You rely on your Sprinter van for your deliveries throughout the day. This constant stop-and-go driving is hard on the engine. If the van starts to overheat yet you keep the vehicle in motion, you could blow the head gasket. When this happens, the Sprinter van’s engine will require extensive repairs to resolve the problem. The following are signs that you have a cracked head gasket in your Sprinter van.
Sudden Coolant Loss
One of the first things that is going to happen is you’re going to lose coolant out of the engine. Chances are, as we mentioned above, the engine was already overheating, and this is why you cracked the head gasket. The head gasket forms a seal above the combustion chamber. When this seal is broken, the coolant is free to flow into the combustion chamber where it is burned away.
Overheating Engine
If your Sprinter van’s engine was already overheating, it’s going to get hotter now. As the coolant flows into the combustion chamber, the engine’s temperature will rise. It is critical that you pull over and cut the Sprinter’s engine. Do not pop the hood until the engine has cooled. The reason why is it the engine’s temperature is well above 220 degrees Fahrenheit and this leaves you with…
Boiling/Sizzling Coolant
When the coolant gets this hot, pressure builds up inside of the radiator. Consequently, the pressure will blow the cap off the radiator. When this happens, boiling coolant sprays all over the place. If you are standing in front of the radiator, it will spray all over you and burn you severely. This is why you should cut the engine and allow it to cool completely before you check anything.
White Exhaust Smoke
As if the above were not bad enough, your Sprinter van will also start to release white exhaust out of the tailpipe. This exhaust may have a blue tint to it. We mentioned above that the coolant is burned away once it leaks into the cylinders. This is what creates the white exhaust. This being said, the motor oil will also leak into the cylinders through the head gasket crack and create blue exhaust.
Diluted/Milky Oil
Speaking of the motor oil, it is crucial that you avoid driving your Sprinter van if the head gasket is cracked because the coolant and motor oil mix. This dilutes the motor oil and leaves it incapable of protecting the engine as it circulates through it.
Do not worry. We are experts in Sprinter van repair, and we can replace the head gasket if it is cracked. Call our shop today to set up an appointment.