Head Gasket
A head gasket is a gasket that sits between the engine block and cylinder head in an internal
combustion engine. Its purpose is to seal the cylinders to ensure maximum compression and
avoid leakage of coolant or engine oil into the cylinders; as such, it is the most critical sealing
application in any engine, and, as part of the combustion chamber , it shares the same strength
requirements as other combustion chamber components.
Occasionally, the compression in the cylinder will cause a leak to form in the gasket and the
gasket will have to be replaced, or severe damage can take place (a “blown” head gasket).
If the gasket fails, a variety of problems can occur, from compression loss (leading to power
reduction, or a rough engine), to exhaust gases being forced into the cooling system, leading to
the engine overheating and increased engine wear due to the motor oil being mixed with