Counting the cost of the repairs and comparing it to the value of your vehicle is a smart thing to do anytime you get bad news from your mechanic. This is something insurance companies have been doing for a long time when they decide whether to consider a car a total loss from an accident or recommend repairs to the owner. Many insurance companies use the rule that if the repair value is more than 75% of the value of the vehicle they will consider it a total loss, so that is a good rule for us to use as well when we’re trying to decide if we should repair a vehicle or move on to the set of wheels.
Since you’ve already got a repair estimate in your hand the other piece of the equation is your vehicle’s value. We recommend using sites like www.edmunds.com www.nada.com and www.kbb.com as well as local classified ads for similar vehicles in similar condition to get an idea of the value of your vehicle.
One other very important thing to consider:
The other thing to consider in this whole equation is what other damage could have been done to your vehicle when you got a blown head gasket.
Other Damage Caused by a Blown Head Gasket:
- Cylinder head damage
- Engine block damage
- Bearing damage
Cylinder Head Damage
Cylinder head damage can come in the form of warping, cracking or tunneling. Warping is often due to overheating and can sometimes be fixed by machining things flat again. Cracking can rarely be fixed and can be difficult to find with a simple visual inspection. Tunneling can happen when coolant leaks through to a cylinder for a long time and erodes the metal on the head. This can sometimes be fixed by welding new metal on but often means the head casting is ruined.
Engine Block Damage
The engine block can have the same problems a cylinder head can from a blown head gasket. Engine blocks are less likely to get damaged due to their materials used, amount surface area and the design of the block. This is good news because replacing an engine block can be very costly. Even so, it’s still important to check the block deck for flatness before reassembling the engine.
Bearing Damage
Bearing damage can come from excess heat but is most often a product of having coolant in the engine oil. If you pull out your engine’s dipstick and find your oil looking more like a chocolate milkshake then you’ve had a significant amount of coolant mix with your oil. Water in your oil will allow your bearings to rust and wear out very quickly. If your head gasket leak has caused this problem you are almost always better off replacing the whole engine as a new head gasket will stop the leak but bearing damage has probably already been done.
If you don’t have bearing damage and the cost of replacing your head gaskets doesn’t make sense based on the value of your car, consider using BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer to stop the leak and keep your car on the road.
You can find BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer, you can find it at one of your local auto parts stores like:
- AutoZone
- Advance Auto Parts
- Bennett Auto Supply
- CarQuest Auto Parts
- NAPA Auto Parts
- O’Reilly Auto Parts
- Pep Boys
- Fast Track
- Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts Specialists
- S&E Quick Lube Distributor
- DYK Automotive
- Fisher Auto Parts stores
- Auto Plus Auto Parts stores
- Hovis Auto & Truck Supply stores
- Salvo Auto Parts
- Advantage Auto Stores
- Genuine Auto Parts stores
- Bond Auto Parts stores
- Tidewater Fleet Supply
- Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts
- Any Part Auto Parts
- Consumer Auto Parts
Pictures Provided By:
blown_head_gasket.jpg – By Malkovstock – Licensed By Getty Images – Original Link
BlueDevil Products can be found on Amazon.com or at AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, and other major auto parts retailers.
53 responses to "Is Fixing a Blown Head Gasket Worth It?"
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Can I still use blue devil after the oil and coolant has mixed in the motor
Shannon-
The BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer is only intended for water/coolant leaks. If you are getting coolant into the engine oil, as long as you are not losing coolant too quickly, the product would be able to seal that kind of a leak. You would want to change the oil before and after the BlueDevil procedure. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi I have a VW Jetta 2015 has a rapid oil leak and has 191,000. Miles on it there is also oil in coolant too probably I’m assuming blown head gasket? The car is parked at home looking for a good mechanic or repair shop can you recommend one? Leak in oil pan also gasket as well ? Help
714-232-1378 thanks
Vincent-
Thank you for asking about your VW Jetta. Unfortunately, we do not manufacture a product intended to stop oil from leaking from the head gasket. A hard part repair may be your best option.
