2006 Saturn Vue - Head Gasket

What is a Head Gasket?

The head gasket is a critical sealing component in a vehicle's engine and is located between the engine block and cylinder head(s) to provide a barrier that prevents coolant and oil from escaping the cylinders or mixing together. The head gasket also seals the combustion chambers to prevent combustion gasses from leaking or escaping into the cooling system and coolant from leaking into the cylinders. It also seals the oil passages to prevent oil leaks and coolant from mixing with the engine oil. Head gaskets can be damaged by several factors, the most common of which is engine overheating that can cause a head gasket to "blow". A damaged or worn head gasket can cause a number of issues, such as coolant loss, oil leaks, overheating, loss of power, rough running, and white exhaust smoke. In some cases, a blown head gasket may cause coolant to mix with engine oil. This thins the oil's viscosity and can limit its ability to protect the engine against friction, which can result in catastrophic engine failure if not repaired. Replacing a head gasket is a complex and labor-intensive process, often requiring the removal of the cylinder head(s) and other engine components, and should usually be performed by a qualified mechanic. You can learn more about head gasket failure symptoms and replacement with our helpful article. If you need a replacement head gasket, O'Reilly Auto Parts carries replacement engine gaskets, gasket kits, and more to help you complete your repair.