how long can i drive on blown head gaskets?

how long can i drive on blown head gaskets?

Not very long. You're going to end up having to put more money into fixing it driving it like that in the long run. Possibly more than you could ever get back out of it. Not a good idea.

Pete

I'd fix it now while it's just the top end.

I'd fix it now while it's just the top end.

Yup, you're going to ruin the bottom end because you probably have water in your oil. If you drive it, the damage will increase at an increasing rate.

i blew the head gasket in mine and i drove on it for a while, let me tell you it wasn't worth it i put almost $1500 into getting the heads shaved, the valves re-seated, and a bunch of little stuff fix it. its not worth it

What year is it and does it have a 3.8 in it?.If it is the 3.8,about $800.00 to replace the head gaskets and the cheapest is to replace the engine.Antifreeze eats up bearings.

what year is your taurus, and r u willing to sell it

Not a good idea to drive it ANY until you fix the gasket(s). Overheating is the number one cause of blown head gaskets and the combustion pressure in the cylinder escapes through the gasket tear into the cooling system and you get an air bubble making the engine run hot. When the gasket is replaced the head(s) should be checked for cracks and milled.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/overheat.htm
That link pretty well covers causes and cures for overheating.

http://www.misterfixit.com/headgskt.htm
That link tells how to test for a blown head gasket, see the paragraphs 5, 6 & 7. Also has a simple test to determine which head or cylinder is leaking so you don't have to pull both heads.
Best not be driving it overheating because you could crack a head, engine block or cylinder wall. Good luck and I hope your repair bill isn't to expensive.

I tell customers to drive it as far as necessary to get to the breakdown lane and let the tow truck do the rest.

dont drive the car anymore because like everyone has stated that will cause a crap load of problems more. if you are running the 3.8 engine, just replace the engine. The head gasket will probably keep blowing because sadly that is a notorious for doing that.