Head Gasket Repair & Replacement

Overheating or White Smoke? Get Fast, Local Head Gasket Help Today!

The head gasket is one of the most critical seals inside your engine — it keeps coolant, oil, and combustion gases separated so your vehicle can run smoothly and stay cool.
When the head gasket fails, your engine can overheat, lose compression, mix fluids, or even suffer severe internal damage.

If you’ve noticed white smoke, temperature spikes, rough running, or a sudden loss of coolant, it’s time for an expert inspection.

At PPC Garage, located at 3 Crossways Business Park, Canterbury Road, Birchington, we specialise in head gasket diagnostics, repair & replacement for cars and vans across the Thanet region.
Call to book an appointment or drop by for a free assessment and friendly advice from our experienced technicians.

📍 Canterbury Rd, Birchington CT7 0AA

Signs of a Failing Head Gasket

Head gasket problems often start small and get progressively worse. Early diagnosis can save the engine and prevent costly repairs.
Our technicians in Birchington frequently see the following symptoms:
• White exhaust smoke – coolant entering the combustion chamber
• Overheating engine – temperature rising unusually fast
• Milky oil cap – coolant and oil mixing
• Coolant loss with no visible leak
• Poor engine performance / misfires – loss of compression
• Bubbles in expansion tank – combustion gases entering cooling system
• Sweet smell from exhaust – burning coolant
• Pressurised cooling system shortly after starting
Ignoring these signs can cause severe engine damage such as warped heads, cracked blocks, or seized engines.

Do I Need a Repair or Full Head Gasket Replacement?

Not every overheating problem means your head gasket is gone — our job is to diagnose the real cause.

When repair might be possible:

• External coolant leaks (hoses, thermostat housing, water pump)
• Radiator faults causing overheating but no internal damage
• Minor gasket seepage confirmed by testing
• Faulty temperature sensors or cooling fans
• Incorrect coolant mixture or air locks in the system

In these cases, we repair the root cause and protect the engine before failure escalates.

When replacement is the better option:

• Cooling system pressurising quickly
• Contaminated oil (“mayonnaise” under oil cap or dipstick)
• Confirmed combustion gas in coolant (CO₂ test positive)
• Consistent overheating after coolant repairs
• Misfires due to compression loss between cylinders
• White smoke and heavy coolant consumption
• Warped cylinder head or damaged gasket sealing surface
• High mileage engines showing repeated overheating

A failed head gasket must be handled properly — removing the head, pressure-testing it, machining if necessary, and refitting with new bolts, seals, and quality gaskets.

At PPC Garage, we always explain your options, what caused the failure, and provide a transparent itemised quote before any work begins.

Our Head Gasket Repair & Replacement Process

Head gasket work is highly detailed and must be done correctly to protect the engine. Here’s how our technicians handle it:

Initial discussion about symptoms, overheating history, or coolant usage
Road test to confirm misfire, temperature behaviour, and exhaust smoke
Full cooling system inspection – thermostat, radiator, pump, hoses, fans
Compression & leak-down tests
CO₂ test to confirm combustion gases in coolant
Cylinder head removal if required
Pressure testing & machining (if the head is warped)
Replacement of head gasket, bolts, seals, and fluids
Reassembly & torqueing to manufacturer spec
Final testing – temperature stability, system pressure, and smooth running

Clear diagnosis, clear choices, and repairs done once — and done right.

Ready to Book?

Don’t risk severe engine damage or unexpected breakdowns on Thanet’s roads.
Our experienced technicians deliver accurate diagnosis, honest pricing, and reliable head gasket repairs to keep your vehicle safe and running at its best.

FAQ

How much does a head gasket repair cost?

Prices vary depending on engine type, labour time, and machining needs. We provide itemised quotes.

Can I still drive with a blown head gasket?

It’s strongly discouraged — driving may warp the head or seize the engine entirely.

How do I know for sure the head gasket has failed?

Common signs include overheating, white smoke, coolant loss, and milky oil. We confirm via CO₂ and compression tests.

Is replacing a head gasket a big job?

Yes! It requires significant labour and precision. Our technicians follow manufacturer procedures not to miss any detail.

What causes a blown head gasket?

Overheating, poor coolant maintenance, age, or cooling system failures.

Can a blown head gasket be repaired without replacing it?

In minor cases where overheating or external leaks caused the issue, temporary repairs may slow down the symptoms. However, once a head gasket has failed internally, it cannot be permanently “sealed.” A full replacement is the only reliable long-term fix.

What causes a head gasket to fail?

Common causes include engine overheating, low coolant levels, thermostat or radiator faults, excessive cylinder pressure, incorrect coolant mixture, or normal wear on high-mileage engines. Preventing overheating is key to avoiding gasket failure.

How long does a head gasket replacement take?

Depending on the engine design, accessibility, and whether the cylinder head needs machining, the job typically takes between 1 and 3 days. This includes diagnosis, disassembly, pressure testing, resurfacing, reassembly, and final testing.