Head Gasket Kits

Function of Head Gasket Kits

The head gasket is a crucial sealing component located between the cylinder head (the upper part of the engine containing valves and camshafts) and the engine block (the lower part containing pistons and crankshaft). Its role is to hermetically seal the combustion chambers, prevent the mixing of fluids (engine oil and coolant), and ensure the correct passage of these fluids between the head and the block.

A head gasket kit typically includes the main head gasket, as well as other gaskets and sometimes new cylinder head bolts, which are necessary when replacing the head gasket.

Maintenance and Failure Signs of a Head Gasket

A head gasket is designed to withstand high temperatures and pressures, but it can eventually deteriorate.

Maintenance Tips:

• Ensure proper maintenance of your engine's cooling system (coolant level, radiator and thermostat condition) to prevent overheating, the main cause of head gasket failure.
• Adhere to engine oil change intervals.

Signs of a Faulty ("Blown") Head Gasket:

• Frequent engine overheating: The most common sign.
• Excessive and persistent white smoke from the exhaust: Indicates coolant is burning in the cylinders.
• Oil in the coolant: The coolant in the expansion tank may look like brownish "mayonnaise".
• Coolant in the engine oil: Oil on the dipstick may have a milky or "mayonnaise-like" appearance.
• Unexplained loss of coolant or oil.
• Loss of engine power, misfires.
• Bubbles in the expansion tank when the engine is running.
• Excessive pressure in the cooling system.

A faulty head gasket is a major repair that should not be postponed, as it can lead to irreversible engine damage. Using a quality head gasket kit and following proper installation procedures (especially cylinder head torqueing) are essential for a successful repair. Konipa offers complete kits for this critical intervention.