Replacing the cylinder head gasket - all you need to know

Engine problems are the biggest expense for car repairs. If your mechanic decides it's necessary to replace the head gasket, you'll probably be wondering how much you'll pay for it. Despite the high costs, such repairs are necessary and cannot be ignored. The cause of gasket problems is the unique conditions in which the head is located, connecting to the cylinder block. It is here that the gasket is mounted, which may not withstand high pressure and temperature. 

The cost of replacing a cylinder head gasket can reach several thousand zł. How is this possible, given that this is a widely available and very easy to manufacture part? The gasket itself costs less than 10 euros, unfortunately, other elements have to be changed along with it. This also needs to add a lot of labor, as this is a complex and time-consuming repair.

Gasket, i.e. troublesome little thing

Although the gasket is a relatively simple element in design, it performs a very important function in the engine. Without it, the drive cannot work. That's why in addition to the question of how much it costs to replace the cylinder head gasket, you also need to find a professional who will do it right. The point is significant, because we are talking about ensuring the tightness of the space above the piston. It is also important to seal the channels through which oil and coolant flows. 

Types of gaskets

Individual models of gaskets may differ in design and material from which they are made. Much depends on the model of the vehicle and the type of engine itself. Heavy duty or turbocharged units may require a full metal gasket. Most often it will be stainless steel or copper. 

In addition, at the edges in contact with the cylinders, the gasket may have small flanges. They deform accordingly when the head is unscrewed and guarantee a strong and effective seal. Of course, even an ordinary pad has a certain range of elasticity and can deform. Thanks to this, it will fill the bumps in the block and cylinder head.

Cylinder head gasket damaged - can I drive?

This simple element is responsible for the complex work of many important components. Therefore, a damaged cylinder head gasket is a big problem. Can you drive then? Seal failure can cause coolant to enter the oil, or conversely, oil to enter the coolant. Then the continuation of the movement may even end with a crack in the engine block and the need to replace the entire drive unit. So, as soon as you notice the symptom of a cracked gasket, it is absolutely impossible to go further.

Why do gaskets often fail?

Car manufacturers make sure that the gasket effectively performs its function throughout the entire period of operation. So it seems like you should not worry at all about how to replace the cylinder head gasket. Unfortunately, this is only a theory, and practice looks different. Remember that engine operating conditions will not always be ideal.

The drive is regularly subjected to heavy loads. This very often happens when the engine starts to work very hard and the correct operating temperature has not yet been reached. Another very inconvenient situation is the thermal overload of the engine when driving a car in mountainous terrain or on a highway.

It is not uncommon for drive units to be powered by a gas installation that is not properly calibrated. Many mechanics point out that even with a properly calibrated LPG setup, the cooling system may not be properly prepared. Then the temperature in the combustion chambers will dangerously rise, and this threatens the tightness. An incorrectly entered customization modification can also be a burden.

Cylinder head gasket - signs of damage

Any of the above situations can lead to a point overheating of the engine over time. Even if this happens in only one cylinder, the gasket will not withstand the heat load and will begin to burn out. Most often this occurs when narrowing between the cylinders. This triggering results in a breakthrough. Then a mixture of fuel and air, as well as exhaust gases, gets between the gasket and the cylinder block and head. So, when a cylinder head gasket burns out, the symptoms in diesel and gasoline engines will be, among other things: coolant and engine oil leaks.

The initial phase of gasket damage

If you are a novice driver who does not listen to the engine, then you may not notice that something is wrong with the drive. However, it is possible that even then a cylinder head gasket replacement should be used. All because the first stage of damage to this element will be manifested only by uneven engine operation. In addition, there may be a “loss” of idling. If you are not very experienced, you may have trouble identifying this issue. 

It is much easier to see how burned the cylinder head gasket is. If this happens, there may be noticeable jumps in engine temperature. In addition, the drive unit will noticeably weaken and you will see white smoke from the exhaust. In addition, oil will appear in the expansion tank of the cooling system. The coolant will also start to run out as it seeps into the oil.

Replacing the cylinder head gasket - price

When you notice these symptoms, you can be sure that the cylinder head gasket will need to be replaced. The price for this repair may vary depending on the type of drive. The most important thing is that you immediately go to the workshop. An experienced mechanic will be able to confirm if a seal failure has indeed occurred. 

The mechanic will check the compression pressure in the cylinders. Also, check for carbon dioxide in the expansion tank of the cooling system. If so, it will become clear that the cylinder head gasket will need to be replaced. Remember that even a relatively hassle-free cylinder head gasket replacement costs between 300 and 100 euros/strong>. The price, of course, depends on the design and volume of the engine.

The cylinder head gasket is a simple, but very important element of the drive unit. Damage to it will lead to oil and coolant leaks, and then to complete engine damage. Therefore, as soon as you notice signs of gasket wear, you should immediately go to the mechanic. The cost of the gasket itself is quite low. Unfortunately, the need to replace other components and the complexity of the repair significantly increase its price.