What Causes A Blown Head Gasket On A Lawn Mower? [With Tips On Repair]

The head gasket is one of the most critical parts of your lawnmower. It won't work correctly or with its full power if it blows. So, what can be the causes of a blown head gasket on a lawn mower? We've done some research, and here's what we've found.

Your lawnmower's head gasket can blow due to several reasons. These significant reasons are:

Overheating
Bad gas
Low oil
Wrong or advanced combustion/ignition timing
Improperly placed head gasket
Wear and tear
Engine Knock

Now that you know why a lawn mower head gasket blows, let's also talk about lawnmowers. We've included the signs and results of a blown head gasket and how you can replace it. You can also find several tools and materials for lawnmower maintenance and care.

Why Lawn Mower Head Gasket Blows?

Like an automobile, a lawnmower also has a head gasket which is vital in locking the machine's combustion chamber to retain the motor's power. It's essential to check the condition of the head gasket so the lawnmower will perform at its fullest. Although sometimes, things happen, such as a blown head gasket. There are several reasons why this happens, and these are:

Overheating

Your lawnmower can overheat because of low coolant, low engine oil, and clogged air cleaners. These can damage and result in a blown head gasket.

Bad Gas

Harmful gas can cause engine damage or a blown head gasket. Bad gas is referred to as dangerous fuel that won't ignite accurately.

Low Oil

Your lawnmower's oil plays a significant role in keeping an excellent engine. If you don't check the oil and it's low, the engine will run hotter and can cause a blown head gasket.

Wrong or Advanced Combustion/Ignition Timing

If you have a wrong or super advanced combustion timing, it can cause the fuel-air combination to kindle prematurely. An incorrect ignition timing can cause a hefty dose of heat and, yes, can blow the head gasket.

Improperly Placed Head Gasket

An improperly installed head gasket won't secure a compact seal between the cylinder head and the engine block. It can lead to a blown head gasket or similar symptoms.

Wear And Tear And Low-Quality Parts

Wear and tear and using low-quality parts are other causes of a blown head gasket. You can avoid these by buying a high-quality or branded lawnmower. You can also avoid it by practicing good maintenance.

Engine Knock

An engine knock happens because of several reasons, such:

Engine oil that's below the level
The rotor touches the carbon residues in the ignition chamber
Oil with a stability measurement that's too insufficient for your engine

Check for these causes to avoid engine knocking, and prevent your lawnmower's head gasket from blowing.

What Are The Indicators Of A Blown Lawn Mower Head Gasket?

If your lawnmower encounters a blown head gasket, you may detect these signs:

Inadequate power and pressure
Unsuccessful condensation test
Reduced contraction
Fuel spreading and leaking
A cloud of white or bluish smoke comes out from the tailpipe

How To Check For A Blown Lawn Mower Head Gasket

You can follow these simple steps in checking for a blown head gasket on your lawnmower.

Check for known symptoms like an oil leak or white or blue smoke.
Open the engine's cover.
Dismantle the engine's filters, dipstick, and carburetor.
Find and remove the sparkplug.
Dismantle the motor head.
Look for scrapes, dents, or blasts around the gasket head.
Skim for spigots and engine pistons' carbon residues.
If you've proven that your lawnmower has a blown head gasket, you must replace it. If it's a false alarm, reconstruct all the parts.
Turn on your lawnmower and inspect if an issue continues.

How To Fix A Lawn Mower Head Gasket?

There are several ways to repair a blown head gasket. But it depends on the severity of the damage. You can fix minor damages yourself by:

Cleaning the head gasket and other parts with the help of old gas and a paintbrush.
Using a head gasket sealant to block oil leaks.

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A professional can fix it if the damage is severe. The cost will depend on the degree of the damage.

How To Replace A Lawn Mower Head Gasket

If you decide to replace your lawnmower head gasket, here are the tools and steps.

Tools Needed

Here are the essential tools you need to replace the head gasket.