What is a Cylinder Head Gasket?
Modern vehicles usually consist of an engine block and a cylinder head attached to the top, which makes the cylinder head gasket a seal.
This important component is between the engine block and the cylinder head. It is a molded part specially for a combustion engine, composed of cylindrical holes intended to accommodate the pistons. A cylinder head gasket fills the joint task between the engine block and the cylinder head. This seal should be able to maintain this need for sealing and prevent leakage between the two crucial parts of the engine, when they are subject to the compression process. You can click here for further info. |
In other words, the purpose of the cylinder head gasket is to seal the cylinders to ensure that maximum compression is achieved. The cylinder head gasket of the car is exposed to different parts of the vehicle that are: water, oil, exhaust and fuel. The importance of the head gasket comes from the fact that it will contain the compression ratio of the combustion chamber of your car. In addition, the seal separates the passage of oil and water through the block and the cylinder head of the engine.
In general, a head gasket "slams" due to overheating .
This can occur if the engine coolant reaches a temperature such that the pressure reaches a level causing the metal to expand. In most cases, the water will mix with the oil, causing further serious damage to the engine. In other cases, the compression of the cylinder can create a perforation, or a hole in the cylinder head gasket: this is usually called a blow gasket . A classified head gasket is characterized by a rapid increase in pressure in the cooling system, before the engine reaches a high temperature.
In general, a head gasket "slams" due to overheating .
This can occur if the engine coolant reaches a temperature such that the pressure reaches a level causing the metal to expand. In most cases, the water will mix with the oil, causing further serious damage to the engine. In other cases, the compression of the cylinder can create a perforation, or a hole in the cylinder head gasket: this is usually called a blow gasket . A classified head gasket is characterized by a rapid increase in pressure in the cooling system, before the engine reaches a high temperature.
Can I repair my gasket myself?
You will find a wide range of products in automotive accessories stores, intended to reseal a cylinder head gasket. Unfortunately, they are not optimal and can only serve as an interim solution.
When you decide to reseal your gasket yourself, you must follow the instructions exactly.
Normally, it will take about 20 to 30 minutes to allow the sealant to circulate, and to reach the leaks. These types of products contain chemicals that solidify when they mix with air or exhaust.
What to do if your attempt does not work?
If you can not reseal your cylinder head gasket, you have another option: replacing the cylinder head gasket. If you need to bring your car to the garage, remember that it is an expensive operation. The cylinder head must be removed, and in some cases the engine block must be dismantled.
You will find a wide range of products in automotive accessories stores, intended to reseal a cylinder head gasket. Unfortunately, they are not optimal and can only serve as an interim solution.
When you decide to reseal your gasket yourself, you must follow the instructions exactly.
Normally, it will take about 20 to 30 minutes to allow the sealant to circulate, and to reach the leaks. These types of products contain chemicals that solidify when they mix with air or exhaust.
What to do if your attempt does not work?
If you can not reseal your cylinder head gasket, you have another option: replacing the cylinder head gasket. If you need to bring your car to the garage, remember that it is an expensive operation. The cylinder head must be removed, and in some cases the engine block must be dismantled.