Over time, your car’s engine will likely wear down and require replacement. In most cases, this means replacing the head gasket. However, not all head gaskets are created equal. If you’re not sure which one to replace, read on for some tips on how to determine which one is right for your car. ###
What is a Head Gasket?
A head gasket is a piece of metal that seals the engine’s combustion chambers. When it fails, the engine will not run and will require replacement. Head gaskets are typically replaced when they show signs of wear or when the failure occurs suddenly. When replacing a head gasket, be sure to replace all of the bolts and washers that hold it in place.
Types of Head Gaskets
There are many types of head gaskets and each requires a specific type of gasket replacement. Here are the most common types of head gaskets, their replacements, and why they fail:
1. Block Gasket: The block gasket is a rubber or metal seal that rests between the combustion chambers and the cylinder heads. It helps to keep oil and gas from mixing with air, leading to less ash and explosive emissions. A block gasket can fail if it’s unseated (by dirt, water, or heat), if it becomes contaminated with oil or gas, or if it’s overstressed due to high engine RPMs.
Block gaskets are usually replaced when they’re due for an overhaul (every 100,000 miles), but they can also be replaced at any time during the vehicle’s life. When replacing a block gasket, be sure to use a quality sealant like JB Weld or Permatex to help ensure a leak-free installation.
2. Head Gasket: The head gasket is aUS$1-$3 part that seals the top of the engine’s combustion chamber between the camshafts and the cylinder heads. It helps to prevent oil and gas from leaking out of the engine and into your car’s intake system (aka “blow by”). Head gaskets can fail for many reasons, including contamination from oil or gas, overheating caused by pistons hitting valves too hard (known as
How to Replace a Head Gasket
If you’ve been told that your car has a head gasket issue, don’t panic. Replacing the head gasket is a relatively easy job for those with basic mechanics knowledge and tools. Follow these steps to replace your head gasket:
1: Remove the front bumper Fascia Panel by removing the screws in the corners, then gently pulling it off.
2: Remove the air vents by gently prying them out of their slots with a screwdriver. Be careful not to tear or damage them.
3: Disconnect all of the electrical connectors coming out of the engine block using pliers or a wrench. Make sure to label each connector as you remove it so you can reattach it in its correct location afterward.
4: Locate and remove the four bolts securing the engine block to the chassis. Once they are removed, pull the engine block away from the chassis.
5: Carefully inspect both heads for corrosion or broken welds (this is where most head gasket failures occur). If there is any indication that either head needs to be replaced, now is as good a time as any!
6: Locate and remove the old head gasket from each head by using arbor press or an appropriate tool. Be sure to wear protective gear, including goggles, gloves and a face shield, when doing this job. Wear old clothes too – you will be covered in oil and coolant! Get
Pros and Cons of Replacing a Head Gasket Yourself
There are pros and cons to replacing a head gasket yourself, depending on your experience and tool arsenal. The most common con is that you can damage the engine if you don’t do it properly. However, if you have the right tools and know what you’re doing, DIY head gaskets can be relatively easy. Here are some of the pros:
-Cheap: Replacing a head gasket on your own can be quite cheap, especially if you buy replacement parts online.
-Easy: Head gaskets are usually pretty easy to replace on your own, provided that you have the right tools and know how to use them. If you follow instructions carefully and take your time, replacing a head gasket will be a fairly simple task.
-No downtime: You won’t have to take your car in for repairs during or after the head gasket replacement process.
Conclusion
If your car is having trouble starting, or you’ve had a head gasket replaced in the past, it’s important to replace the coolant and water pump as well. Replacing these parts will help your car run more efficiently and provide longer-lasting performance. Follow our steps below to replace all of these components without any fuss: