S40 V40 Cars: Head gasket

[Georgejetson]

Hi, a bit of advice, please. I was told by a mechanic that the head gasket on my 2004 V40 had blown. As a last resort before the inevitable scrapping I thought I’d try a chemical gasket sealer (K seal). So for the sake of £30 I poured the contents into the top hose and, as of one week later, to my amazement, the car continues to be back to normal, at least for now. However, in the days leading up to the fix I was filling up the overflow reservoir after each journey, otherwise it would overheat. Question is, do I now need an oil change as I’m assuming the water may now swilling around with the oil. Or maybe I have this wrong, I’m no expert. Be a shame to have it fail now after this good fortune. Thanks.

[clarkey1984]

I had a v6 Vectra and then shortly after that a rover 25 that both had wrecked gaskets, the former was so bad that it ran on 4 cylinders and the hour drive home from buying it took 4 header tank refills, and the latter literally spewed coolant down the block, both were saved by the stuff, both cars gave several months healthy service after that, but I did indeed change the oil in both as I felt it a wise move, with the vectra I had to as the dipstick was covered in what I'd call something that resembled butterscotch angel delight, I think I gave that one 3 changes in as many months, people talk of snake oil with these things but it worked for me.

[Georgejetson]

Thanks for that, yeah, better get the oil changed...and put in some anti-freeze, considering how much water I’ve chucked into it, just in case it lasts until Winter 🤞

[P156KWJ]

I had a Corsa that suffered HGF, and K seal did naff all for me even with fresh oil and water afterwards but I suspect there was a number of things wrong with it.

Definitely worth changing it, myself if it was a car I really loved I'd also get the gasket done but expect that to be £££££