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Cylinder head gasket: replacement and selection

When and why it is necessary to replace cylinder head gasket

There’s no certain lifetime limit at the end of which it is necessary to replace the cylinder head gaskets. Replacement is performed because of mechanical damage or burning-out of the components. Moreover, new gaskets are installed at every engine repair.

The main causes of the car part burning-out is overheating or detonation of the engine. The engine can overheat, particularly, because of low-quality fuel usage of some defects in the cooling system. Breakage of the cylinder head gasket is often caused by incorrect mounting of fixation elements of the cylinder head. Incorrect installation of the component during its replacement can also be the cause of its mechanical damages. Repeated installation of the gasket is impossible because of loss of its qualities after demounting.

You can notice detail defect due to the following signs: heavy white smoke from the exhaust pipe, loud sounds from the cylinder unit side which are caused by exhaust gases outbreak from under the head. The result of cylinder head gasket damage is unit depressurization. This, particularly can be detected by appearance of light additives in oil because of ingress of cooling liquid into the lubricating system. It is noticeable at oil level check: there will be stains of white emulsion on the oil dipstick.

As longevity of the cylinder head gasket mostly depends on correctness of its installation, replacement of this component is recommended to perform at a service station. Moreover, removal of the cylinder head gasket is rather laborious process which in most cases requires demounting of auxiliary equipment. At gasket installation you should replace fixation bolts with new ones: they are not suitable for repeated use. You should screw fixation elements in strict order specified by the engine manufacturer and also following exactly set tightening torque.

How to select cylinder head gasket

According to production material cylinder head gaskets are divided into metallic and nonmetallic. The latter can be asbestos and asbestos-free. The metallic components are the most popular, particularly, due to their high durability and wear-resistance.

In order to have cylinder head gaskets serve for a long time, prefer products of proven manufacturers. Qualitative components are produced under Reinz, Triscan, Payen, Glaser and other brands. In the assortment of some brands such as Ajusa you can find engine gasket kits which are to be reasonably bought at overhaul of this unit.

The details should be selected in accordance with car manufacturer’s recommendations and the engine type. The components can significantly differ from one another by sizes, quantity and type of holes for fixation. You should also take into account thickness of components at replacement of cylinder head gaskets of diesel engines.