WATCH: What Causes a Head Gasket to Fail?

WATCH: What Causes a Head Gasket to Fail?

When a head gasket fails, it can create a major headache for your customer.

This video is sponsored by MAHLE.

When a head gasket fails, it can create a major headache for your customer. So why would a head gasket fail?

Let’s talk about a couple common reasons for head-gasket failure. One of them is engine overheating. If the engine gets too hot, the cylinder head can swell to the point that it crushes the head gasket, so it no longer seals like it’s supposed to. When this occurs, it provides a leak path for coolant and/or combustion gases, and that’s a recipe for engine damage.

Combustion problems also can cause head-gasket failure. Detonation, pre-ignition or knock all trigger a sharp spike in combustion-chamber pressure, and over time, this can overload and crack the gasket that surrounds the cylinder. This leads to burn-through and loss of compression.

The type of coolant is another possible cause of head-gasket failure. If the vehicle owner has been fighting a leak by topping off the coolant with water or the wrong coolant, it can degrade the head gasket and other gaskets that come in contact with the coolant. Using a conventional green coolant when the cooling system requires organic acid technology or hybrid organic acid technology is another no-no that can degrade the head gasket.

Regardless of why a head gasket has failed, you should recommend a replacement gasket that offers OE form, fit and function. And it’s always a good idea to recommend a gasket set rather than selling individual parts for a repair job, and the appropriate sealer if required. Also, remember that this job requires the bolts to be tightened to the proper specification, so your customer will need to rent or purchase the correct torque wrench.

You May Also Like

Performance Upgrades for Drivetrains

Whether you’re increasing power or making suspension modifications, drivetrain upgrades will be next in line.

Performance Upgrades for Drivetrains

When it comes to performance, power is one thing, but getting that power to the ground is another. That’s where the drivetrain comes in.

The drivetrain on a vehicle is everything that transmits power to the wheels. In short, it’s everything after the engine.

Why Aren’t All Timing-Chain Guides Made of Metal?

To call some timing-chain guides plastic is not accurate.  

Timing Chain Guides
A Closer Look at Torque Converters

As the automatic transmission itself evolved, the standard fluid coupling was replaced by the torque convertor.

Torque Converters
LED Lightbars and Pod Lights for Offroading

LED technology has revolutionized vehicle lighting, especially in offroad applications.

LED Lightbars and Pod Lights
Recommending the Right Brake Pads

These small but mighty parts play a crucial role in stopping your vehicle.

Recommending the Right Brake Pads

Other Posts

The Critical Role of Springs in a Suspension System

There are two main types of springs used in suspension systems: coil springs and leaf springs.

Role of Springs in a Suspension System
Fluid Maintenance for Hybrid Vehicles (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this two-part series, we discuss brake fluid, transmission fluid and compressor oil for hybrids.

Fluid Maintenance for Hybrids Part 2
Recommending High-Performance Brake Rotors

The design of the rotor determines how it can handle the heat.

Performance Brake Rotors
Fluid Maintenance for Hybrid Vehicles (Part 1)

Always recommend premium engine oils for these vehicles.

Fluids for Hybrid Vehicles