Your Mini’s engine is a compact and closely integrated piece of engineering that comprises two major components: the engine block, within which the pistons travel, and the cylinder head, which contains the valves and camshafts. As complex as it may be, a small part like the head gasket can cause major issues in the engine. So, what does this gasket do, where is it located, and how can you replace it? Let’s find out!

Function Of The Head Gasket

A head gasket is a thin but strong seal that is situated between the engine block and the cylinder head. It has only one function – to separate oil, coolant, and combustion gases from each other. When it is functioning optimally, everything goes to the place it is supposed to go, and the engine of your MINI performs as expected. If the gasket is not properly positioned or if it has failed, however, all sorts of issues begin to appear. Coolant can get into the oil, oil can get into the cylinders, and combustion gases can get into your coolant. In other words, your engine can easily go from good health to its worst state if you have a bad head gasket.

How To Replace A Failed Gasket

• Diagnosing The Problem: Before you decide to replace the head gasket, it is paramount that you determine if it is the cause of the problem. This diagnosis normally begins with an external check for things like the presence of oil, coolant spots or white smoke emission from the exhaust system.
• Getting the Engine Ready for Disassembly: The process of replacing the head gasket involves preparing the Mini’s engine. This means that you have to remove the battery cable and drain the engine oil and coolant as well. These fluids have to be drained because when the cylinder head and other parts are removed, you do not want oil or coolant all over the place. When the oil is out of the way, the engine covers, air intake systems and wiring harnesses that may be in the way have to be removed and placed aside.
• Pulling Off the Cylinder Head: The next step is to unbolt the valve cover and the cylinder head. After the removal of all bolts, the cylinder head is then lifted off the engine block. This can be a cumbersome process and could need two people to do it, depending on the model of the Mini.
• Replacing the Head Gasket: Clean the surfaces so that they can be used to fit the new gasket. The head gasket must fit the engine perfectly and should be placed in the correct position. Once it is in position, the cylinder head is placed back on the engine block and new head bolts are put in. These bolts are tightened in a particular sequence and to a particular torque setting which is normally indicated by the manufacturer.
• Reassembling the Engine: When the head is bolted down properly, all the components that were removed earlier such as the valve cover, intake and exhaust manifolds, the sensors, belts, and hoses are put back into place. During this process, the timing components are also synchronized correctly.

Is It Best To Do This Job Yourself?

Changing a head gasket is a complex procedure and it takes a considerable amount of time to complete. Since it involves unbolting the engine, it is best to leave the job for a Mini specialist. A professional repair may be a bit costly, but it guarantees that everything is done in the right manner and any future problems such as wrong torque specification, wrong timing, or gasket leakage are avoided.

Tanner Motors Is The Place To Go For Mini Head Gasket Replacement in Phoenix

If you think that your Mini has head gasket problems, do not procrastinate; let the team at Tanner Motors take a look. At Tanner Motors, we have been serving drivers in Phoenix and other nearby cities since 1945, providing our customers with the quality service that is comparable to a dealership, without charging a dealership rate.

We do not immediately assume that your Mini has a particular problem when you bring it to our workshop; instead, we use diagnostic tools to check what is wrong. Whether it requires full gasket replacement, or merely a check-up of the coolant system, you can rely on our services and professionalism. Call us today to arrange for an inspection of your MINI and get it up and running like a brand-new car again.