How to Remove and Inspect a Head Gasket

Performing maintenance on the head gasket, or gaskets, is vital to the proper functioning of your vehicle's engine. Depending on the type and size of engine you have, there will either be one or two head gaskets to worry about. V-style engines have two, while four and six cylinder engines have one.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Remove the valve cover from the engine and expose the inside. This should be done following the instructions in your vehicle repair manual to ensure you are removing the valve cover properly. There are a few cables and hoses to remove before you can get to the valve cover.

2. Inspect the valve cover gasket. They are normally made of rubber or cork, which you may notice has become more brittle and breaks off in some places. Remove the valve cover gasket completely. You may need a razor blade, screwdriver or other sharp tip to get the entire thing off. Make sure all the pieces are removed before moving on.

3. Get a good look at the groove where the gasket sits while using a good light source for maximum inspection. Check for any cracks or other distortion. Look for signs of leaking. If there has been damage or leaking, take the valve cover to a machine shop for a Magnaflux test. They can also fix any distortion or cracks you may have.

4. Clean the surface of the valve cover where the new gasket will go. This will allow the new gasket to sit properly when you install it and seal tighter for long life and better wear.