Allentown’s Best Mechanics to Tackle a Land Rover’s Head Gasket Leak
by schearerswpadmin February 14, 2023From the early days of the brand, Land Rover has been known for its off-road capabilities and rugged durability, thanks in part to the advanced engineering and technology that goes into each vehicle. However, their vehicles are not exempted from mechanical issues. One of the common issues you will find in a Land Rover is a leaking head gasket.
The head gasket is a critical component of any engine, including those found in Land Rover vehicles. It sits between the cylinder head and engine block of your Land Rover, sealing the combustion chamber and keeping the coolant and oil passages separate.
Over time, the head gasket can fail, leading to a leak of oil, coolant, or both. This can result in decreased engine performance, increased oil consumption, and in severe cases, engine overheating, and damage. If you suspect that your Land Rover has a head gasket leak, it’s important to take action instantly to prevent more damage to your engine.
Three Basic Functions of the Head Gasket
Unlike other gaskets, the head gasket has a very big task it performs for the engine. These three functions highlighted show that the head gasket is prone to stress and must be properly serviced and maintained.
- It seals the oilways between the cylinder head and engine block: The circulating oil in the vehicle engine is maintained in confinement within the engine block and pistons. This function is carried out by the head gasket.
- Seals the waterways of the engine: The head gasket also performs the function of sealing the water that circulates between the engine and radiator coolant, which helps to maintain the working engine temperature.
- Seals the cylinder to hold compression: Pistons move up and down in your Land Rover’s engine and these are contained in cylinders. At the cylinder head is a chamber for the air/fuel mixture to go into the engine. The up and down movement generates compression from the stroke that causes horsepower which turns into motion. If the gasket is not in good shape, that compression may be lost and your engine will be negatively impacted.
What Can Cause A Head Gasket To Leak or Fail?
Some of the factors that may cause the head gasket to fail to include:
- Overheating: Overheating is one of the major causes of gasket failure. When the engine heat gets to an extreme, the gasket cannot withstand the heat. It is liable to crack and fail. The head gasket is usually made from multiple steel The center layer, which is thicker, is made from light steel, while the other two layers at the top and bottom are usually made from polymers that are rubber-like and resistant to high temperatures and chemicals. This can overheat in extreme temperatures and break.
- High Mileage and the Age: Age is another factor that can affect the gasket. An original gasket that has not been replaced in an older car will wear out and not seal properly. Manufacturers suggest the replacement of the gasket after a certain mileage. This is in your Land Rover’s owner’s manual.
- Detonation and Pre-ignition: Both detonation and pre-ignition can cause the failure of the head gasket. These two factors are a result of high heat and pressure within the cylinder, which can put a big stress on the gasket.
- Incorrect Gasket Installation: If you install the gasket incorrectly, it might not be able to hold a seal. If it manages to function initially, it will eventually fail as a result of improper placement.
Schearer’s Sales and Service Will Repair Your Land Rover’s Head Gasket Leak
If you observe that your Land Rover 
isn’t running well or that your engine overheats, then your head gasket may have failed. Consult our experts at Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. We are the leading luxury European vehicle repair shop in the area! Our services are available to car owners from cities like Allentown, Bethlehem, and Macungie, PA. Reach out to us today to schedule a convenient appointment for your Land Rover or European vehicle. We look forward to earning your repeat business to keep your car or SUV running in top condition for year to come.