1997 Geo Tracker - Engine Gaskets

Engine Gaskets

Engine gaskets can keep oil and coolant from mixing together inside of the engine, prevent external oil and coolant leaks, and keep outside debris from contaminating the engine oil. When most gaskets develop leaks, you may notice a few drops or a small puddle of oil or coolant under your vehicle after it has been parked for some time. In other cases, leaks may occur internally and it may be difficult or impossible to check the condition of the gasket without disassembly. Gasket leaks should be addressed even if they are small, because any leak can rapidly worsen and could cause engine damage or premature wear.

Head Gaskets and Gasket Sets

Head gaskets are among the most important gaskets in the engine, as they seal the cylinder heads to the engine block and prevent coolant and oil from mixing as they flow in and out of the heads. The most common cause of head gasket failure is engine overheating, which can cause the head gasket to "blow". If your engine overheats, even for a short time, you should consider regularly checking the coolant in the radiator and the condition of your oil when the engine is cool. You may not know the head gasket has failed unless you notice oil in the coolant, frothy or milky oil, or white smoke or steam coming from the exhaust. Head gaskets are available individually, but certain applications may have a head gasket kit available that includes intake and exhaust gaskets, valve cover gaskets, and gaskets for the other connections to the cylinder head. You can learn more about your head gasket and head gasket failure symptoms (link to article currently in production) in our How-To Hub.

Don't Ignore Engine Leaks

Almost every part of an engine is sealed at its connecting points or flanges using a gasket. From the intake to the exhaust, gaskets keep the engine sealed and help facilitate optimal performance from the engine. Any leak from the intake, fuel injectors, oil pan, timing cover, exhaust, or other gaskets can lead to increased friction, overheating, and more. Even something as simple as an exhaust or vacuum leak can reduce your engine's performance and affect its efficiency and power. A loss of oil or coolant from your engine can quickly result in high temperatures or a lack of lubrication, so check fluid levels regularly and address leaks as they occur to keep your vehicle operating at its best. Shop for the right gaskets for your next repair at O'Reilly Auto Parts.

Shop for Engine Gaskets

Find the gaskets you need for your engine repair at O'Reilly Auto Parts. Whether you only need a single gasket or a complete engine gasket set, we have you covered. We also carry gasket sealers for a complete, leak-free gasket replacement where RTV or other gasket sealants are recommended. Don't forget to pick up any tools you may need to disassemble and reassemble the section of the engine you are working on to ensure a leak-free engine repair and get your vehicle back on the road.