Gaskets: 9 Different Types of Gaskets [Used in Engine]

In this article, you will learn what is a gasket, how it works? types of gaskets used in the engine, their properties and more.

What is an Engine Gasket?

In the engine, the gasket is placed between the cylinder head and cylinder block to prevent leakage and ensure a tight metallic fit joint. It is also to maintain compression in the cylinder. The gasket should be able to withstand high pressure and extreme temperatures.

Gaskets are found in,

• Between the cylinder head and the cylinder block
• Between crankcase and oil pan.
• In the cylinder block and manifold.

Read also: List of Car Engine Parts: Its Function (With Pictures)

Requirements/Properties of the Gasket as Follows

1. Conformity: The gaskets should conform to the mating surfaces which may have roughness or warpage.
2. Resistance: It should have resistance to high pressures, extreme temperatures, and vibrations.
3. Impermeability: The gasket must be impermeable to the fluid.
4. Resistance to chemical attack: The gasket should be resistant to chemicals such as fuel, coolant, products of combustion, and engine oil.
5. Provision of apertures: The gasket must have apertures for any studs, bolts, openings, etc.,

Functions of Gasket

An engine gasket’s primary role is to provide insulation between the cylinder block and the cylinder head. Insulation prevents oil leakage, so oil will not enter the radiator channel or vice versa.

The gasket’s ability to retain pressure is another way it keeps it from leaking from the cylinder head into the block gap. An automobile engine consists of an engine block with a cylinder head on top.

Additionally, car gaskets transfer heat from the cylinder block to the head block. Metal packing is commonly utilized as the gasket. In general, this function is strongly tied to leak prevention.

Types of Gaskets

Following are some of the different types of gaskets:

1. Cylinder head gasket
2. Oil pan gasket
3. Manifold gaskets
4. Pump gasket

Cylinder Head Gasket

The metal sandwich-type gasket is made of either copper and asbestos or steel and asbestos. It is mainly used on passenger cars and trucks.

Embossed steel or shim type gasket is generally used on I-head engine.

Shimbestos is a combination of thin steel heat shield on one side and a high resilient metal-reinforced asbestos on the top side.

Felbestos is made of perforated steel sandwich between two asbestos sheets.

Oil Pan Gasket

Oil pan gaskets are made of three different materials:

Cork has the advantage of high compressibility but it is subject to shrinkage and expansion.

Felcoid is an improvement on the cork. It is also highly compressible but is less subject to shrinkage and expansion. It can withstand considerable bending and twisting without breakage.

Felcoprene is a synthetic rubber compound. It is highly resilient and compressible. It is not affected by oil and greases also not subject to expansion and shrinkage.

Manifold Gaskets

Metal encased asbestos gasket is more resistant to burn out but is more expensive. Felbestos is a perforated steel base with asbestos, mechanically bonded to one or both sides. Metal embossed shim gasket is also a good type of gasket for the manifolds.

Pump Gasket

Pump gaskets are made of a number of materials such as asbestos, karropak, felcoids, and more. They are treated to withstand oil, water, petrol and anti-freeze liquids. Karropak is a high-quality vegetable fibre. While Felcoid is a combination of fibre and cork granules that is more compressible and resilient.

Gaskets Coating Materials

Often the gaskets are coated with a special varnish which melts and seals all the small interstices of the block and head when the engine warms up. Some of the coating material are as follows.

1. Copper-asbestos
2. Steel-asbestos
3. Steel-asbestos-copper
4. Single steel ridged or corrugated gasket
5. Stainless steel

Suitable holes are made in the gasket to pass the studs and for cylinder bore. Gaskets are also used to seal joints between other parts, such as between oil pan, manifolds, or water pump and the block.

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