A blown head gasket is an inconvenience that can cause significant damage to your gasoline or diesel engine, resulting in costly repairs.
While professional intervention is recommended to fix the issue, there are options available for do-it-yourselfers looking for a quick and easy solution.
This article will discuss the best head gasket sealer for leak repair, providing all the information you need to ensure your engine remains in top condition.
BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer – The best Pour-N-Go
Why you should be looking for the best head gasket sealer?
The best head gasket sealer will permanently seal your blown gasket and save you potentially thousands of dollars on a complete engine replacement. The head gasket seals the various fluids in the engine away from each other and prevents them from ever mixing.
A mix of coolant, lubricant fluid, and air/fuel mixture would cause serious problems for the engine. The problem is the head gasket is buried between the engine head and cylinder block and practically cannot be seen unless you take the engine apart. If you see coolant leaking from the exhaust manifold, white smoke in the exhaust pipe, or bubbles in the radiator, you could have a blown head gasket.
While obviously, the best solution to fix this problem would be to replace your entire head gasket, this is often a very costly fix that could end up costing several thousand dollars. A much cheaper but temporary solution is the use of the ultimate head gasket sealer.
Simply pour the best head gasket repair product into your radiator and your blown head gasket should be sealed. Of course, there is no guarantee this will work permanently, will some reporting it does not work and some reporting it working only for a few months. But at such a cheap price, it is worth a shot to try it out before going through a full-blown head gasket replacement.
Best Head Gasket Sealer For Blown Head Gasket Oil Leak Engines – Reviews
- BlueDevil Pour-N-Go Head Gasket Sealer (Top Pick)
- Bar’s Leaks Head Gasket and Cooling Sealant
- CRC Permanent Head Gasket & Block Repair
- Permatex 80062 High Tack Gasket Sealant
- Irontite All Weather Seal, Blue, 16 oz
1- BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer – The best Pour-N-Go Sealant
BlueDevil holds the reputation for being the best liquid head gasket sealer on the market for 4 or 6-cylinder engines. It is one of the most popular brands on the market and is widely used as the go-to leak repair solution. The Pour and Go are really designed for people who are not auto-savvy and want a very easy do-it-yourself solution to stop leak and seal cracked heads.
It is incredibly easy to use: simply make sure the engine is cold and pour a 16 oz bottle into the radiator with the engine idling. If the radiator is full, drain some antifreeze until you have enough room for the BlueDevil. Leave the engine running on idle for about 1 hour.
The BlueDevil is certainly not a permanent fix. It is a temporary solution that works for a year or more, saving doing expensive repairs on your head gasket. The success rate of the BlueDevil Pour and Go is higher than any other product we have seen. And the best part about it is you don’t have to do dirty work like remove the thermostat and flush the system.
Blue Devil uses a mixture of ingredients that includes sodium silicate, a high-temperature adhesive, to fill the gaps within the head gasket. If you are looking for a great head gasket sealer for 4 or 6-cylinder engines that is incredibly easy to apply and has a high success rate, Blue Devil is hands down the winner.
Most users and mechanics swear by this product and is their go-to product. We polled a lot of users and the reviews basically came out two-sided. Either people loved it or completely hated it. Those who hated it usually either didn’t really apply it correctly or had some serious head gasket leak issues. Of course, a solution in a can won’t replace a head gasket repair by a professional. Do not fool yourself into thinking this is a permanent solution.
The majority of the users we polled loved the product and claimed to extend the life of their head gasket by at least one year. Whether or not you believe these reviews, we think it is worth a try. At least have a bottle of it around in your car in case you have major unexpected problems on the road. Overall, we like the Blue Devil and do not hesitate to recommend it to you. If you want to get one head gasket sealer that is very effective and priced accordingly, this is the one to buy.
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2- Bar’s Leaks Head Gasket and Cooling Sealant for Diesel Engines
Bar’s Leaks Head Gasket Sealant is the best head gasket sealer if you want more compatibility with various engines and if you want to try an alternative solution to BlueDevil.
Bar’s Leaks works on gas, diesel, turbocharged, and racing engines that are 4, 5, 6, 8, or 10 cylinders, which makes it more compatible than the Blue Devil, which works only on 4 or 6-cylinder engines.
This is a professional-grade sealant that forms a seal around your head gasket and stops all coolant leaks in your engine. The formula contains sodium silicate that is compatible with antifreeze and gasket-sealing particles reinforced with carbon fiber that hardens in between gaps.
There is also the Xtreme Cool patented ingredient that reduces water temperature and stops overheating of the engine. The instructions are fairly simple. Make sure the engine is cool and fill your radiator up with Bar’s Leaks Head Gasket sealer and put your car on idle for 15 minutes while keeping your heater on hot and your fan on high. Then you let your engine cool for 30 minutes.
After you run your engine on high idle for 15 minutes (1200 rpm) and then let it cook for another 30 minutes. All in all, the Bar’s Leaks Head Gasket Sealer is a really good head gasket sealer if you are looking for a versatile and easy solution.
