Elring Head Gasket

A head gasket sits between the engine block and cylinder head in an internal combustion engine. Its purpose is to seal the cylinders to ensure maximum compression and avoid leakage of coolant or engine oil into the cylinders. It is one of the most critical sealing applications in any engine, and as part of the combustion chamber it shares the same strength requirements as other combustion chamber components.

If the gasket fails, a variety of problems can occur, from compression loss (leading to power reduction, or a rough engine), to exhaust gases being forced into the cooling system, leading to the engine overheating and increased engine wear due to the motor oil being mixed with antifreeze. Coolant can leak into the cylinders, causing the exhaust to issue steam and the catalytic converter to be damaged.

Head gasket condition can be investigated by checking the compression pressure with a pressure gauge, or a leak-down test. Oil mixed with coolant and excessive coolant loss with no apparent cause, or presence of gases in the expansion tank of the cooling system can also be signs of head gasket problems.