The gasket sealers have different prices ranging from $50 to $200, depending on the quality.
Is the head gasket sealer safe for my engine?
It is safe because the K-Seal is composed of small particles and can only fix openings with a diameter of 0.635 mm. They will have zero effect if they eventually go down any hole in the radiator or heater core.
How long will the head gasket sealer last?
If it is severe damage, the sealant may last for about six months, but in some cases, it could provide a permanent repair to slight leaks.
Can the head gasket sealer damage the radiator?
It cannot. If you use the appropriate gasket sealant and apply it properly, your car engine will be safe. The constituents of a sealant are so tiny that they cannot interfere with your engine’s components while fixing the leaks. Always remember to use a gasket sealant from a reputable manufacturer.
Does liquid head gasket sealer work?
Yes, a gasket sealer is an excellent temporary fix. The size of your engine determines the quantity of sealant needed. Cars with 8 or ten cylinders will need a larger sealant than a 4 or 6-cylinder vehicle.
How long does the head gasket sealer take to work?
If you use sealants such as the BlueDevil engine sealant, you can be assured of a rapid action that will enable you to hit the road immediately. The permanent leak fix takes just about 50 minutes.
Conclusion – Pros and cons of Head Gasket Sealer
A gasket sealer is a paste or liquid applied to the gasket between the cylinder head and the engine block. It is manufactured to seal small gaps and create a seal that prevents the oil and engine coolant from mixing. These sealants are produced in paste or liquid form and can be gotten from automotive stores. Before using it, consider the pros and cons of head gasket sealer.