Advantages and Disadvantages Of Using A Head Gasket Sealer
A head gasket sealer is a chemical typically used to stop a coolant or oil leak in a vehicle. It forms a chemical bond with the metal surfaces of a vehicle’s engine and quickly and effectively repairs the head gasket. Some gasoline-powered vehicles may be able to use a joint sealer, a device that contains chemical sealants.
Pros
- Cost-effective: Head gasket sealants are affordable and easy to find. It usually costs around $15 to $20, whereas replacing the head gasket can easily cost several hundred dollars.
- Quick fix: As opposed to replacing the gasket itself, using a chemical sealer only takes a few hours. You can mix the sealant in the car and allow it to do its job quickly.
- Saves time: Not only does replacing the gasket take a lot of time given the complexity of some engine designs, but you can also save time on the diagnosis end. If only a temporary fix is needed, you can use sealant instead of wasting time and money on diagnosis.
Cons
- Temporary fix: Even though head gasket sealers can repair the gasket area, they are only temporary fixes. The sealant will eventually break down over time and need to be re-applied.
- Hard to diagnose: Since the sealer only takes a few hours, it is hard to determine the exact cause of the leak. If the sealer fails, you will need to take the vehicle to a professional mechanic to diagnose the underlying problem.
- Can clog the oil filter: If you add too much sealant to your engine, it can clog the oil filter and cause your engine to run hot. This can lead to additional problems and can damage your vehicle.
Using a head gasket sealer can be a great way to repair a head gasket leaking issue quickly and inexpensively. However, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and risks associated with using a sealer, as it is not a permanent solution and can cause other issues if not used correctly.
