Friday, April 25, 2014
Engine Head Gasket Leak
A head gasket leak is the failure of the head gasket, a seal between the engine block, which houses the engines cylinders and pistons, and the cylinder head, which contains the valves that admit air and fuel into the cylinders.
Causes
Engine overheating is one of the most common causes of a head gasket leak; overheating makes the metal of the engine block expand and put so much pressure on the gasket that it no longer seals properly once the metal cools and contracts. Another common cause of a head gasket leak is engine misfiring. If combustion occurs too early or late, it can stress the head gasket.
Effects
If the head gasket starts to leak, the engine may blow blue smoke when oil reaches the combustion chamber or steam may come from the exhaust pipe if the chamber is contaminated with coolant. Fluid contamination, as well as increased risk of further engine overheating, can cause serious engine damage.
Repair
Replacing a head gasket is labor intensive because it is under the cylinder head, which is attached to many engine components, which may include the air intake, exhaust manifold and transmission housing.
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