Gaskets are mechanical seals that create a physical barrier between two or mating surfaces. The application of these barriers can prevent dust, dirt, fluids, gases, and electrostatic discharges from affecting the performance of certain machine parts or engines.

Most of the time, gasket applications can be very easy and simple. However, the presence of these barriers can also ruin and destroy perfect engine build and construction, especially if they are installed and sealed in the wrong way. If you do not want to damage certain components or engine parts, then here are some gasket application mistakes that you must totally avoid.

Preparing Gasket Surface Improperly

One of the most common mistakes in gasket applications is improper surface preparation. Most people tend to just install a new piece of gasket without removing any remnants of the old gasket, glue, or adhesive. And if they attempt to remove the old pieces of the mentioned materials, a lot of them use a razor blade that can easily scratch the surface and subsequently allow fluids or gasses to leak.

Applying Inadequate Amount of Sealant

A sealant is important to secure the gasket to a certain place. However, a lot of people tend to apply too little sealant, which can give off an inefficient seal for the gasket once it is installed. Alternatively, certain people apply too much sealant that can easily clog certain areas of an engine or component. 

Using the Wrong Type of Gasket Maker

Gasket makers are intended to eliminate leak paths. They also help withstand the effects of vibration, fluids, and temperature. While most gasket makers can provide these benefits, using the wrong type of these components can make your application inefficient. Some gasket makers have higher temperature resistance, making them more appropriate for a certain use. Others, on the other hand, are suitable for sealing out gases under specific operations.

Replacing Sealant with Gasket Maker

Many gasket application mistakes point towards the replacement of sealant with gasket maker. Gasket makers are not intended to be used as a means of keeping a gasket in place. Gasket makers have a very thick formula that makes them an ineffective replacement for sealants.

Leaving Other Old Gaskets Behind

While replacing old gaskets is essential, there are numerous instances where professionals will just leave other gaskets behind. Leaving other gaskets untouched would often result in inconsistency when it comes to the performance and service life of an engine or component. Failures, after all, are often caused by a varying set of gaskets.

Applying Gasket with Wrong Material

Gaskets can be made from different materials. These materials include metal, silicone rubber, nitrile, and graphite. Each of these materials possesses a wide variety of properties, strengths, and weaknesses that make them suitable for specific applications. The use of gasket with the wrong material can significantly affect several factors of an engine or component, which can lead to their failure. The use of the wrong material can even lead to danger.

Avoid these application mistakes can help your gaskets last for a long time. If you want to know more gasket application mistakes, feel free to ask us at Gasketech.

Automotive products rely heavily on engines to perform their main uses and functions. Engines are a fuel-consuming machine that gives sufficient power for automobiles, airplanes, buses, and others to run optimally. One key component of engines, especially an internal combustion engine, is the cylinder head.

The cylinder head is typically located above the cylinders on top of the cylinder block. This component closes in the top of the cylinder, which is sealed together by a gasket. It houses components like intake and exhaust valves, springs and lifters, and the combustion chamber. The purpose of this component is to provide adequate space for the passages that provide air and fuel to the cylinder. It also allows the escape of the exhaust.

Cylinder Head Needs Covers

The cylinder head uses oil for the lubrication of its included components. And as mentioned, a cylinder head utilises a gasket that seals it with the top of the cylinder. Without any covering, the oil inside the cylinder head would leak and possibly damage other engine components. Additionally, the absence of cover will now allow the infiltration of dirt and debris inside the sensitive components of the engine.

To prevent any signs of leakage and accumulation of dirt and debris, engine manufacturers would include rubber or cork gasket to the valve covers. But as time goes by, the exposure of these covers under direct heat and oil can cause them to fail ultimately. 

Rock Cover Gasket Can Help 

The concept behind rock cover gaskets is pretty much straightforward. For starters, a rock cover gasket is a rubber or cork gasket that is seated above the engine cylinder head. This placement allows it to effectively seal and hold the valve cover in place. Aside from the valve cover, a rock cover gasket can also seal spark plug ports or tubes. 

The material used for this type of gasket is durable and flexible, which helps it in protecting the engine cylinder head and preventing oil from leaking and contaminating other components of the engine. It can also help in limiting the amount of dirt and debris that enters the interiors of the cylinder head. Rock cover gasket can also provide cooling properties to your engine components. Lastly, any engine fires that may happen due to leaking elements can be prevented through rock cover gaskets.

Preserving Rock Cover Gasket

The replacement of a rock cover gasket can be expensive, which may still depend on the situation. However, to avoid spending too much on this type of problem, you must make sure that you regularly check and maintain your engine. Checking on your rock cover gaskets regularly can help in preventing damages on your sensitive engine components and expensive repairs in the future.

Fortunately, you can easily determine if your rock cover gasket is failing. One of the most frequent signs of failing rock cover gasket is the presence of oil from the top of the engine, spark plugs, and onto the ground. A failing rock cover gasket also contributes to the presence of a burning oil smell whenever you are driving. Given the importance of rock cover gaskets for automotive use, it is safe to say that they are indeed helpful in maintaining safe driving operations. If you want to know more about this gasket, just contact us now at Gasketech.