White smoke, mystery coolant loss or an engine that keeps overheating can point to a failed head gasket, and MTS Garage Services will confirm the cause before you commit to anything.
The head gasket seals the joint between the engine block and cylinder head, keeping combustion pressure, coolant and oil in their proper places. When it fails, those things start to mix or escape, and the engine tells you in a number of unpleasant ways.
Drivers across Hayes, Southall, Uxbridge and Hounslow come to MTS Garage Services with this worry. Head gasket repairs Hayes motorists need are not a job to guess at, because several cheaper faults produce the same signs. We test first, explain what we find and let you decide.
Typical signs include coolant that disappears with no visible leak, white exhaust smoke with a sweet smell, bubbles in the expansion tank, and oil that looks pale and milky under the filler cap. Overheating, especially soon after a repair to the cooling system, is another. Not all of these mean a failed gasket. A leaking hose, faulty radiator cap or tired water pump can mimic several. Stopping early matters, because driving on while overheating can warp the head, which turns a gasket job into a more involved cylinder head repair.
We do not condemn an engine on a hunch. Testing normally includes the following steps.
Replacing the gasket means removing the cylinder head. Cylinder head repairs Hayes owners need start with inspection: once it is off, the head and block faces are inspected for warping or cracks, and the head is usually checked by a machine shop to see whether it needs skimming or further work. Fresh bolts, gaskets, coolant and oil are fitted on reassembly. Timing components are disturbed on most engines, so that is often the time to look at the belt or chain as well. What affects the estimate is the engine design, the condition of the head and how many related parts need replacing. We do not promise outcomes, as it depends on what we find.
Sometimes the damage is wider. Overheating for a long time can crack a head or damage bores and bearings. In those cases we explain honestly that engine rebuilds and replacement are options we offer, and we will lay out how they compare with repairing the head alone. See our engine rebuilds page, and our pages on engine diagnostics, overheating and water pumps and timing belts for related work. Call us to book your vehicle in and we will explain the fault and give an estimate before work starts.
Call us on 0208 843 9091 or send the form below and tell us about your vehicle.
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It is risky. Continued driving can overheat the engine further, warp the head and damage bearings through contaminated oil. If you suspect a failure, stop driving it if you can and ring us. Moving it by recovery may cost less than the extra damage.
They are sometimes used as a temporary measure, but they do not repair a damaged gasket or head properly and can block small passages in the cooling system. We would rather diagnose the real fault and explain your options.
We pressure test the system and check the coolant for exhaust gases. A hose or radiator leak shows as a drop in pressure and a visible source. A gasket leak into the cylinders shows through the chemical test and cylinder tests.
No, but it must be checked. Once the head is off we inspect it for warping and cracks. If it is within limits it can often be refitted with a new gasket, and if not we explain what is needed and why.
Tell us about your vehicle and we will be in touch.
Prefer to talk? Call 0208 843 9091. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8:30AM - 5:30PM, Saturday 9:00AM - 1:00PM, Sunday closed.
MTS Garage Services, 5 Chesterfield Way, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 3NW