What is a Cylinder Head Gasket?

The cylinder head gasket is a seal that sits between the engine block and the cylinder head. It helps to seal the cylinders for better compression, and to stop coolant and engine oil from leaking. If a head gasket fails, it can lead to a variety of problems, from the engine losing compression, to fluid leaks, to exhaust gases getting into the cooling system or the cylinders.

The cylinder head gasket is the most critical seal in the engine, and if a failed or blown head gasket is left untreated, it can lead to even more serious damage to the engine.