Changing the cylinder head gasket: Our tips and everything you need to know

If you notice that your engine is leaking oil, white smoke is coming out of the exhaust or your vehicle is increasingly losing power, the problem could possibly be the cylinder-head gasket. In this article, we will show you what you need to be aware of, how you can change the cylinder-head gasket yourself if necessary and how long such a change will take.

What is the cylinder head gasket and what is its function?

The cylinder head gasket is an important and equally critical component in your engine. It is located between the cylinder head and the engine block and ensures that the various elements - such as combustion gases, cooling water and engine oil - circulate separately in the engine. It therefore seals the combustion chambers as well as the oil and cooling ducts. Conversely, this means: If the cylinder-head gasket fails, it can cause oil and coolant to mix or combustion gases to escape, which can result in massive damage to the engine. Regardless of the cause of the damage, the cylinder-head gasket should be repaired as quickly as possible.

Symptoms of a defective cylinder head gasket

Here are some typical signs that indicate a defective cylinder head gasket:

White smoke from the exhaust: This occurs when cooling water enters the combustion chamber.
Oil in the cooling water or vice versaA defective seal can often be recognized by a sludgy substance that looks like "latte".
Reduced engine powerIf the compression in one or more cylinders is no longer sufficient, the power output decreases noticeably.
Cooling water temperature rises sharplyThe faulty seal can cause the motor to overheat.

Fast repair
with Steel Seal®

At Steel Seal®, we offer a quick and cost-effective solution for repairing defective cylinder-head gaskets and leaking cylinder heads without dismantling or disassembly. Thanks to a unique thermochemical formula, Steel Seal® precisely seals hairline cracks in the engine from the inside out and permanently restores the function of the cylinder-head gasket.

Can I change the cylinder head gasket myself?

Changing the cylinder head gasket is no easy task and requires extensive knowledge of vehicle technology and special tools. So it's not for amateurs! However, if you want to tackle complex repairs and have the necessary equipment, it is possible to change the cylinder-head gasket yourself.

However, you should be aware that this task is extremely time-consuming and requires a great deal of care. There are many steps involved, and mistakes can have fatal consequences. For example, if you do not tighten the cylinder head bolts in the correct sequence and with the right torque, this can lead to a leaky connection or even deformation of the cylinder head.

Tools and materials required

First check whether you have the necessary tools to hand. These include

Torque wrench (for correct tightening of the cylinder head bolts)
Cylinder head bolts (should always be replaced in most cases)
Cylinder head gasket set
Pulling tool for the cylinder head
Sealant
Valve adjustment tool (depending on engine type)
Various open-end and socket wrenches
Cleaner for the sealing surfaces
New gaskets for the intake and exhaust manifolds (if necessary)
Gloves and safety goggles for safety

Step-by-step instructions for changing the cylinder-head gasket

1. preparation and removal of the necessary parts

Before you start, you should make sure that the engine is cold. The first step is to remove all parts covering the cylinder head. This usually includes:

Air filter housing
Intake manifold
Exhaust manifold
Spark plugs or injection nozzles
Valve cover

Take the time to carefully mark each component so that the assembly process runs smoothly later. You can also take photos of each step to make sure everything is reassembled correctly later.

2. dismantle cylinder head

Now you can loosen the cylinder head bolts. It is important that you do this in the correct order to avoid deforming the cylinder head. There is often a set sequence that you can find in your car's workshop manual.

Carefully remove the cylinder head and set it aside. Make sure that no foreign bodies get into the combustion chambers. Also check the sealing surface of the cylinder head for irregularities, as a damaged surface can lead to further problems.

3. remove old cylinder head gasket

Now you can remove the old cylinder head gasket. Make sure that all remnants of the old gasket are completely removed, otherwise the new gasket will not be able to seal properly. Use a cleaner to make the surfaces clean and grease-free. A fine brass brush can help you to remove even stubborn residues without damaging the metal surfaces.

4. inspection of the cylinder head

Before you fit the new gasket, you should thoroughly inspect the cylinder head. If necessary, have it flattened in a workshop to ensure that the sealing surface is absolutely flat. Any unevenness could result in the new gasket not sealing correctly. So flatten the cylinder head if even the slightest deformation is detected.

5. insert new cylinder head gasket

Place the new cylinder head gasket precisely on the engine block. It must fit exactly so that all channels are properly sealed. Make sure that the gasket is neither kinked nor dirty. Any contamination could impair the sealing effect and cause problems later on.

