How to Fix Volvo XC90 Head Gasket Problems? What’s a head gasket? The head gasket sits between the engine block and cylinder head. Its primary responsibility is to isolate the combustion chamber of the engine from coolant, engine oil, and outside air. By doing so, it maintains optimal compression within the combustion chamber of the engine. Usually, it is made up of a thin sheet of solid copper. However, most automakers are now using Multi-Layer Steel head gaskets. MLS gaskets are durable and can withstand extreme temperature and pressure for a long time. A blown or damaged head gasket can cause a loss of compression, as a result of which your Volvo XC90 engine might exhibit strange behaviors. Besides, the engine might also overheat and misfire. So, a defective head gasket can cause all sorts of engine-related problems in your Volvo. Therefore, you should be familiar with the symptoms of a blown head gasket so that you can identify and repair the issue on time. Now, let’s go through some of the most common causes of a damaged head gasket in Volvo XC90.
What causes blown head gasket in your Volvo XC90? Frequent overheating is the main reason behind premature head gasket failure in a vehicle. So, if you are noticing a sudden rise in your Volvo XC90 engine temperature, immediately pull over and shut off the engine. Pre-ignition due to defective spark plugs can also damage the head gasket of your Volvo. Incorrect installation and aging are some of the other possible reasons behind premature head gasket wear and tear. Driving your Volvo with a blown-out head gasket can have catastrophic consequences.
How to know if Your Volvo XC90 head gasket is cracked or blown? Bad engine performance The head gasket plays a vital role in maintaining optimal compression within the combustion chamber of the engine. However, a cracked or melted head gasket might not be able to do that, as a result of which the engine might run rough and you might notice a reduction in the engine power output. Besides, you might also face difficulties while trying to start your Volvo.
Unusual exhaust smoke
The emergence of thick white or blue-colored exhaust smoke is another indisputable sign of a cracked or blown head gasket in your Volvo XC90. Combustion of motor oil or coolant with the air-fuel mixture is solely responsible for the emergence of such unusual exhaust smoke. It happens when the motor oil and coolant reach the combustion chamber of the engine through the cracks in the head gasket.
Engine running hot A blown head gasket can result in engine overheating in your Volvo. It is supposed to isolate the combustion chamber of the engine from the coolant and motor oil passageways. However, a cracked or melted head gasket fails to do so, as a result of which combustion gas enters into the cooling system. The presence of combustion gas can put the cooling system in jeopardy and make the engine run hotter than usual. Bubbling radiator and milky white coloration of motor oil are some of the other symptoms of a cracked head gasket.
Check engine light comes on
Illumination of the check engine light is another early warning sign of a blown head gasket. The head gasket is nothing but a metal sheet that seals the gap between the engine block and cylinder head. By
doing so, it maintains optimal compression within the combustion chamber of the engine. However, a broken gasket fails to do so, as a result of which the engine might struggle to operate. When the engine control module detects the problem, it turns on the check engine light to warn you about the issue.
How to fix a blown head gasket? A blown head gasket can cause irreparable damages to a car engine. So, if you are experiencing signs of a blown head gasket in your Volvo XC90, then schedule an appointment with the nearest auto repair shop and get it replaced immediately.
In conclusion The head gasket not only maintains optimal compression with the engine but also prevents the drainage of coolant and motor oil into the combustion chamber. A blown head gasket can cause the engine to overheat. So, if your Volvo XC90 has a blown head gasket, then the best option for you is to replace it as soon as possible.