The symptoms of a damaged or burnt head gasket are leaking compression and overheating. A head gasket can cost thousands of dollars to repair. However, a temporary fix is available. Using a head gasket sealer – a liquid consisting of sodium silicate, an additive that crystallizes to fill cracks in a head gasket – you can repair a damaged or burnt head gasket in very little time.
Locate the main fuel valve on the bottom of the radiator. You’ll need to remove the lower radiator hose by hand if your vehicle does not have a valve.
Place a bucket directly under your radiator. Open the valve by hand and allow the antifreeze to drain out. Do not bypass this step. Your radiator must be completely empty for the head gasket sealer to work.
Pour the antifreeze into a clean plastic bottle. Label it “antifreeze,” or “hazardous.” Recycle the antifreeze at a local mechanic’s shop or recycling center. There is no fee to recycle a hazardous liquid such as antifreeze.
Mix the sealant mixture with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Add the sealer to the radiator. Allow the sealer to set for 30 to 45 minutes or as directed. The sealer works by filling cracks inside a blown head gasket. A blown head gasket is one that is cracked, warped or damaged structurally.
Drain the block sealer in the same way you drained the antifreeze. Add new antifreeze to the radiator.
