If your car has an engine, and an engine has cylinders, there’s a very good chance that somewhere between your head and your block sits one of the most overlooked – yet vital – tools in your entire arsenal of protection. That’s right, we’re talking about the unassuming cylinder head gasket sealer. In this guide, we’ll cover what this product is, how it works, and what you need to do to select, apply, and maintain it to keep your car going strong day after day, ride after ride.
Table of Contents:
– What is a cylinder head gasket sealer?
– What does a cylinder head gasket sealer do?
– How to choose a cylinder head gasket sealer
– How long does a cylinder head gasket sealer last?
– How to replace a cylinder head gasket sealer
– How much are cylinder head gasket sealers?
What is a cylinder head gasket sealer?
Cylinder head gasket sealer is a sealant chemical specifically designed to fill and seal leaks in the cylinder head gasket of an internal combustion engine. It is a temporary solution that is often used as a way to cope with problems arising from head gasket failures. Head gasket failures can cause serious damage to your engine if ignored. Cylinder head gasket usually seals the engine compartment and the water jacket passages used to keep the engine cool when running. If the cylinder head gasket fails, it can allow coolant and oil to mix together and leak into the combustion chamber. This product is specially formulated to withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures that exist inside an engine.
What does a cylinder head gasket sealer do?
The main goal of a cylinder head gasket sealer is to stop leaks within the head gasket that enable coolant and/or oil to drip into the combustion chamber. This is important because the introduction of these fluids to the chamber can result in overheating, a reduction in the engine’s efficiency, and make the engine fail altogether. Furthermore, by sealing minor gasket leaks, you can extend the life of the gasket itself so that you don’t have to replace it too soon.
How to choose a cylinder head gasket sealer
The type of engine and the severity of the leak will help determine the cylinder head gasket sealer you need; your engine will likely be gasoline-fuelled, and the leak will vary in intensity. You also want to make sure the sealer you choose can work with your car’s coolant system. Some formulations are made specifically for aluminium heads or for diesel engines. Read product reviews and check online forums and grain-of-salt-factor information. Auto pros are helpful here too.
How long does a cylinder head gasket sealer last?
The reliability in time of a cylinder head gasket sealer will depend on its quality and the condition of the engine. A good quality sealer should only be considered as a prolonged temporary repair to last you anywhere from a few months to a year. Unfortunately, while cylinder head gasket sealers might be just as effective as engine exchange in the short term, they are certainly not a permanent cure for any head gasket failures.
How to replace a cylinder head gasket sealer
Installing a cylinder head gasket sealer starts with draining the coolant system, flushing to remove any traces of the old sealer, and add the new sealer according to the product directions. The sealer will circulate through the engine, where it will find leaks and plug them. Depending on the product, you will need to run the engine at idle for the specified time to make sure that all the sealer circulates through the engine.
How much are cylinder head gasket sealers?
The price for cylinder head gasket sealers will vary based on the ingredients, the brand, and which type of car you have; generally prices vary from as little as $10 to $50 dollars for the bottle. If you calculate the possible repair cost or a full gasket replacement, a good quality cylinder head gasket sealer may be a smart investment, especially when it comes to fixing minor leaks and prolonging your cars engine life.
Conclusion
You are a vehicle owner who’s always on the outlook for convenient and effective ways to keep your car or truck running smoothly. Have you ever wondered what a cylinder head gasket sealer is and how it works? Are you interested to learn how to choose and apply this product, and what to do if you have serious problems with your engine? Keep on reading. Most likely, your mechanic has told you that a cylinder head gasket sealer can be a big help in fixing minor leaks in your engine. This is true. However, such sealer is just a temporary solution. Let’s look into it a little further.
