Why do head gaskets fail?
Overheating Overheating is also a very common cause of head gasket failures. If the engine gets too hot, the cylinder head can swell to the point where it crushes the head gasket (usually between the cylinders because this is the thinnest point). The extruded material and/or cracked combustion armor then provides a leak path for coolant and/or combustion gases. Detonation & Pre-Ignition Another common cause of head gasket failure is excessive pressure in the combustion chamber. This can be the result of detonation and/or pre-ignition. Head Gasket Installation Errors Head gaskets obviously require a clean, smooth, flat surface on both the cylinder head and block. If the surface finish on the engine head and block is too rough and digs into the gasket too deeply, it can literally tear the gasket apart over time – even a gasket with a non-stick coating. That is why surface finish is so important on today’s engines. Head Bolts No head gasket can seal properly if the wrong procedure is used