Thank you!
-BDP
Will blue devil stop the exhaust gases from bubbling up in my raidator?
Shawn-
BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer will still work if your vehicle is getting combustion/exhaust gases blowing into the cooling system and creating pressure. To give yourself the best overall chance of BlueDevil working successfully, in addition to the directions, you should remove the spark plug from the cylinder with the leak; this will be the spark plug from the cylinder with the low compression reading. If you are not sure which one that is, you may pull all of the spark plugs and will notice one will have a white-crystal-like substance on it and/or may look dirty; this is the plug you should pull. Leave that plug out for the 50 minute idle in order to relieve the pressure from building up and thus allowing the product to seal properly. Be sure to follow the guidelines for the proper amount to use based on the size of your cooling system.
Thank you!
-BDP
Will it stop exhaust laks
Jim-
Is the vehicle experiencing a loss of water/coolant? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
If I replace my top burnt top gasket, will the engine still perform well?
Uche-
It would depend on whether or not the engine had experienced any other internal damage. In theory, if you had a blown head gasket and then replaced the head gasket, the engine should perform as normal.
Thank you!
-BDP
My head gasket in my 2008
350ML Mercedes SUV has blown
I rode just 5 min. And it ran HOT.
SO ITS PARKED IN MY GARAGE
Should I use sealant? I cant afford a new engine?
Thx. Lynn
G. Lynn-
Thank you for asking about your Mercedes. In order to get the benefit of using the BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer, the vehicle would need to be able to idle for 50 minutes, without overheating or stalling out, and you shouldn’t be losing more than about a quart of water/coolant during the 50 minute run. If the vehicle can meet these requirements, you would be a good candidate for the product.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2020 ford taurus limit.i was just told I have oil an water mixing burnt. Blown head gasket .will this work . I replaced manifold gasket fuel pump an camshaft sensor.
Sharon-
Thank you for asking about your Ford Taurus. To confirm, is water getting into the oil or oil getting into the cooling system? Are you experiencing any other symptoms? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
How long will the fix using blue devil sealnt last ?
Mike-
Once the BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer creates a seal, it would be a permanent seal. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
The spark plug associated with cylinder 4 in my 2003 Mazda Protege5 is constantly needing to be replaced. Above, you mentioned that the spark plug cylinder with low compression (cylinder 4 when needing replacement) can allow coolant into my oil? I am asking as a preventive attempt, I am noticing signs of possible problems that I’d like to avoid (without fixing things that aren’t broken! Of course.).
Having posed the question, I also would like to ask if there is any harm in putting Blue Devil into my car whether or not there is actually any problems? (I am comforted by dumping promises and hopes of a better future into my engine). I just cannot lose my car but I notice symptoms. Maybe I’m reading too much into it. Thanks!
Stranger-
Thank you for asking about your Mazda Protege. BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer should not be used as a preventative measure/maintenance. It is only intended to treat water/coolant leaks. It may be worth taking the vehicle to a certified ASE mechanic for a proper diagnosis.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello there. I went to a mechanic shop this morning and I was told that the head gasket to my 2011 chevrolet Impala is blown out. It ran HOT this morning but I was still able to drive it to the shop, The mechanic instructed me to replace the motor instead of the head gasket only. Can you please assist? What should I do? Is it worth replacing the head gasket? I want to save money for a newer car if possible and not incur debt
Jamie-
Thank you for asking about your Chevrolet Impala. If the mechanic is recommending replacing the motor instead of just replacing the head gasket, they may be indicating that the engine bearings could be damaged as well and replacing just the head gasket would not completely solve the issue. Repairing the blown head gasket would do nothing for the bearings and the engine could still fail, just the same. It may be best to follow the mechanic’s advice and look into replacing the engine.
Thank you!
-BDP
What if the water and oil mixed in the coolant reservoir, but I’m assuming none get in the engine because it was a small milky speck the size of a nerd candy on the stick? Also when I checked the coolant reservoir top it was full of milky substance, like the consistency of chocolate milk and inside of the coolant tank. I know it’s a head gasket, but having the damage to the bearings set in?
