How do I know if my head gasket is gone?

Hi. I just wanted to know how would I find out if my car's head gasket is gone. When I start the car heaps of water comes out of the exhaust, but I'm not that sure if it is the gasket. Can you help me?

Thanks

Mohammed Sid (Palmerston North)

Aug 2011 Filed under: fault

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Expert answer

Hi Mohammed,

It's quite normal for water to come out of an exhaust when a car starts up from cold. Water vapour can easily get trapped in the exhaust system when you stop the car and this condenses to liquid when it cools down. Symptoms of a head gasket gone would include overheating, steam in the exhaust under hard acceleration and bubbles in the coolant when the engine is running.

If you have any doubts you should bring the car to a qualified mechanic to check over.

Hope that helps.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser
@Shane_O_D