Types of Head Gaskets:- Every produced engine contains a head gasket. Head gasket is the component that works as an adhesive to cylinder firing pressure. It also prevents leakage of oil and coolant into the cylinder or outside.
In case of an increase in compression pressure and compression ratio, a head gasket cannot maintain the prevention of engine oil and coolant to enter into the cylinder and hence gets blown. That is why we have to replace it in significant damage and use a head gasket sealer for minor injuries.
To select an efficient head gasket sealer, you have to understand the type of head gaskets used in your engines. In this article, we are approaching this same knowledge. This information also helps you to replace your head gasket.
4 Main Types of Head Gaskets
There are mainly four types of head gaskets, and they all design to create sealant between engine and cylinder head, but they aren’t necessarily the same. Let’s have a look at these different types:
1. Copper and Brass Head Gasket – Invented before 1950
These gaskets provide high strength protection against leakage and have extensive strength. The only disadvantage is that due to its copper manufacturing, it is hard during installing. It requires extra machinery called an o-ringing machine for its installation.
Several vehicles are still using Copper and Brass Head Gaskets over Multi-layer steel.
2. Elastomeric Head Gasket – Invented at 1950
This head gasket manufactures with large and hardened steel plates that additional coats with rubber-type elastomeric pellets.
3. Composite Head Gasket – Invented at 1980
Composite head gasket uses shortly in the industry because for one main reason. It manufactures graphite composite. Graphite is a strong material but cannot provide enough efficiency compared to other materials like steel, copper, brass, etc. It is the reason manufacturers stop using them after a short interval of time.
4. Multi-Layer Steel Head Gasket – Invented before 1990
It is the most used head gasket, and as its name suggests, it contains multiple layers of steel. The main reason for its extensive use is that it can bear higher pressure levels.
This head gasket has an adhesive coating after each steel layer, and the outermost layer has a gasket coating.
FAQs
1. What is the best type of head gasket?
Ans. Multi-Layer Steel Head gasket. Due to the manufacturing strength of steel, it bears higher pressure levels than other types of head gaskets.
2. What are the first signs of a blown head gasket?
Ans. The common symptoms are:
1. extensive Engine heating
2. Bubbling in coolant and radiator
3. White color appearance in oil
4. Coolant loss without leaks
3. How long do head gaskets last?
Ans. Head gaskets will generally last for about 200000 miles. Many cars have a short lifetime than these miles. If you follow proper servicing of your vehicle, you may never face a situation of a blown head gasket.
Conclusion
It is an informative article that provides knowledge about basic types of head gaskets and their functioning. It is mandatory to understand head gaskets as blown head gaskets can cause severe damage to your engine. For solving this issue of insufficient knowledge, we mentioned in-depth details about Head Gaskets.
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