There is antifreeze on my air filter, is this repairable?

SHANNON JOHNSON

MEMBER
2007 SUZUKI XL7
200,000 MILES

My car sat for a month with a bad tire. In starting it, it gave me trouble. Had to step on the gas etc. Shortly after drove fine to get mechanics. Was going to get my spark plugs fixed, found out there is antifreeze on my air filter. Was told to junk it :( that they think it's the head gasket. Could it be anything else?

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

There are few symptoms of a blown head gasket.
First of all you will have coolant mixed in your oil. When that happens the color of the oil changes. It becomes a milky color.
You will also have white smoke coming out of the tail pipe.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/white-smoke-or-steam-coming-from-the-exhaust-pipe

Many times engine overheating is associated with a blown head gasket. Did you have overheating issue?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Also just because you have a blown head gasket does not mean the engine is bad. It all depends on why the head gasket leaked and if there are any damage to other engine components.

Many times changing out the head gasket will fix the issue. However the head gasket replacement is a labor intensive process.

Please let me know of any questions or concerns.
Thank you.

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