How to install the cylinder head gasket

Video: Cylinder Head Gasket Installation Guide

Content

Steps
Tips
What do you need

The cylinder head gasket is located between the cylinder block and the cylinder head or V-engine head.The gasket is used as a seal that prevents combustion from leaking through the coolant passages that surround each cylinder. In many cases, the oil and coolant passages are separate so the fluids do not mix. The cost of a mechanic to replace a head gasket can be expensive due to the time and labor involved, as it is very important to know why the head gasket needs to be replaced. Have a professional and certified auto technician inspect your vehicle to finally determine if your vehicle needs a head gasket replacement. The purpose of this article is to help you learn how to install a head gasket to save money.

Steps

1 Purchase a repair manual for your car and model. It provides step-by-step procedures with images that explain how to replace the head gasket. The guide will also describe all the necessary tools you might need.
2 Drain all oil and coolant from the engine. Remove those parts that are located at the top of the head gasket. Read your vehicle's service manual, but in most cases this procedure involves removing the exhaust manifold, intake manifold, valve cover, and drive belts. On many engines, you will need to remove the timing belt or timing chain. Try to understand the timing belt or chain alignment procedures and make sure you can clearly see the alignment marks before removing the timing components.
- Learn how to remove every detail. Or take a picture and write it down so it is easier to remember once you are done.
- The gasket is a thin piece of sealing material that can be seen once you remove the head.
3 Check the unit to make sure no deformation has occurred and send the head or heads to an automotive mechanic shop to be pressure tested. If the pressure test shows no cracks, have the machine shop rebuild the heads. Never try to reinstall a cylinder head that has not been professionally refurbished.
- Check the head specification in the service manual to see if the bolts need to be replaced when the head gasket is replaced.
4 Clean the surface of the head and block. Do not scratch or damage any metal parts as this may prevent the head gasket from being fitted tightly.
5 Clean the bolt holes that secure the head to the block.
6 Install the head gasket to the block. Use the sealant specified by the manufacturer and only the correct amount in specific areas. Failure to comply with the manufacturer's recommendations may result in damage to internal engine components.
7 Reinstall the head gasket assembly.
8 Use a torque wrench to tighten the socket onto the block. Check the service manual to determine the head of the bolt as well as the number of turns to be applied for each step. Some head bolts require three steps plus a certain number of degrees of rotation at the end.
9 Replace any other engine components you removed.
10 Install the timing belt or chain back to the correct position by gently rotating the camshaft and crankshaft. Make sure the engine is out of the way. If there is something, there is a very specific method, which consists in turning and adjusting the camshaft to the crankshaft so as not to damage or bend the valves! If possible, install the distributor so that it fits correctly on each cylinder. If necessary, follow the manual to adjust the valve clearance.
11 Refill the engine with new oil, replace the oil filter and refill the cooling system with new factory agent. When you start the engine, make sure the engine is idling at full throttle. This is necessary so that the cooling system can expel all air bubbles. Some engines require a special procedure for distilling air in the cooling system, we recommend reading about this separately.

Tips

Head gasket failure is often caused by engine overheating. Watch for signs that you may need to replace the head gasket, which may include loss of engine compression, mixing of oil and coolant, loss of coolant, and loss of oil. The last two reasons can be very damaging to the engine if it is running and can lead to complete engine failure. Loss of coolant can cause the engine to overheat even further and possibly deform the head and other cast parts. Low oil levels can cause loss of lubrication to the internal mechanical components of the engine, which will increase friction and wear on engine parts.