Is my head gasket gone?

[Jay1981]

About 2 weeks ago the temp gauge in my car went into the red, so i bought some anti freeze. Today as i was driving white smoke started pouring out of my exhaust pipe. I had to pull over and turn off the car because there was a lot of smoke. My coolant level was low again. Dose this mean my head gasket is blown or is there a simpler answer. What signs are they that a gasket has blown?

 

[woodbine]

What signs are they that a gasket has blown?

a mayonnaise-like substance on oil filler cap.

But check the hoses around the header tank first.

 

[Pique318]

Yes, your head gasket is gone. Either that or the head has cracked. Don't drive the car!

 

[Jay1981]

How much would it cost to repair?

 

[mathepac]

That all depends on a number of issues like make of car, engine size and fuel, and what's actually broken. Is it the head gasket or the cylinder head? Did the head distort and can it be skimmed? Why did the engine overheat to begin with - water-pump, broken belt, thermostat, head-gasket failure?

You'll need to take it to a garage to get it checked.

 

[Jay1981]

It's a 99 astra. I think scrapping it might be a cheaper option.