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Head Gasket
FAQ's
ANSWER:
To replace the head gasket the cylinder
head must be removed. This can be labor intensive depending on
how many parts have to be removed before gaining access to the
head itself.
Once the cylinder head is removed the
mating surfaces of the head and engine block are checked for
flatness. If they are not flat the head gasket will fail again.
If something is warped it will usually be the cylinder head.
Sending the cylinder head out to be resurfaced will usually work
and the head can be checked for any other problems. The valves
or valve springs could be worn and this would be a good time for
a valve job or the head could have cracks that could be
repaired. If the head is no good a new or remanufactured will
have to be purchased.
On many engines the timing belt has to
be removed during disassembly and should be replaced at this
time. You should inquire about this and make sure it gets
replaced. Also, a-lot of engines now use torque-to-yield head
bolts ( The bolts stretch during tightening.), and should be
replaced as well.
The final step is to clean all gasket
surfaces and reassemble the engine using all new gaskets. After
reassembly the engine oil should be changed and the engine and
cooling systems should be checked for proper operation. If
everything checks out good and there are no leaks the job is
done.
