Answer:  Replacing the head gaskets every 12,000 miles is not normal as you can well guess.  The block, head, or both may be causing the problem.  The surface of either or both is probably not flat.  It is easily checked with the engine apart.

Question: 2003 Ford Windstar, mileage: 38,000.  Recently found out that one of the head gaskets are blown on this vehicle.  In addition, it is blowing oil up through the dipstick.  My question to you is: If I repair the head gaskets, will that solve the problem of the oil being blown up through the dipstick?  I have talked to mechanics and they all say the same thing, motor has to be replaced or rebuilt.  Thanks in advance, AL

Answer:   There is a very remote chance that replacing the head gasket will fix the problem of the oil and the dipstick.  It depends on where the head gasket is blown.  If it were blown into an oil return passage, then replacing it would probably fix your problem.

Question: 2003 Ford Taurus mileage: 75,000.  Do blown head gaskets, causing some coolant to leak into the oil, always result in the need to replace the crankshaft bearings?  My gaskets blew suddenly - there is a very thin film on the oil filler cap and oil at the bottom of the dipstick shows no sign of water (oil is dark and not foamy).

Answer:  Blown head gaskets usually do not result in coolant getting in the oil.  Because no coolant is showing up on the oil dipstick and the oil fill cap, you probably do not have coolant in the oil.  Replacing the head gasket should fix your problem.  With the head off, check to make sure the gasket surface of the head is flat – it may need resurfacing.

Question: 2003 Dodge 1500 truck mileage: 34,000.  I am losing coolant (about 2 cups per week) internally and suspect that my head gasket is leaking.  I know that replacing it would cost about $400 - $500 dollars.  I was wondering if there is any type of product or additive on the market that would help seal the gasket and give me more time.  In addition, would it help if I simply tightened up the head gasket cover bolts?

Answer:   The answer is no, unfortunately, to both questions.

Question: 2001 GMC 2500 mileage: 70,000.  I had noticed my temperature gauge getting real hot then going down.  So, I checked the radiator level and it was about 2 cups low.  I thought I saw some little black spots in the coolant.   When I picked up the cap to put it back on, I had noticed a spot of what looked like grease.  Of course, I had to stick my finger in it to find out.  It feels like grease.  Therefore it must be.  From reading the other posting, it sounds like a blown head gasket.  How far can I drive it and is it expensive to have it fixed ?

Answer:  How far can you drive your car with the problem?  That depends on whether or not you are a “thrill seeker.”  It could quit at a very inopportune time.

Question: 2001 Ford Mustang mileage: 50,000.  A few weeks ago, as I was leaving for college to go home, I had some car trouble and my car ran hot.  My dad and grandfather put in a new radiator and thermostat, but they were worried that the head gasket might have been hurt.  Recently, my car has been shaking when I stop at a red light or stop sign and now my car is leaking water from the radiator, but no leak is to be found.  Yesterday, I went to check it and I put my finger down in the radiator to feel for water and it smelt like gasoline was in my radiator.  My father said for me to check the oil and I checked it today and it is milky looking.  Is this a gasket problem or could it be something else, maybe a water pump?  If you could help me out, I would really appreciate it.

Answer:   Your problem is probably a blown head gasket.  When the engine is apart, have the head checked for cracks. Replace head gaskets with new.

Question: 2002 Chevrolet Astro mileage: 84,000.  I blew a head gasket.  But, I was wondering if I should just buy a new engine or get the other one fixed. The van has a lot of miles on it

Answer:   With 84,000 miles on your engine, you may be better off to buy a new engine.

Question: 2001 Dodge truck 2500 mileage: 75,525.  I was finding oil leaking in my driveway.  It continued to get worse.  I brought the car to the dealer...he called and said it was a head gasket problem.  What would cause this on such a new car?  Was it something I did?  It is covered under warranty but how much would the cost have been to fix it?  Thank you in advance...

Answer:  Unless the car was overheated, we cannot think of how you could have caused the head gasket to fail.  Read your new car warranty for details on what is covered and for how long.  Labor and parts to do the job would be approximately $500.00.

Question: 2001 Toyota Camry mileage: 57,000.  How hard is it to change the head gasket. I know it the head gasket because I’m losing oil and water.

Answer:  Changing the head gasket on your car is not to difficult job to do.  If done correctly, you can easily save $$$.  When a head gasket is replaced, have the head resurfaced and checked for cracks.

Question: 2003 Ford Mustang mileage: 50,000.  How do I know if I am about to blow a head gasket and how could I stop it.  I know the 3.8 has a problem because of the aluminum head gasket and the cast iron engine.  I have been looking for information about this problem and haven’t turned up any useful info. Also, what is a head gasket.  I have blown some out in the past from a 1995 mustang and hope it will not happen with this one.

Answer: It is difficult to forecast engine trouble.  A head gasket seals the cylinder head to the block.

Question: 1999 Chevrolet 1500 Truck mileage: 149,000  My question is I have been told it is not advisable to buy a truck that has had the head gasket blown. That it can cause a lot of damage to the motor. I am hoping to hear from you ASAP. Thank you

Answer: It can cause a lot of damage. But if repair correctly the truck should be fine.

Question: 2001 Acura Integra mileage: 76,000. I've recently been told my Acura has a "seeping head gasket." Is this something I should have fixed quickly or will it be ok for a while? Any estimates on repair? I live in Connecticut.

Answer: Check coolant and oil levels often. Replace head gasket as soon as possible.

Question: 2002 Subaru Legacy, mileage: 61,000. I am trying to figure out if my car has a blown head gasket or not. When I pulled off the intake housing I found water, oil mix on & in my throttle body and in my turbo housing as well all in my breather apparatuses. I always assumed a blown head gasket would not create these kinds of problems. If it isn't a head gasket, what could it be? I live in an area were no one knows any thing about these cars. HELP!!! Thank You.

Answer: It sure sounds like you have a blown head gasket or cracked head. On your particular vehicle, we have experienced both. Prepare yourself for the worst. There is no way to tell which it is until it is taken apart.