Overheating After Thermagasket Repairs

Thermagasket is the type of automotive solution used to repair various engine problems. It is specifically used to treat a blown head gasket. This problem occurs after overheating, and is accompanied by other symptoms like water in the oil, white emission (steam) coming from the tailpipe and rumblings from the radiator. The makers of Thermagasket, RX Auto, urges auto mechanics to apply the material according to instructions to prevent further trouble from the head gasket. However, further overheating may occur. According to RX Auto, the original problem hasn't returned.

Thermagasket Components

RX Auto describes the ingredients of Thermagasket as "ceramic fiber, elemental carbon, and iron metallic alloy." These materials are used to bond the cast iron, steel and aluminum engine components after an overheating incident. They also tend to "activate" in extreme heat, creating an even tighter seal than the area had before. When a head gasket blows due to overheating, Thermagasket is applied to the space between the engine block and the cylinder head, according to RX Auto. It patches the hole for good.

Seal Limits

According to RX Auto, Thermagasket is effective in 94 percent of blown head gasket cases. It also can withstand up to four times the normal temperatures created by the engine. Because the materials create a tighter seal as the heat increases, overheating after applying Thermagasket will not break the bond.

Sealing Mistakes

The mechanic should inspect the Thermagasket seal to ensure that it was applied according to instructions. Having antifreeze in the cooling system can cause problems with the Thermagasket sealant, as the chemicals within both problems are not compatible, according to RX Auto. Improperly clearing debris and pieces of the previous head gasket can also lead to a seal that isn't tight and to subsequent overheating.

Other Possibilities

Because the Thermagasket bond does not break as the engine overheats, excessive overheating after the seal is applied means that the problem isn't the head gasket that was previously repaired. According to the creators of Thermagasket (RX Auto), the problem could be in radiator cap defects, problems in the cooling fan, radiator, heater core, thermostat or somewhere else within the cooling system.