Tips to Identify a Head Gasket Leak in Your Land Rover

The head gasket is a seal that prevents oil from escaping from the cylinder heads and cylinder block of your Land Rover’s engine. When this seal breaks, it can cause your engine to overheat rather quickly. Overheating can cause catastrophic engine damage if the heat is so extreme that it warps metal. Let’s take a closer look at indications of a head gasket leak so you’ll know what to look for to indicate a problem to catch it early.

The Anatomy of a Head Gasket

The head gasket looks like a metal plate with various holes and channels in it. It is usually made of steel but can be composed of rubber, silicone, and other materials. Oil, coolant, and the pistons all utilize this seal inside the engine block.

If there is a mix of oil and coolant, it can wreak havoc with your engine. The oil will no longer be able to lubricate the moving parts, and the coolant can’t keep the engine at optimum working temperature. This will cause the engine to overheat and eventually seize up.

The head gasket in your Land Rover is an expensive component to replace due to the labor-intensive time and expertise required to take apart the engine’s components to access it. Luckily, it should last well over 100,000 miles, unless there is heavy engine usage or unusual damage.

Common Signs of a Head Gasket leak in your Land Rover

• Overheating engine
• White (or colored) smoke rising from under the hood due to extreme temperatures
• Coolant leaks on the ground where you parked your car
• Oil leaks either on the ground or inside your engine bay
• “Milkshake of Death” puddle on the ground under your engine, which the frothy appearance of oil and coolant mixing together
• Overheating of the radiator and bubbling of remaining coolant
• White exhaust if the engine is burning oil with fuel and oxygen

Reasons for a Blown Head Gasket

While most cars won’t experience a blown head gasket, there are some contributing factors that can create the condition. Sometimes, it is simple wear and tear, which is natural for older Land Rovers. Take a look at the following causes:

• Lack of coolant: This is an easy way to maintain your engine’s health. Simply perform the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance, and your engine will be inspected with your oil changes and coolant checks.
• Oil leaks: Similar to coolant, you must ensure your Land Rover has the proper amount of lubricant so the constantly-moving engine parts do not overheat. Oil changes and monitoring your oil levels are part of responsible car ownership. We will perform the necessary checks to ensure your Land Rover is always in top condition.
• Engine misfiring: If your engine is not getting the proper air-to-fuel ratio, and it is experiencing misfires, this can damage your engine over a period of time, causing overheating, which can lead to cracks and damage. Anytime you suspect something is amiss with your Land Rover, trust your instincts. Bring it to our shop for an inspection, where we will pinpoint the exact problem and work with you on an affordable solution.
• Natural wear and degradation: Head gaskets are designed to last for years, but if your Land Rover is nearing 100,000 miles or more, it is prudent to have our mechanics check it to ensure it’s longevity.

Paladin Automotive: Land Rover Experts in Las Vegas

Here at Paladin Automotive, we firmly believe that your car deserves nothing short of premium treatment, and we dedicate our time to ensure you get the best treatment. For years, we have been in the business of repairing European cars and maintaining the quality of vehicles in the Las Vegas area, and we intend to continue with our passion. Our ASE-certified technicians are skilled professionals with several years of expertise to their credit, so you can trust that your car is in good hands.

If you are in or around Spring Valley, Summerlin, or Las Vegas, NV, bring your Land Rover to us. You don’t have to worry about mediocre service at a dealership. We only offer exceptional services to guarantee your satisfaction.

Not only are we experts in Land Rovers, but we also service and maintain other popular European car brands like the Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, and Maserati as well as Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Rolls Royce, and Volkswagen. Visit our auto repair shop today or give us a call!