In order to replace the cylinder head gasket apply to a service station. Many car owners are in the wrong belief that it is easy to install a new component on your own. But here are facts that are necessary to know about cylinder head gasket replacement:

1. The component is mounted in a hard-to-reach place, that is why, to get access to it, you will need to demount auxiliary equipment, including the timing belt and the air filter. Also you will need to drain liquid from the cooling system, disconnect pipes from the water pump, throttle unit, disconnect wires sockets from sensors, as well as the high-voltage wires from the spark plugs. It is easy to make a mistake during following reconnection of the hoses and sensors.
2. Before unscrewing bolts for old gasket removal, you need to remove the pressure from the cylinder head, unscrewing the bolts according to a certain scheme by no more than a single turn.
3. Tightening the bolts you need to follow the precise scheme using a torque wrench. Optimal tightening torque for exact engine type is always noted by the manufacturer in the vehicle instruction.
4. New bolts are to be installed at replacement of the gasket.

It is quite difficult to examine the cylinder head gasket. Condition of the gasket can be precisely estimated only at its visual inspection. But for this you will need to remove the cylinder head, so replacement of the gasket will be necessary. Diagnostics of the component should be performed at a service station.

The next signs will help to suspect damaging of the cylinder head cover:

1. white emulsion on the oil dipstick;
2. white smoke from the exhaust pipe;
3. oily stains in the expansion tank;
4. traces of oil in the under-bonnet space;
5. increasing of fuel consumption;
6. lowering of engine power.

Many drivers are wondering, if it is possible to drive with a defective cylinder head gasket. Dangerous consequence of damaged component operation is engine breakdown.

Most of all, the cylinder head gaskets are more of metal, but seals made of an asbestos-free composite material. The metal gaskets are the most common, as they are notable for affordable price and durability. The asbestos-free ones provide more tight sealing and are notable for durability, elasticity, resistance to deformation, pressure, vibrations and high temperature, providing reliable sealing and serving long. But they cost more than the metal gaskets.