Busted head gasket

2000 NISSAN FRONTIER
165,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
JIM SCHULTEN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I am going to add a head gasket fix to the radiator as directed on the bottle. It says nothing about how or if I should remove the water from the oil. Assuming I better, what is the recommended procedure to do so?
Sep 22, 2018 at 3:37 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Good evening.

First of all, additives for head gaskets rarely work. They complicate things by clogging the radiator and heater core. The proper repair is to replace the head gaskets.

As far as the procedure. You need to drain the block of all coolant. Then add water. Then add your sealer. Let the engine run until it gets to normal operating temperature. Then drain all the water out and fill with coolant.

If you add it to the coolant, it will nothing. The coolant cancels it out.

Yes, the oil/filter needs to be changed to get the coolant out of the oil. If you do not change it, you will damage the main and rod bearings.

Roy
Sep 22, 2018 at 3:51 PM
Avatar
JIM SCHULTEN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Granted some additives may be a waste of money, but so is a $1,500.00 head gasket job on a 2000 pickup with 166,000 miles. Now the question was, how do I get the water out of the crank case and engine itself?
Sep 24, 2018 at 10:40 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.