Hi guys,

I posted about this yesterday and the post went totally off topic and i didn't find any answers. I just sat and read through 9 pages of "blown head gasket" and couldn't find an answer.

Here are my questions. What causes this? My car has never overheated. I'm guessing I caught this somewhat early since the oil wasn't milky, and when I checked the plugs, only once cylinder had coolant in it. Does a head gaskt just go? I mean, it was caused by something, and I don't want to go through the trouble of doing everything just for it to blow out again.
Thanks for the help.

 

Several things could cause it. To prevent or at least slow the problem from coming back be sure to check the head and the deck of the block for flatness. Also be sure to flush the coolant system real well and refill it properly so there are no air pockets.

Obviously the right torque in the right sequence is paramount. Be sure to use new bolts or studs. Chase the threads in the block before reassembly and be sure to use thread sealer.

Clean the carbon from the pistons and head. Be sure to preload the lifters correctly.

 

Like was said, other things could cause it. These are relatively high compression engines, your head gasket could have just worn through. I had the same problem and my car never overheated, never lost coolant. When mine went, I was stranded on side of road. Filled the cylinder up with coolant. I saved the gasket, but haven't taken a picture of the failure yet. Get it fixed

Edit: If you change the coolant, and get an air pocket it could cause a hot spot and maybe cause a gasket failure. That might have been what happened to mine. Buy good gaskets, torque the heads on properly, and it should be fine.