What to Consider When Buying a Head Gasket
Published by Adam Pol,
What people refer to as the heart of every vehicle, the engine is one of the most complex systems in your car. There are many components that ICE (internal combustion engines) are comprised of, both big and small and they all play an important role. One of these components are head gaskets. Also known as engine gaskets, they are a type of seal that helps keep the internal combustion process stay that way – internal.
A head gasket sits between the cylinder head at the top of the engine and the engine block. This automotive gasket is known as being the most stressed gasket in the engine since it simultaneously seals coolant, oil, and the compression from the cylinders. Because of this manufacturers have made different types of head gaskets.
Types of Head Gaskets
Multi-Layer Steel
Probably the most commonly used head gasket nowadays is an MLS or multi-layer steel gasket. They come made with multiple layers of steel, usually up to three but there are some that have even fire layers of steel. This allows an MLS engine gasket to withstand a great deal of pressure a lot more than other types of engine gaskets.
Composite
Although composite head gaskets are not nearly as commonly used as MLS gaskets they are quite unique. Made in the 80s, composite head gaskets are made from graphite. But despite graphite being a strong material, it doesn't make composite head gaskets better than MLS ones when it comes to leaks.
Copper
Made from solid copper, copper engine gaskets are a great alternative to multi-layer steel gaskets. A copper engine gasket is one that offer great protection against leakage and they are extremely strong too. But because they are made of copper, mechanics need to use special equipment, called the o-ringing machine, in order to install them.
Elastomeric
Elastomeric head gaskets are like composite gaskets due to the fact that they have a unique construction. Elastomeric gaskets are made up of a steel core coupled with elastomeric beads. The large and flat sheet of hardened steel is coated with rubber-like beads that help make for a seal that keeps coolant and oil passages at bay.
What to Consider When Buying a Head Gasket
Temperature
When searching for head gaskets you need to keep certain things in mind, such as the temperature that the gasket is going to be exposed to day in and day out. The higher the temperature in the engine the tougher the gasket needs to be. This is also the case for extreme temperature fluctuations.
Pressure
The amount of pressure that the gasket is going to be put under will also determine the type of car gasket you need to get. There is downward pressure being created due to the combustion process, therefore you need to go for a stronger car gasket if the pressure is higher.
Dimensions
When it comes to compatibility, the dimension of the head gasket is crucial. If you get one that is even a millimetre off your engine will not work properly. You can even cause some issues too which can end up costing you a lot more than just a new auto gasket.
Lifespan
Although an automotive gasket is not a moving part it is however subjected to a lot of stress from different sources within the engine. A car gasket with a long lifespan will be able to withstand everything that the engine throws at it and it will still do a good job.
Signs You Have a Blown Head Gasket
Overheating
Engine overheating is something that can be caused by a lot of different things and one of these things could as well be a blown auto gasket. This is because hot exhaust gasses can leak into the cooling system or vice versa which results in the engine overheating
Contamination
Since head gaskets prevent oil from getting in places where it shouldn't it's easy to understand why oil contamination can be caused by a blown gasket. You will notice a milky sludge on the dipstick or the underside of the oil filler cap. Again this can not only be caused by a blown auto gasket but it is a strong indicator of one.
Power
You can expect to have a blow auto car gasket if there is a loss of power and a rough running engine. This is possible since a faulty gasket will let air and fuel escape when they shouldn't. You will notice this issue arise together with the sound of an exhaust leak.
White Smoke
Large clouds of white smoke could also be a strong sign of a faulty engine auto gasket. This issue can arise if antifreeze leaks into the cylinders where it gets made into steam which then exits as white smoke through the exhaust. Automotive gasket failure, in this case, can also cause the combustion pressure into the cooling or oil breather system.