Should/Would you replace a cylinder head gasket on high kilometre cars?

[iman]

Hi All,

Just thinking of options on proactive maintenance for my car. Depending on your driving style and location, overheated engine is something we all dread. Doing regular maintenances does not immune you on wear and tear. So one thing came to mind is when should you consider changing the gasket on your cylinder head on high kilometre engine? Or do you wait for it to leak/crack before doing it all due to the similar labour cost?

Thanks,
iMan

[BrazilianY60]

I am of the opinion that for gaskets, you don't need to replace any if they are not leaking. If you remove the head for any reason, then of course, put a new one.

[pollenface]

Personally, no. I'd wait til there was a problem.

Fit an Engine Guard for $150 and keep an eye on your engine block/head temps.

[mudnut]

Every time you take the head off, especially alloy, you might have to get the head machined. Studs breaking, contamination, objects falling into the oil galleries, stripping threads when torquing up the head and cam gear are all risks you should avoid, just for the sake of 'might happen'.

If you use good coolant, service the engine at the right intervals, keep the radiator clean and check the fan is working, you shouldn't have a problem.

[mudski]

Dont fix what isn't broken...

[mudnut]

Dont fix what isn't broken...

Good short answer.

[BrazilianY60]

Fit an Engine Guard for $150 and keep an eye on your engine block/head temps.

I have bought a brazilian made digital temperature monitor device, with a bolt on thermocoupler to monitor engine temperature without depending on coolant. What would be the best place to screw in that thermocoupler, the block or the head?

[mudski]

Good short answer.

Seems logical.

There's preventative maintenance and there's going that extra unnecessary bit further. Which I must admit have done once or twice.

[pollenface]

I have bought a brazilian made digital temperature monitor device, with a bolt on thermocoupler to monitor engine temperature without depending on coolant. What would be the best place to screw in that thermocoupler, the block or the head?

Probably the head, as that will warp first.