In your car, a head gasket repair  must stand between your engine’s cylinder bank and the heads that hold the valves that control airflow in and out of each cylinder. On the other side of the head gasket are the pistons that convert fuel into forward motion. The job of the head gasket is to create a tight seal between these two sections to keep oil, coolant and combustion from ending up in the wrong places. Over time, it’s no surprise that this important piece of metal can break down or become damaged and require replacement.

A blown head gasket doesn’t necessarily mean that your car is a goner, but it should definitely be fixed by a professional. The repairing process is very complex and requires knowledge of your vehicle’s internal workings, not to mention the ability to properly install a new head gasket that will last. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may also need to replace other parts, including the cooling system and the cylinders.

Sealing the Deal: Exploring Head Gasket Repair in Diesel Engines

The first step in any head gasket repair is to disconnect the battery and open the electrical circuit to prevent arcing or sparking while you’re working on the vehicle. Once this is done, it’s a good idea to consult your service manual for detailed instructions on how to remove the cylinder head and the rest of the engine. Once the head is off, it’s a good idea to test and inspect everything for damage or warping. It’s also a great opportunity to clean up the cylinder head and make sure it’s a flat surface to allow for a proper seal. A compression leak test can also be helpful, as it will let you know if combustion gasses are mixing with the engine oil.