Head Gasket And Its Types – How To Make The Choice?
A head gasket is typically a specialized gasket that is sandwiched between the engine head(s) and cylinder block in a car engine. The main usage of this gasket is to act as a sealant for the car engine cylinders. This gasket is also used to ensure that the pressure inside the cylinder is at the highest level. In addition it also assists in separating the coolant system from the engine oil. As the design of cars evolved, the design of gasket has also evolved. Modern day cars use advanced technology and design for manufacturing the gasket, but still the gasket is prone to wear and tear with usage.
Head Gasket Types
Different types of materials are used in making the gasket and choosing the right type of gasket will help you in ensuring a longer life for your car. If the trouble in gasket is not attended earlier, it can result in total engine failure. Understanding the different types of head gasket and their maintenance care can help you to care for your car in a better way.
Composite Gasket Made Of Graphite
A composite gasket is usually made of graphite or asbestos. This is one of the oldest technologies for gasket and these are no longer used in modern day engines. These composite gaskets tend to blow out very easily and hence, they are rarely used now. Moreover, there are health concerns regarding the use of graphite gaskets.
Solid Copper
Solid copper gaskets are widely popular head gasket types as they are durable. A special machining technique called O-ringing is used to fit the gasket and it adds to the strength of the gasket. Removing and installing new sealing wires is a cumbersome job, but modern day copper gaskets are available with integrated sealing wires.
Elastomeric gasket
Specialized elastomeric gasket is used in modern cars like K series engines and Rover. Steel core plate with silicon rubber molds is used in this type of gasket to withstand higher stress on the engines. While the design was initially successful, later changes in the design of the engine resulted in inconsistencies when this gasket was used.
Multiple Layered Steel
Modern day cars are inclined towards the use of steel and this choice is reflected with the materials for head gasket too. Multiple layers of steel are used to create a strong and durable gasket that doesn’t get affected by external environments.
Head gasket repair cost is high and hence, car owners generally don’t prefer to replace head gasket when symptoms start to appear. In some cases, leakage in the gasket can be repaired with the application of a sealant. However, in most of the cases, a complete replacement is a wise choice. If you continue using your car with a blown out gasket, you will soon end up causing too much damage to the engine. Car mechanics generally advice you to choose the gasket that was initially used in the cars. You can however, find an alternative gasket with similar specifications in order to fit in the space more tightly. You can experiment with the thickness of the gasket in order to provide a better sealing, but you should not try to go overboard with your choice.
Do you really have a head gasket problem? Don't worry it can be fixed by using the best high quality gasket that can tolerate compression and temperature.
Head Gasket Types
Different types of materials are used in making the gasket and choosing the right type of gasket will help you in ensuring a longer life for your car. If the trouble in gasket is not attended earlier, it can result in total engine failure. Understanding the different types of head gasket and their maintenance care can help you to care for your car in a better way.
Composite Gasket Made Of Graphite
A composite gasket is usually made of graphite or asbestos. This is one of the oldest technologies for gasket and these are no longer used in modern day engines. These composite gaskets tend to blow out very easily and hence, they are rarely used now. Moreover, there are health concerns regarding the use of graphite gaskets.
Solid Copper
Solid copper gaskets are widely popular head gasket types as they are durable. A special machining technique called O-ringing is used to fit the gasket and it adds to the strength of the gasket. Removing and installing new sealing wires is a cumbersome job, but modern day copper gaskets are available with integrated sealing wires.
Elastomeric gasket
Specialized elastomeric gasket is used in modern cars like K series engines and Rover. Steel core plate with silicon rubber molds is used in this type of gasket to withstand higher stress on the engines. While the design was initially successful, later changes in the design of the engine resulted in inconsistencies when this gasket was used.
Multiple Layered Steel
Modern day cars are inclined towards the use of steel and this choice is reflected with the materials for head gasket too. Multiple layers of steel are used to create a strong and durable gasket that doesn’t get affected by external environments.
Head gasket repair cost is high and hence, car owners generally don’t prefer to replace head gasket when symptoms start to appear. In some cases, leakage in the gasket can be repaired with the application of a sealant. However, in most of the cases, a complete replacement is a wise choice. If you continue using your car with a blown out gasket, you will soon end up causing too much damage to the engine. Car mechanics generally advice you to choose the gasket that was initially used in the cars. You can however, find an alternative gasket with similar specifications in order to fit in the space more tightly. You can experiment with the thickness of the gasket in order to provide a better sealing, but you should not try to go overboard with your choice.
Do you really have a head gasket problem? Don't worry it can be fixed by using the best high quality gasket that can tolerate compression and temperature.