Kita-
Unfortunately, we do not manufacture a product intended to stop oil from getting into the cooling system. BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer is only intended for water/coolant leaks. Replacing the head gasket may be your best option.
Thank you!
-BDP
My oil and cool hasn’t mixed on my 2003 Toyota Camry just a lot of smoke coming out Of the exhaust pipe is it worth fixing because I have one mechanic who saying the motor was blue but there’s no milky substance on the oil spout and I have another mechanic saying that I only need the head gasket changed can you help me with some advice
Marya-
Thank you for asking about your Toyota Camry. As long as you are not losing water/coolant too quickly, you would be a good candidate for the BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer. The product is intended to seal water/coolant leaks. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
My 2005 dodge durango overheats on highway but not in idle . No milky substance no white smoke coming out of exhaust . But when it overheats you hear the coolant bubbling in the radiator. I’ve replace water pump thermostat upper radiator hose radiator all within the last 3 months . Would blue devil solve this problem?
Ronell-
Thanks for asking about your Dodge Durango. Based on your description, it’s possible that you are getting combustion/exhaust gases pumping back into the cooling system. You can use a “Block Dye Tester” to confirm whether or not that is the case.
BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer will still work if your vehicle is getting combustion/exhaust gases blowing into the cooling system and creating pressure. To give yourself the best overall chance of BlueDevil working successfully, in addition to the directions, you should remove the spark plug from the cylinder with the leak; this will be the spark plug from the cylinder with the low compression reading. If you are not sure which one that is, you may pull all of the spark plugs and will notice one will have a white-crystal-like substance on it and/or may look dirty; this is the plug you should pull. Leave that plug out for the 50 minute idle in order to relieve the pressure from building up and thus allowing the product to seal properly. Be sure to follow the guidelines for the proper amount to use based on the size of your cooling system.
Thank you!
-BDP
HI I got informed by my mechanic that my 2003 Mercedes SLK 230 has a leaking head gasket. I’ve heard different things from different mechanics that I only need to replace the head gasket and I’ve also heard that I need to replace my motor and head gasket. My motor is perfectly fine and it hasn’t been effected so im a little confused on what to do. Also, Im not sure if it is worth it to fix it or if I should just get a new car.
Hailey-
Thank you for asking about your Mercedes SLK. A lot of times, mechanics will recommend replacing the whole engine rather than just replacing the head gasket. There are many factors that go into that train of thinking, such as age, mileage and condition of the vehicle. Replacing the head gasket is a very labor intensive job and requires several hours of labor, so you can see that there may be situations where it would make more sense just to replace the entire engine to ensure the life of the vehicle. If you are unsure as to what to do next, a second opinion on the matter may be beneficial. A second mechanic could give you a different perspective and maybe help with your decision making process.
Thank you!
-BDP
WILL BLUE DEVIL WORK IF I HAVE COOLANT IN MY COMBUSTION CHAMBER,1989 BUICK LESABRE?
Michael-
Thank you for asking about your Buick LeSabre. BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer will still work if your vehicle is getting combustion/exhaust gases blowing into the cooling system and creating pressure. To give yourself the best overall chance of BlueDevil working successfully, in addition to the directions, you should remove the spark plug from the cylinder with the leak; this will be the spark plug from the cylinder with the low compression reading. If you are not sure which one that is, you may pull all of the spark plugs and will notice one will have a white-crystal-like substance on it and/or may look dirty; this is the plug you should pull. Leave that plug out for the 50 minute idle in order to relieve the pressure from building up and thus allowing the product to seal properly. Be sure to follow the guidelines for the proper amount to use based on the size of your cooling system.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have an 05 Subaru. Non-turbo. The seller said a small coolant leak, the shop said it was due to a blown head gasket. Just looking for a cheap in-town car. Do you think this will work for me?
