In a Jeep Wrangler, a head gasket’s primary function is to seal the gap between the engine block and cylinder head to prevent the mixing of air, fuel, and coolant from leaking out. However, the head gasket may malfunction from time to time.
So, What are the Jeep Wrangler blown head gasket symptoms? Overheated engines, power loss, misfiring, white smoke, and dense oil are some of the most common signs of a blown gasket head.
Keep reading to know more about the reasons for a failing blown head gasket, its symptoms, and how to Solution it.
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6 Symptoms and Solutions of Jeep Wrangler Blown Head Gasket
Here are some common signs you need to look out for when your head gasket has blown:
| Symptoms | Solutions |
| Overheating Engine | Regular maintenance of a cooling system |
| Loss of Engine Power | Replace or rebuild the engine |
| White Exhaust Smoke | Change the head gasket and fix any coolant leaks |
| Milky Oil | Drain oil and fix coolant leaks |
| Engine Misfire | Change damaged cylinders |
| Coolant Leaks | Replace head gasket and repair or replace components |
1. Overheating Engine
An overheating engine is one of the most common symptoms of a blown head gasket. When the head gasket fails, coolant leaks out of the engine, leading to a loss of coolant and engine overheating.
If you notice your Jeep’s temperature gauge creeping up or if you see steam coming from the hood, it probably indicates a blown head gasket.
Solution:
To prevent this situation, the cooling system should be regularly inspected and maintained. This includes checking coolant levels, inspecting the radiator for leaks or clogs, and ensuring that the thermostat is functioning properly.
2. Loss of Engine Power
Another symptom of a blown head gasket is a loss of engine power, causing a drop in compression of the engine, leading to reduced engine power.
If your Jeep struggles to accelerate or maintain speed, it could be due to a blown head gasket.
Solution:
Replace entire engine or rebuild the current one. Consult a mechanic, as this process is quite complex and should be done with expert assistance.
3. White Exhaust Smoke
When the head gasket fails, it causes coolant to leak into the combustion chamber, emitting white exhaust smoke. If you notice white smoke coming from your Jeep’s exhaust, it’s a sign that you need to check the head gasket.
Solution:
Change your old head gasket and install a new one. Also, fix up any coolant leaks.
4. Milky Oil
A blown head gasket can also cause coolant to mix with the engine oil, leading to a dense, milky oil. If you notice that your Jeep’s oil looks milky or frothy, it’s a sign that you have a blown head gasket.
Solution:
You’ll have to drain out the old, contaminated fuel. As this happens due to coolant leaks, check and repair the coolant system.
5. Engine misfire
A blown head gasket can make a loss of compression in one or more cylinders, leading to an engine misfire. If you notice your Jeep’s engine is running rough or misfiring, it could be due to a blown head gasket.
Solution:
Change the damaged cylinders. Here’s how you do it.
- First, you’ll need to diagnose which cylinders are damaged.
- Next, you need to take off the cylinder head from engine block. The process includes detaching the rocker arms, pushrods, valve cover, and other parts to get head bolts.
- Once you pull out the cylinder head, you’ll need to install the new piston, piston rings, and connecting rod and reassemble the engine components in reverse order.
6. Coolant Leaks
Lastly, a blown head gasket causes coolant leaks. If you notice coolant pooling under your Jeep or dripping from the engine, it’s a sign that you have a blown head gasket.
Solution:
The head gasket must be replaced, and any damaged components in the cooling system must be repaired or replaced.
Once you’ve confirmed the blown head gasket, drain the coolant from your engine and remove the intake and exhaust manifold to access the cylinder head.
Remove the cylinder head bolts and lift off the cylinder head. Clean the underlying surface thoroughly and install a new gasket.
What Are The Causes of A Blown Head Gasket in Jeep Wrangler?
A blown head gasket in a Jeep Wrangler may occur due to the following:
- Over time, due to gradual wear and tear, head gasket becomes brittle and cracks over time.
- If the engine is not maintained properly, it leads to issues like low coolant levels, dirty oil, or clogged filters, which results in pressure on the head gasket, wearing it down.
- In some cases, a blown head gasket can be caused by poor installation.
- Certain chemicals, like oil additives or coolant additives, can damage the head gasket over time.
Cost for Repair Jeep Wrangler Blown Gasket Head
The cost of replacing head gaskets is mainly due to the labor involved, as they themselves aren’t very expensive.
This task can be especially challenging for engines with overhead cams, while it is slightly easier for traditional engines where it’s in the block.
On average, the total cost of head gasket replacement, including parts and labor, exceeds $1200, although this can vary depending on the engine model and year.
If you intend to replace the head gaskets yourself, set aside a whole weekend for the job and be sure to use the correct tools, like a torque wrench, when reassembling everything.
FAQs
Can I drive my Jeep Wrangler with a blown head gasket?
Driving your Jeep Wrangler with a blown head gasket is not recommended, as it can cause further damage to the engine and other components. Continuing to drive with a blown head gasket can also lead to engine failure and expensive repairs.
Can I replace a blown head gasket myself in my Jeep Wrangler?
Replacing a blown head gasket in a Jeep Wrangler is a complex and time-consuming process that requires specialized knowledge and tools. Unless you have experience with engine repairs and the necessary equipment, it’s best to leave this task to a professional mechanic.
How long does a head gasket of a Jeep Wrangler last?
Generally, a properly installed head gasket can last 200,000 miles before needing replacement. So, it’s actually pretty rare to have a blown head gasket unless your care isn’t well-maintained.
Final Words
So, Jeep Wrangler blown gasket head symptoms shouldn’t be ignored and should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your engine and vehicle and ensure safety while driving.
You can ensure this by regular maintenance, including checking the coolant level and using the correct type of coolant, which can help prevent head gasket issues. Also, avoid overheating your engine by carefully driving and maintaining your cooling system.
Hello, I’m Michael Rosales an expert in cars. As a little boy, I have always loved cars. Over the years I became lucky to have the opportunity to work as a car dealer. It was at this stage I became vast in the knowledge of cars, things you need to know when buying cars and how to minimize cost while still getting your dream car.