Changed head gasket car won't start.

Changed head gasket car won’t start.

Ok I bought this car with a blown head gasket. Previous owner said it got hot and shut off. I changed head gasket, checked all valves for proper operation, checked fuel system, checked for spark, all are within tolerance. Double checked that I had the head gasket and head seated well. I used the proper torque sequence for the heads and rockers. Now the car will not start. It cranks fine and I hear compression, but it will not catch and start.

My car has 169227 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :

Hi there:

In most cases when a cylinder head gasket has been pushed due to overheating, it can cause additional damage to valve train hardware; most of the time problems with valve guides. However, if you’ve double checked all hardware; you might want to look into the ignition system; perhaps the crankshaft position sensor is damaged (which happens most of the time during an overheating issue). If you can’t find the source of your issues, feel free to contact one of our local mobile mechanics and have them complete a car will not start inspection; so they can help you diagnose the problem.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

If the engine will not crank then the starter circuit needs to be tested to see if there is a wiring issue. If it is cranking and not starting then the computer needs to be checked with a scan tool to see if it is getting a crank signal from the crank sensor. If not then it may be a sensor or circuit problem.

You could have a lack of ignition spark. Engine timing could be disrupted. Engine compression could be compromised. Proper air intake to the engine could be interrupted or too plentiful.

A bad enough head gasket leak will cause the engine to lose compression. This can lead to the engine running roughly at idle, knocking and even stalling. However, other problems can cause the engine to run roughly or knock.

A blown head gasket can cause all sorts of other problems. Coolant can enter the cylinders, which can cause major damage quickly. It can also allow coolant to leak from the engine, causing overheating.

Many mechanics believe that 4 hours of cure time is sufficient to return a vehicle back to service when using silicone gasketing products. There are gasketing formulas that allow an immediate return to service, such as Permatex The Right Stuff®. However, most gasketing products require 24 hours of cure time.

Why won`t my car start but I have power? If you attempt to start up your car but the engine won`t turn over and the dashboard lights up, then you most likely have an issue with your battery. You could have a damaged or corroded battery terminal, which is stopping the engine from starting up when you fully turn the key.

When your engine cranks but won`t start or run, it could mean your engine is having trouble producing a spark, getting fuel, or creating compression. The most common causes are problems in the ignition (for example, a bad ignition coil) or fuel system (for example, a clogged fuel filter).

Most blown head gaskets can be properly fixed without a mechanic. There is a point where the damage is too great and you will need the expertise of a professional to replace the gasket, but many leaks in a head gasket can be taken care of with one of our products.

Is K-Seal bad for your car? No. Scientifically tested, K‑Seal will not cause any harm to your car or its engine, nor will it damage the pump. It simply does what it says on the bottle: seals holes in your coolant system and cracks in your head gasket with ease, without the risk of blockages.

Preventing Head Gasket Failures

Head gasket failures are usually caused by repeated overheating, or continuing to drive after the car has overheated, so the best way to prevent a head gasket failure is to ensure your cooling system is in good condition.

Once a gasket has taken a set (due to temperature and fluids), it should not be disturbed or reused. It would not have the same properties available to go through the initial compression provided by the joint and achieve the initial seal.

Rotary abrasives or wire wheels are not recommended for cleaning aluminum gasket surfaces. Not only can they gouge low spots in the cylinder head gasket surface, they also can contaminate the engine with highly damaging abrasive and wire filaments.

Depending on how severe the leak or perforation is, a car usually does not last longer than a month with a blown head gasket.

Is it safe to drive with a blown head gasket? No, the sooner you get it fixed, the better. Aside from the damage it will do to your engine, driving with a blown head gasket can be dangerous.

Consequences of Head Gasket Failure

If the head gasket fails, the three liquids can cease to perform their individual functions, which will cause the engine to underperform or stop performing. If the engine experiences deficits in performance, the problems flow downstream to engine parts and other vehicle systems.

Loss of power or difficulty accelerating, often alongside other symptoms such as white smoke from the exhaust and low coolant levels, can be a symptom attributed to a blown head gasket.

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ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. If sometimes your vehicle will start with the new alternator and sometimes it won’t, then there is a loose connection in your charging system. Check all of the wires to the alternator and to the battery. Make sure that the battery cables are clean and tight. Make sure that the wires to the starter are clean and tight. A loose ground to the ignition system will cause the vehicle to not crank over. Check all of the ground wires from the battery to the starter. Make sure that they are clean and tight. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your no start situation, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you.

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