Smoke signals

I have a 1987 Ford Escort 1.4 that has covered 57,530 miles. At the moment, the engine has a problem with blowing water and there is white smoke coming from the exhaust, so I think it may be the head gasket. However, the coolant stays constant in the expansion tank. Would head gasket sealer help?

M Tilley

As you say that the coolant in the expansion tank has not dropped, the problem may not be the head gasket. If the head gasket had blown and was producing the steam and water from the exhaust this would certainly lower the level within the coolant expansion tank. Depending on the severity of the smoke and water droplets, it may simply be condensation due to the cold weather.

By removing the coolant expansion tank cap and starting the engine you should be able to detect any problem with the head gasket. If the head gasket has blown, with the coolant cap removed you should be able to see either bubbles or steam coming up through the system, or the coolant may push out of the expansion tank from the escaping pressure.

While I would always recommend replacing the cylinderhead gasket and having the cylinderhead checked, I can confirm that I have used K-seal on a customer’s vehicle with a blown head gasket. The customer did not have the funds for a more extensive repair and the vehicle continued to run for a further two years without problems. Unfortunately, after that time, the gearbox failed and the vehicle was scrapped, but the engine was still running sweetly.