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3- CRC Permanent Head Gasket & Block Repair with Nanotechnology
The CRC K&W Permanent Head Gasket Repair is the best liquid head gasket sealer on the market if you have the time and knowledge to work a little for it. But once you install this, we find that it works better and longer than the simple pour-and-go solutions.
The CRC is not like the BlueDevil or Bar’s in that you simply pour it in and everything is fixed. It requires more attention and flushing out your system. It requires a radiator flush, radiator anti-rust, antifreeze, a pan, and some hand tools. First, you will need to drain the antifreeze and flush the cooling system.
You must flush the system completely until there is no antifreeze present. If you don’t know what these things mean, you should probably stick with an easier solution. This is almost half a day’s worth of work. However, it is a better solution than paying for an expensive head gasket replacement.
We prefer flushing the radiator and applying the CRC Permanent Head Gasket Repair. It is a much better way of temporarily fixing your head gasket leak than these easy pour solutions.
Unfortunately, we do not know what is in this nanotechnology that supposedly fills in the micro gaps. But we know it works well and has a fancy name. So if you want the best head gasket sealer that offers a longer duration fix but with more upfront work, this is the solution for you.
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4- Permatex 80062 High Tack Gasket Sealant
For those who want to easily repair cracks in their head gasket, the Permatex High Tack Gasket Sealant is certainly a viable option. With the Permatex High Tack Gasket Sealant, you get a fast and permanent repair.
This sealer also works on engine blocks, intake gaskets, cylinder heads, heater cores, coolant leaks, and more. Compared to its competitors, we think the Permatex High Tack is priced right and performs near the top end of the range.
This head gasket sealer has a high strength-to-weight ratio, making should that it forms a permanent, multi-layer, and strong foundation over the breach.
There are also nanoparticles just like the CRC K&W Fiberlock. These particles create a more solid bond to the metal. The Permatex High Tack also circulates in the cooling system. This helps improve heat transfer after you have made repairs to the head gasket.
Additionally, we like the fact that the Permatex is a fast-drying highly tacky non-brittle film. It remains tacky indefinitely and remains effective in a wide range of temperatures from -65 to 500 F. It is also sensor safe and resistant to kerosene, propane, gasoline, and butane.
We asked a few auto repairmen their views of the Permatex High Tack. Some of them have not heard of the product. The ones who have heard of it and used it love it. They say it is quite cheap and it works very well. It doesn’t have any fancy advertising or logo, but it sure does work. Of course, there is also a drawback.
The most common complaint is that it does give off a rather strong odor. You may want to use a mask when applying this head gasket sealer. A 4 oz can go a long way but be sure to avoid getting sealant on the threads of the can or it will be hard to open.
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5- Irontite All Weather Seal, Blue, 16 oz
The Irontite All Weather Seal, Blue, 16 oz is the best head gasket sealer if you want a cheap and convenient way to prevent leaks on the road. All you need to do is add this to antifreeze or coolant. Afterward, the Irontite will begin to find the leaks in your system. It is an easy do-it-yourself product.
Basically, this helps you avoid costly repairs and take your car to the mechanic. We think the best feature of the Irontite is that it is portable. You can just stick this in the glove compartment of your car. If there is a problem on the road, use it as needed.
The selling point of this product is that it has triple seal protection. What does all of this even mean? The label certainly makes it sound very easy. First, the Irontite has fast-acting beads that quickly find your leaks. Second, this sealant has resin that binds to metal. And three, the acrylic hardener makes the seal permanent. So there you have it. It is as easy to use as 1-2-3.
We really like the fact that this product comes in bottle form. It is a liquid that is usually messy to deal with, but as long as you are careful, you’ll not end up spilling solutions everywhere. Many liquid sealants tend to give off lots of odor, but this one was not really noticeable. The Iron Head Gasket Sealer is definitely not the first option if you have a serious head gasket leak. If you don’t have to time or money for a proper mechanic, this is certainly a cheap alternative.
We asked many users and experts in the industry their views on this product. Most mechanics were quite skeptical that these repairs in a bottle would work. However, after using this product, most people came out with quite positive reviews. It tends to work as a temporary solution and not a permanent fix.
But this is also what we kind of expected, especially if you are on the highway. There is no cheap repair in a bottle that can permanently fix a head gasket issue. However, if you follow the directions on the label correctly, you can certainly kick the can down the road for expensive repairs.
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Frequently asked questions
Things to Consider When Buying Head Gasket Sealers
There are three things to consider when you buy a head gasket sealant. These are:
- Durability
- Ease of use
- Compatibility with your engine
Is the sealer durable?
Before buying a head gasket, check that it has a good lifetime. Most sealants will provide a good solution, but many will not last.
Is the head gasket sealant simple to use?
Some sealants are just what we call pour and go. This means you pour it into your engine, start the engine, and drive as if nothing happened.