6. refit the cylinder head

Carefully place the cylinder head back on the engine block and start tightening the cylinder head bolts. Tighten them in the sequence and to the torque specified by the manufacturer. This is a crucial step to ensure a permanent seal. Use new bolts if necessary, as these expansion bolts can often only be used once.

7. assembling the remaining parts

Once the cylinder head is correctly attached, you can refit all the parts you removed earlier. Proceed step by step and make sure that all lines and plugs are connected correctly. Make sure that all gaskets, especially for the intake and exhaust manifold, are in good condition or have been replaced.

8. top up coolant and oil

Once all the parts have been refitted, you must top up the coolant and engine oil. Use the coolant and oil recommended by the manufacturer. Make sure you use the correct filling quantities and check the oil level again after the first engine run.

9. start and test the engine

Finally, you can start the engine and check the cylinder head gasket for leaks. Pay attention to whether there is still a loss of oil or coolant or whether unusual noises can be heard. Also monitor the coolant temperature to make sure the engine is not overheating. If everything runs smoothly, you have successfully completed the repair.

Prepare the working environment: Make sure that you are working in a clean and well-lit environment. Foreign objects in the motor can cause major damage.
Sequence of the screws: The order in which the bolts are loosened and tightened is essential for a successful change. Do not disregard these instructions.
Be patient: Take your time and work step by step. A hasty repair can lead to expensive consequential damage.
Check after the change: Drive carefully for a few days after the repair and regularly check the oil level, coolant and possible leaks.

How long does it take to change the cylinder head gasket?

The time required to change the cylinder head gasket depends heavily on your level of experience and the type of vehicle. An experienced mechanic often needs between 6 and 10 hours for the complete change. If you are doing it yourself for the first time, you should take at least a weekend to do everything in peace and without time pressure.

Is it worth changing the cylinder head gasket yourself?

Whether it is worth replacing the cylinder head gasket yourself depends heavily on your technical skills. Depending on the vehicle type and damage, the cost of replacement in a workshop can be between 600 and 1,500 euros, which can be reduced by doing it yourself. However, in addition to the cylinder head gasket and screws (approx. 150 to 400 euros), there are also additional costs for new engine oil, an oil filter (40 to 150 euros) and fresh coolant (20 to 50 euros). Despite potential savings, we recommend leaving this complex repair to a specialist if you do not have sufficient expertise. Mistakes can cause expensive consequential damage.

For more information, you can also read our article "Changing the cylinder head gasket - is it worth it?" read more.

Cost overview: Change it yourself vs. workshop

Cost point	Change yourself	Workshop
Cylinder head gasket set	50 - 150 Euro	Included in the price
Cylinder head bolts	20 - 50 Euro	Included in the price
Special tool	0 - 100 Euro (borrow)	-
Working hours	Your own working time	6 - 15 hours à 100 Euro
Total costs	approx. 70 - 300 Euro	600 - 1.500 Euro

Common mistakes and how you can avoid them

When replacing the cylinder head gasket in particular, there are a number of "red flags" that can have serious consequences. These include

Wrong torque: Tightening bolts to the wrong torque is one of the most common mistakes. Always use a torque wrench and check the specifications in your vehicle's manual.
Order not observed: The cylinder head bolts must be loosened and tightened in a specific sequence to prevent deformation of the cylinder head. An incorrect sequence can lead to leaks.
Unclean sealing surfaces: Remaining residue from the old gasket or dirt on the sealing surfaces can damage the new gasket or cause it to leak. Take the time to clean thoroughly.
Use of old screws: Cylinder head bolts are often expansion bolts that become elongated during installation. Old bolts no longer provide the necessary clamping force and should therefore always be replaced.

Our conclusion: Change the cylinder head gasket yourself - if in doubt, contact an expert

Replacing the cylinder head gasket is one of the more demanding car repairs that you can carry out yourself. If you have the necessary knowledge, tools and time, you can save a lot of money. However, it is important to work carefully and follow each step precisely to avoid consequential damage.

If you do not feel safe, it is better to leave the replacement to a specialist workshop, as a mistake here can be very expensive.

However, with the right preparation, the right tools and a good dose of patience, you can successfully change the cylinder head gasket and get your car back on track.

For more information on the topic and the costs of switching, read our detailed articles "Changing the cylinder head gasket - is it worth it?" and "Changing the cylinder head gasket - costs". There you will find everything you need to know to make the right decision.

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