Mark-
Are you getting smoke/steam from the exhaust pipe? Is the vehicle overheating at all? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have the same problem with 05 outback. Not overheating or smoking but small leak in gasket. Will blue devil fix this?
Arnold-
Thank you for asking about your Subaru Outback. What are the symptoms the vehicle is having? Is water/coolant dripping to the ground? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
I’m my 2008 Honda Accord the coolant leak all over my motor and it over heated my car, without me noticing the heat meter. My car started smoking then it stopped on me would the blue devil work for my problem.
Isaria-
Thank you for asking about your Honda Accord. How quickly are you losing coolant? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello there I have a 2018 Ford Mustang ecoboost with 124 miles on it I live out of city limits alot of highway miles. I started having issues with my car when the engine light came on took it to Auto zone n put the code reader to the car and it stated to change sparkplugs wish I did 3 times I also changed the fuel injectors did a brake flush bought new battery replaced fuel rail pressure sensor, variable valve timing solenoid ,engine oil change synthetic picked up car ran k for few days engine light went off then it came back on took it back to mechanic and now stated the I blew up a head gasket valve cylinder gasket and fuel injectors again total repair would be $3600. So my question is it worth fixing due to all of the repairs done in less than 3 months approximately even tho I’m still paying for the car ?
I have a 2016 ford escape that has a leaking head gasket and can turn on and run forever but when put in drive has no go and dies, will this work for that? There is no coolant in the engine but it did have a rusted cylinder 4 (which was the start of all the problems) thank you for any help you can give.
Kayla-
Thank you for asking about your Ford Escape. Have you noticed a loss of water/coolant? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
So I have a 2010 Ford crown Victoria police interceptor. Almost 200000 miles but not there yet. A very good car. But I was told I have a blown head gasket. Only symptoms that I’ve seen is leaking from the area under the driver’s seat. And might be milky oil. Not sure on that on though. Only symptoms. I just need help on what to do and how to go about it. I don’t trust any mechanic and am not trying to be charged for unnecessary things as well. Just need some information on what to do next and what it is that’s wrong with my car. Good car and really don’t want to sell, but is it worth keeping?
Shyann-
Thank you for asking about your Ford Crown Victoria. How quickly are you losing coolant? Is the vehicle overheating at all? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2007 GMC Envoy, one of my spark plugs came out rusted and the coil was wet. I noticed a white sludge from the oil cap but none inside the oil dipstick. Can i use your product
Enrique-
Thank you for asking about your GMC Envoy. Based on your description, we’d recommend performing a block-dye test to confirm whether or not you have combustion/exhaust gases pumping into the cooling system.
BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer will still work if your vehicle is getting combustion/exhaust gases blowing into the cooling system and creating pressure. To give yourself the best overall chance of BlueDevil working successfully, in addition to the directions, you should remove the spark plug from the cylinder with the leak; this will be the spark plug from the cylinder with the low compression reading. If you are not sure which one that is, you may pull all of the spark plugs and will notice one will have a white-crystal-like substance on it and/or may look dirty; this is the plug you should pull. Leave that plug out for the 50 minute idle in order to relieve the pressure from building up and thus allowing the product to seal properly. Be sure to follow the guidelines for the proper amount to use based on the size of your cooling system.
Thank you!
-BDP
My 2005 corvette has never got over 205 and normal is from 195 to 210 degrees but I m losing antifreeze my oil is clean and no misses or knocks but i only had this car a few moths and my first problem was a po430 code which is catilytic system not working properly so I got damaged converters do to antifreeze in my exhaust I m not much of a mechanic and I sunk all my savings into this car should I try this or kseal or just change my head gasket? The car has 130k miles on it but looks brand new i really love this car but I’m so disgusted I sank my money in it and I have no idea if its already been treated with something else before and if so will I sage it worse if I try to fix it with a sealant or easy fix??
