The cylinder head gasket is a sealing element that guarantees the reliability and tightness of the connection between the cylinder block and its head, ensuring the sealing of the channels and cavities of the car engine. The cylinder head gasket prevents leakage of technical fluids, mixing of coolant and oil, and also seals the combustion chamber hermetically. If the gasket becomes damaged, serious problems with the engine and the machine itself can occur. The gasket requires no maintenance and is intended for one-time use.
Depending on the material there are:
- asbestos
- non-asbestos
- metal gaskets.
Signs of a malfunction that require you to contact a repair shop
- overheating of the engine, an increase in temperature occurs unexpectedly and sharply, as gases break into the cooling system
- a drop in the coolant level in the expansion tank - accompanied by white smoke from the muffler, which indicates antifreeze entering the cylinders
- emulsion, foam on the oil dipstick - the most unpleasant thing, as antifreeze gets into the lubricant
- an increase in pressure in the cooling system pipes - this can be checked by hand; the hoses become too hard
- oil leaks - traces of oil can be seen at the junction of the cylinder head with the block, which indicates a ruptured seal
- bubbling of antifreeze - due to a breakthrough, the temperature of the antifreeze rises sharply
- unstable heater operation - escaping exhaust gases disrupt the operation of the heat exchanger, reducing the efficiency of the stove
- white smoke from the engine compartment.
You can drive with a broken head gasket, but it is extremely undesirable. And the best thing is to quickly get to a car service center for repairs. The fact is that the consequences of the problem can be very serious. Water hammer may occur if a large volume of antifreeze is supplied through the damaged gasket area. The piston, performing a forward-return motion, will collide with an incompressible fluid. The connecting rod breaks through the wall of the cylinder block. The engine must be thrown away, as the crankcase and crankshaft break, the connecting rods bend and the pistons are damaged.
The procedure for replacing the cylinder block gasket is not complicated, however, it is best to entrust it to car service professionals who have not only the necessary skills, but also the appropriate equipment.
Incorrect, insufficiently tight installation of the gasket can lead to its rapid burnout, the consequences of which are usually very disastrous for any automobile engine.
After replacing the cylinder head gasket, you must continue to monitor the condition of the product so as not to miss a possible malfunction.
