Preventing Head Gasket Replacement Leaks (Video)

Preventing Head Gasket Replacement Leaks (Video)

Head gasket replacement can be like fighting a losing battle. Don't give up though, there's still hope! Sponsored by K-Seal.

When an OEM attaches the cylinder head to the block, it is done in a spotless environment using machines costing millions of dollars. Also, the surfaces have been machined to exact tolerances with the correct surface treatments. When replacing the head gasket on an engine, the deck is literally stacked against you. 

You must deal with irregular surfaces, debris and other factors affecting how the cylinder head seals. Even if you follow the service manual to the letter and send the head out for resurfacing, there is still a possibility the new head gasket could leak. If you must do the job over, it could cost your shop up to 10 hours of lost productivity.

One way to reduce the odds of a head gasket leak is to add a bottle like this sealant to the cooling system as the last step of the job. I know what you are saying, “But there isn’t a leak.” There might not be a leak now, but there could be a small leak where the head gasket seals to the block or head after being driven for a few miles.

Sealants will circulate with the coolant and only activate WHEN and WHERE needed. It won’t clog the radiator or heater core. The technology in K-Seal ULTIMATE is carefully engineered to safely and quickly repair coolant leaks, including in the head gasket.  Independently university tested to conform to ASTM D3147, K-Seal Ultimate is safe to use in all water-cooled engines including with aluminum heads.

Once the ceramic microfibers have sealed and fixed the leak, a combination of exposure to either the external atmosphere or the gases within the combustion chamber and the heat within the cooling system and engine ensures K-Seal Ultimate makes a permanent repair.

A bottle of K-Seal ULTIMATE in the cooling system after replacing the head gasket can prevent leaks long after the customer has left the shop.

This video is sponsored by K-Seal.

You May Also Like

Oil Coolers and Lines

Damaged, clogged, or corroded fluid coolers shorten the life of any vehicle. Sponsored by The Group Training Academy.

If you visit UnderhoodService.com’s Tech Tips section you’ll find a large number of OE TSBs that relate directly to cooler leaks. This isn’t really a surprise.

Components under a vehicle’s hood or under the car face severe conditions. No surprise there, either. But failure of those components can be caused by unexpected circumstance. Because every car on the road relies on fluids to cool, lubricate and power it, the life of the fluid directly impacts the life of the vehicle.

Flexible Fuel Lines

As vehicles last longer, the chances fuel lines will spring a leak are increasing. Sponsored by The Group Training Academy.

Climate Control Modules

HVAC control modules may fail when the contacts and switches become inoperable. Sponsored by The Group Training Academy.

Preparing for Hybrids and EVs

Prepare now to reassure your customers that your skills are up to the challenge. Sponsored by The Group Training Academy.

Service Opportunities For EVs

Learn about the service opportunities that come with the arrival of EVs. Sponsored by The Group Training Academy.

Other Posts

VW/Audi PCV Service

The PCV valve uses the vacuum from the intake manifold to regulate the flow of gases from the crankcase.

Replacing Strut Mounts on 2013-2018 Toyota RAV 4s

Follow along to learn how to replace upper strut mounts on 2013-2018, and newer, Toyota RAV 4s. Sponsored by PRT.

Replacing Motor Mounts on 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sports

Follow along this step-by-step guide to learn how to replace motor mounts on 2013-2018 Santa-Fe Sports. Sponsored by PRT.

Passion, People Drive Continental’s Travis Roffler

Travis Roffler, Continental Tire the Americas director of marketing, uses his passion to drive his career success.