how to repair a blown head gasket on a 2003 ford focus?

Asked by Eric Jan 10, 2015 at 07:02 PM about the 2003 Ford Focus SE Wagon

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I think I have a blown head gasket. but not for sure. I am loosing antifreeze from under the engine. is that a blown head gasket or a  cracked head?

4 Answers

101,585

Could be head gasket, intake gasket, cracked head/block, freeze plug... check the oil for cross-contamination, same for radiator fluid. There's a cheap and simple product called "Block Tester" sold at Napa that will check for combustion gases in the radiator fluid that's often associated with head gasket issues. (http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?R=BK_7001006_0361073538) however, you should still have a good mechanic look it over, this is the sort of problem that can go bad quickly if you continue driving, especially in freezing weather.

2 people found this helpful.
15,715

When you remove your oil filler cap do you find a white muck? Blown head gasket. Any puddles under the car when you park it? All hoses good and tight, not leaking? start there.

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