Mitsubishi Head Gasket Related Questions
Could a faulty head gasket be the cause of coolant loss? What problems can a defective head gasket cause? Knowing the answers to these types of questions can make getting the right repairs done simpler. The insights of verified mechanical Experts will give you the answers you need.
A few on the many head gasket questions that Experts have answered can be found below.
What could cause the coolant in a 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero to be forced into the expansion tank leaving the radiator empty?
Case Details: The issue was noticed when the vehicle started overheating.
Coolant being forced into the expansion tank indicates an increase in pressure in the water jacket. This is normally the result of the entry of combustion gas caused by a failing head gasket. This can be confirmed with the use of a head gasket/block test kit. These kits take a sample of the coolant and analyze it for the presence of combustion gas. If the test is positive, the head gasket will need to be replaced.
Why is a local shop recommending a complete engine overhaul instead of a head gasket change as a solution of coolant entering one cylinder?
Case Details: The vehicle is running fine with the exception of overheating at high speeds or under load being the only issue.
The only reason that a head gasket failure could lead to a complete engine overhaul would be if coolant is entering the oil pan. This happens if the head gasket leak is between the oil return and coolant passage or if the cylinder is filling up with coolant faster that the combustion can burn it away. In such cases, the coolant will flow past the piston rings into the oil pan. The danger of coolant getting into the oil pan is that the mixture of coolant and oil is highly corrosive and if it is pumped through the engine, the bearings will be eaten away. If there is coolant in the oil pan the possibility of bottom end damage may justify a complete engine overhaul. If this is not the case, and there are no other issues like worn piston rings, low oil pressure, etc., there is no apparent reason for overhauling the engine. Head gasket replacement is normally enough to fix the problem. Since both gaskets will have the same amount of wear, replacing both at the same time is the normal practice.
What is the easiest way to check for a head gasket leak in a Mitsubishi Eclipse GT?
Many large auto stores have a loaner tool program (often at no cost) under which a cooling system pressure tester can be borrowed. This will increase the pressure in the cooling system to the point where any leak, in the head gasket or elsewhere in the cooling system, will be visible.
What damage could have occurred to a 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2.4 engine which overheated and died on the road?
Case Details: After the engine cooled off and the coolant was topped up, the vehicle appears to be running fine.
If the engine became so hot that it shut down, there is a chance that the head gasket has blown. If this is the case, coolant loss could lead to another overheating incident. A blown head gasket could also allow coolant to enter the lubrication system which could cause major engine damage. Most auto stores will have a tester available. It comes with instructions and is easy to use. In general, it has a blue fluid that, if it turns yellow, means that exhaust gases are mixing with the coolant which in turn indicates that the head gasket has blown.
Is an external head gasket leak possible in a 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante LS?
Case Details: Coolant is spraying out of the engine near where the canister is located. A shop is saying that this is because of a blown head gasket.
External head gasket leaks are not as common as internal ones, but they do happen. Gaskets can fail near the edge and allow coolant to leak out. The typical labor time for head gasket replacement on this vehicle is around 15 hours. A coolant additive may offer a low cost temporary fix but there is no certainty that it will work or for how long.
What is the cost breakup (at a local shop, not a dealer) for head gasket replacement on a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The cost will vary depending on where the job is being done, the type of shop doing the replacement and the parts being used. That being said, the approximate costs breakup will be:
- Labor – 8.4 hours: $714
- Head gasket, full set: $150
- Coolant: $20
- Oil/Filter: $35
- Misc. material like clamps, etc.: $25
- Machining of the head: $45
- Plugs (optional): $22
- Timing belt (optional but strongly recommended as the belt has to be removed to do the job and fitting a new one is better than reinstalling the old worn one): $63
The total cost should be in excess of $1000.
A head gasket issue that is not fixed in time can cause a lot of serious engine damage. Diagnosing these problems is often difficult. If you are looking for the right solutions to your Mitsubishi head gasket problems, ask verified mechanical Experts for their opinions. Experts are readily available day or night to answer all your questions.