A head gasket is a type of gasket found in internal combustion engines.
It is no doubt the most critical seal on any
engine, and it serves the purpose of sealing the engine block and cylinder head.
It not only helps to keep a maximum amount of
compression inside, but also helps to keep engine oil and coolant from overflowing into each
other's compartments.
If you ever open up your car hood and see engine
oil overflowing out of your radiator, you will know that you have most likely got a head gasket
problem....if not more problems!
A head gasket must be strong enough to withstand the pressures of
a combustion chamber, which is why it is made from very durable components, though some times
a head gasket sealant is
needed.
There are four basic types of head gaskets in use today, though
some are used more than others.
First, there is an MLS head gasket. This stands for “multiple layers
steel”, and is the type of head gasket that most modern cars carry on board.
Next there is a solid copper head gasket. These are very sturdy, but
require special machine shop work for installation. However, once they are installed, they are very
durable.
Next there is a composite head gasket. These are more dated, and are
either made from granite or asbestos. They are a lot more prone to blowouts, and are fast losing
appeal, mostly to health concerns over asbestos.
And finally, there are Elastomeric head gaskets. These head gaskets
utilize a steel core plate in the middle, but have silicon rubber beads to use as sealers along the
edge. These are usually not used anymore though, however; for a while, they were popular with F1
engines, though they had too many problems to stay in use.