Stephen-
Thank you for asking about your Corvette. How quickly are you losing antifreeze? Have you noticed any smoke/steam coming from the exhaust pipe? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have leaking coolant from the back of my engine the engine is not damaged it started perfect. After 30 mins idling small bubbles start to form in the over flow bottle
The car stated I test it smell the exhaust is clean no sweet smell no smell of fuel it’s smells like nothing perfectly clean
After thst the car won’t start thinking is coolant got in the starter
Car started fine before this ran idling like kitten 30 mins
I’m gonna remove the thermostat try blue Bevin with the system flushed
What I’m gonna do is flush the entire system remove the old thermostat leave it out so fluid has free flow as summer is comming no deal I’ll dump it before next winter anyways add leave enough to add full container of blue devil
Then idle the car watch temperature and overflow bottle
cap on of course after filling so system is as normal
Check fir bubbles or boiling in the over flow!
Took over 30 mins at idle to reach normal temperature car ran like a clock exhaust smelled like nothing no sweeet no fuel smell nice and clean
Tim-
Your description sounds spot on! If you are noticing a loss of water/coolant, the vehicle would be a good candidate for the product. If your vehicle only has a reservoir/overflow rather than a radiator cap, instead of pouring BlueDevil through the reservoir/overflow, with the car off and engine cold you should disconnect the top radiator hose and add the product there; do not pour it into the reservoir. It may be added into the hose or the opening on the radiator. Once BlueDevil has been added, reconnect the hose and start the idle from that point.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello- I have a 2006 Saturn Ion 2.2L EcoTech. My coolant is leaking into my oil, and we do not know how long it has been doing so. I want to replace the head gasket, but most places are telling me to swap the motor or use this product. (I do not have the funds to swap the engine, unfortunately.)
Tamari-
Thank you for asking about your Saturn. How quickly are you losing coolant? Water/coolant leaking into the engine oil is exactly the kind of leak the BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer is intended for! Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello, I have a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. All the symptoms of a internal leak in cooling jacket and cylinder. It’s to the point where it’s misfiring on a cold start. Sending out tons of white smoke from the exhaust. The engine was at an over heat point once but I added coolant before thinking it could be a head gasket issue since the coolant was low. I am certain it is a head gasket do you think this product will work to fix the issue or has the problem to bad and will need fixed by a mechanic? Thank you!
Justin-
Thank you for asking about your Jeep Grand Cherokee. Based on your description, it’s possible that you are getting combustion/exhaust gases pumping back into the cooling system. You can use a “Block Dye Tester” to confirm whether or not that is the case.
BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer will still work if your vehicle is getting combustion/exhaust gases blowing into the cooling system and creating pressure. To give yourself the best overall chance of BlueDevil working successfully, in addition to the directions, you should remove the spark plug from the cylinder with the leak; this will be the spark plug from the cylinder with the low compression reading. If you are not sure which one that is, you may pull all of the spark plugs and will notice one will have a white-crystal-like substance on it and/or may look dirty; this is the plug you should pull. Leave that plug out for the 50 minute idle in order to relieve the pressure from building up and thus allowing the product to seal properly. Be sure to follow the guidelines for the proper amount to use based on the size of your cooling system.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello my name is Jory I have a 2007 Chrysler 300, so my question is this, I took my car to the mechanic to get a diagnosis on it, my car kind of shakes after turning it off and turning it back on within a few minutes(under a hour or so) then the check engine light comes on, while driving the light blinks. So he said I need a new fuel injector, cool no problem but he also did a head test and said I have a blown head gasket, he said that replacing the engine is cheaper and less of a headache, so should I just replace the engine or replace the head gasket?
Jory-
Thank you for asking about your Chrysler 300. Replacing the head gasket, in most cases, is an extremely expensive repair. It addresses the apparent problem at hand, but it doesn’t ensure the longevity of the engine, moving forward, and it doesn’t address and potential internal damage in other parts of the engine that may have occurred. Especially in vehicles with higher mileage, it makes more sense to replace the engine versus just replacing the head gasket, because although engine replacement cost is higher, it gives you more peace of mind and ensures better longevity. Hope this helps!
Thank you!
-BDP