2015 Yamaha FB1800A WaveRunner FX Cruiser HO - Head Gasket Set

Reduce The Cost Of A Head Gasket Repair

The cylinder head gasket is used to separate oil and coolant channels and is installed between the engine block and cylinder head. Your vehicle's head gasket has a few purposes: it contains pressure created by your cylinders firing and also prevents motor oil or antifreeze from escaping your engine or mixing for optimal performance and protection. Head gaskets can be damaged or become brittle from intense engine heat, as well as stress from components like the cylinder heads expanding and contracting as the engine temperature rises and falls. A failed or blown head gasket occurs when the seal between the engine block and cylinder head fails, and this may allow coolant to mix with your motor oil. In some cases, you may also notice misfires caused by loss of compression to one or more cylinders if the head gasket blows. The most common cause of a blown head gasket is engine overheating, which can be caused by low coolant levels or improper coolant circulation. Without the right amount of coolant, the cooling system may longer dissipate heat from your engine. This can quickly impact your vehicle's operating temperature, and continuing to run the engine can lead to head gasket failure or engine damage. A blown head gasket may allow coolant into your engine's combustion chamber, which can cause white smoke from your tailpipe as the coolant burns with the fuel and air mixture. Other symptoms of a blown head gasket include a sudden loss of power, low coolant levels with no signs of a leak, a cooling reservoir or radiator that bubbles, overheating, as well as white froth underneath your oil fill cap or oil that is milky. Likewise, if there is oil leaking from around the cylinder head, you should inspect your cylinder head gasket for damage and replace it if needed. It is not recommended that you continue to drive with a blown head gasket, since your vehicle will likely overheat or suffer excessive friction due to inadequate oil viscosity. This can cause a cracked engine block or head gasket, a loss of power, and other damage to your engine which may be much more serious or irreparable. Maintaining the correct coolant level for your car and performing cooling system maintenance can help you prevent a blown head gasket by ensuring that your coolant is circulating and can maintain the appropriate operating temperature. If you suspect you may have blown your head gasket, shop O'Reilly Auto Parts for head gaskets and head gasket sets that include the other gaskets needed for your intake, valve cover, exhaust manifold and more to complete your repair. Want more? Check out our article on understanding blown head gaskets or view our selection of head gasket sealers to make a temporary repair.