Shop Discount Head Gaskets

When the engine block is mated to the cylinder head, it is necessary to place a gasket in between the two of them. This gasket is designed to provide a seal that will protect the cylinders from any oil or coolant flowing between the block and the heads. Essentially, the seal keeps the engine oil and coolant sealed within their respective passages at the point where those passages meet between these two engine pieces. Head gaskets can be made from a variety of materials, ranging from a putty-like goo to a type of metal that is soft enough to deform when clamped between the head and the block. This type of seal is called a crush seal. The gaskets used to create these seals are under a huge amount of pressure, not only from the flow of super hot coolant and oil, but also from the intense temperatures of the exhaust gases in each cylinder head. If an engine gets too hot, it is possible that the head of the engine might warp, and in doing so peel back a small amount from the block. Once this occurs, the head gasket can no longer create a proper seal, and coolant can escape from its normal channels and make its way into the combustion chambers. If coolant does end up in the combustion chamber, then the head gasket must be replaced before any further damage is done to the engine. Signs that there is coolant leaking into your cylinders include milky looking engine oil on the dipstick, as well as a sweet smell coming from your exhaust pipe as a result of the glycol burning.

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