Other sealants are a little bit more complex to use. You need to heat up the engine, then stop it. leave it cool. Then start the engine again. And leave it cool. And finally, start the engine a drive till the engine is hot enough for the sealant to make its magic. This is a little bit excessive, but yes you may need to do this procedure at home to solve your problem if you do not want to change the gasket (which is costly and time-consuming).
Compatibility
I warn you here. Check this and check it again before you pour the sealant into your engine.
I have done the mistake myself, so do not do it. You’ve been warned. Ensure that you use a diesel seal head for a diesel engine and a gasoline sealant for a gasoline engine. The issue is with the type of oil and the temperature of the engine. Diesel engines use a different type of oil than gasoline, but they are also operating at higher temperatures. That means any gasoline sealant may not work in a diesel engine as it may overheat over time and crack. In this case, you’ll again have a seal blown head gasket.
What are the Pros and Cons of Head Gasket Sealant?
Head gasket sealer is becoming increasingly popular as a method for repairing blown head gaskets or preventing further damage to aging engines. Before deciding whether this is the right fix for your vehicle, it is important to understand both the pros and cons of using a head gasket sealer.
The pros:
Head gasket fix sealers can provide an effective and cost-efficient solution for minor head gasket issues. They are relatively easy to use.
In fact, some require just a simple pour into the radiator. On the other hand, other sealants may require more complex installation depending on the type of product used.
One of the benefits of head gasket sealers is that they work quickly, allowing drivers to get back on the road in no time. So if you are on the highway, and you have a problem with your head gasket, just stop at the next station, get a sealant, pour it in your car engine (wait till the engine is cold before doing this), run the engine, and off you go.
Cons:
Blown head gasket repair using sealants may not be suitable for severe cases. For instance, sealant cannot be applied to cracked cylinder heads or warped engine blocks. This will simply not work. The reason is that they are unable to provide a permanent fix and need to be reapplied periodically.
Are head gasket sealers safe for a blown head gasket engine?
This is a popular question among vehicle owners when faced with the expensive cost of repairing a blown head gasket. Head gasket sealers claim to be able to repair or stop any leakage, regardless of the severity. But are they safe and effective?
To be honest, a head gasket sealer is not intended as a permanent seal fix. It can be an effective temporary solution to stop leaks in gasoline and diesel engines caused by minor head gasket failure.
Head Gasket Sealant products (also known as HGSP) contain chemical compounds specially formulated to fill small cracks. Sealants can also provide a great solution for small gaps in the cylinder heads, block, and other areas affected by elevated engine temperatures. This allows vehicles with small leakages to continue running without causing further damage until the underlying issue can be addressed properly.
What are some head gasket repair sealer tips and tricks?
When it comes to head gasket repair sealer, there are a few tips and tricks you should be aware of. Firstly, make sure that the sealer you choose works with your vehicle’s make and model (you need to choose between diesel or gasoline and in some cases natural gas for CNG and LNG vehicles).
Check that the sealant product works with your antifreeze.
It’s also important to double-check for any coolant leaks before attempting a repair as this can lead to further damage. Additionally, if you’ve noticed any symptoms of a head gasket leak such as white smoke from the exhaust or overheating engine, it’s best to replace the head gasket entirely before using a sealer.
To ensure a successful repair, always follow the instructions provided with the sealer and use high-quality materials when installing a new head gasket. Taking these steps will ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
What can I expect to pay for a head gasket sealer to stop leaks?
When it comes to purchasing a head gasket sealer, there are several factors that will determine the cost of this product. Generally speaking, most head gasket sealers range from $20-$40 USD depending on the size of your cylinder engine (gasoline or diesel) and whether you’re purchasing a single-use tube or a larger container.
Are head gasket fix sealers better than complete gasket replacement?
Head gaskets are responsible for sealing the engine block, as well as providing cooling systems, lubrication, and compression. When these become damaged or worn out, it can lead to leaks and potential engine damage. As a result, many drivers turn to head gasket sealers in order to temporarily stop the leak until they can get their car to a mechanic for further repairs.
Using a head gasket sealer can be an effective fix for minor issues but should not be used as a permanent repair. The sealant works by filling in small cracks or leaks that have developed due to wear and tear. It’s important to note that applying too much sealant can clog up vital engine components, leading to more costly repairs down the line. However, it is usually cheaper than replacing the entire gasket system and can prevent further damage in many cases.
In summary, if the leaks are small, then use a sealant. But if you have a major leak, then it may be too late. In this case, you are best to change the complete gasket and get your head checked. It may have bent due to the over heat.
How long will the head gasket leak sealer last after application?
Generally speaking though, most head gasket sealers will offer a permanent seal if the damage is small. However, if the damages are large, then it may last for about 6 months.
Will the sealant clog other holes in the cracked head?
The aim of using a sealant is to fill small holes in the head gasket. But this does not mean that the sealant will not solve other engine problems you may have. For instance, a sealant can also fill gaps and leaks in the transmission, power steering, and hydraulic systems. Do not forget, sealants are for small holes and cracks. If you have bigger cracks, then it is best to change your head gasket.
References
https://www.jstor.org/stable/44716806