Can a blown head gasket cause a map controlled thermostat not to open?

ANSWER : Hi there. Although a blown head gasket can cause multiple systems to fail throughout the vehicle, is less than likely that it would impact the operation of the thermostat on the radiator. However, it is quite possible that when the original overheating issue that likely caused the head gasket failure occurred, several electrical harnesses or sensors that control and monitor these components may have been damaged. Coolant can overflow for many reasons, but typically it’s due to having coolant that is not thinned down to the recommended 50/50 ratio of coolant to distilled water when adding coolant to the radiator.

ANSWER : Hi there. It really depends on the location of the motor (meaning if it’s installed in the vehicle or loose and on an engine stand), that would factor into the price and whether this is a project one of our mobile mechanics can complete. We can complete the oil pan gasket replacement, but some of the other jobs like wiring harness, intake and rocker arm installation is outside of our scope of service. In regards to estimates for those services, I would suspect it would cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000 based on where it’s completed and what supplies would be needed.

ANSWER : If vehicle is hard to start after the engine head was removed then you may need to double check the timing of the timing belt was set correct and the engine has no codes for the cam sensor set because of it. You may have timing off one tooth. You should also check engine compression.

ANSWER : The problems you describe (leaking radiator, overheating) often lead to a "blown" or leaking head gasket. For your vehicle, there is only 1 head gasket, which would need to be replaced. This is in addition to any failure of the radiator or other cooling system components.

I recommend having a YourMechanic mobile, professional mechanic come to your location and perform a car is overheating inspection. This inspection will identify failed cooling system components (radiator, head gasket issues) and recommend/quote needed repairs.

ANSWER : 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.

ANSWER : Hello – it is unlikely a bad intake manifold gasket will cause a blown head gasket on a Prius (different story for GM V6 engines). It is possible that a failing head gasket can cause a misfire over time – coolant can start to leak into the cylinders causing a misfire. The mileage level on your engine is within the range of reasonable head gasket failure. I would recommend an engine inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, confirm the diagnose for this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2001 Chevrolet Impala. The stop leak is only temporary and may not even work the first time. If you use too much or not as directed it may block the radiator and coolant passages and cause further trouble. If you’d like to try sealing it, only go on very short drives to test it out to see if it contains the leak well.

ANSWER : Hey there. Test to see if the head gasket is blown the cooling system will need to be pressurized using a cooling system pressure tester to put pressure on the cooling system to see if it holds pressure. If it does not hold pressure and no external leaks are found then the head gasket is leaking. If no leaks are found the a combustion leak check can be done by using a coolant tester that is held on the radiator opening with a special liquid in the tester that changes to a blue color if engine combustion gas is getting in to the cooling system. This would indicate a head gasket leak or cracked cylinder head. If both of these tests are okay then test the radiator cap and replace the thermostat. If you need to have this looked at by a professional, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the potential overheating issue.