Frequently Asked Questions About Diesel Engine Gaskets & Seals
What types of diesel engine gaskets does Highway and Heavy Parts carry?
Highway and Heavy Parts offers a comprehensive selection of diesel engine gaskets and seals for all major manufacturers including cylinder head gasket sets for complete top-end rebuilds, oil pan gaskets and oil cooler gaskets for lubrication system integrity, exhaust manifold gaskets and turbocharger gaskets for exhaust system sealing, intake manifold gaskets for air delivery systems, valve cover gaskets and rocker cover gaskets for preventing oil leaks, water pump gaskets and thermostat housing gaskets for cooling system components, front and rear crankshaft seals, camshaft seals, and air compressor gasket sets. All gaskets are available for Cummins, Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, Mack, Volvo, International/Navistar, and other major diesel engine brands.
What are common signs that I need to replace my diesel engine gaskets?
Common symptoms of failing gaskets include visible oil leaks from valve covers, oil pans, or engine block joints, coolant leaks or puddles under the vehicle indicating head gasket or water pump gasket failure, white smoke from the exhaust suggesting coolant entering the combustion chamber through a blown head gasket, milky or discolored oil indicating coolant contamination from head gasket failure, engine overheating caused by compromised cooling system gaskets, loss of compression or rough running from damaged head gaskets, and excessive oil consumption from worn valve cover or crankshaft seals. If you experience any of these symptoms, inspect your gaskets immediately to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
What’s the difference between graphite and MLS head gaskets?
Graphite head gaskets feature a metal core with composite material on each side, offering excellent sealing on uneven surfaces due to their compressible nature and working well between dissimilar metals like iron blocks and aluminum heads without requiring additional sealants. Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets consist of multiple layers of embossed steel with thin coatings, providing superior heat resistance and performance under higher cylinder pressures but requiring extremely smooth mounting surfaces for proper sealing. Graphite gaskets are more forgiving and less expensive, while MLS gaskets better withstand extreme operating conditions in high-performance applications.
Should I use sealant when installing diesel engine gaskets?
In most cases, you should not use sealant when installing diesel engine gaskets unless specifically required by manufacturer instructions. Using liquid gasket compounds like silicone sealant prevents the gasket from seating correctly, creates uneven loading and stress points, lowers the effective torque value due to reduced friction, and often leads to leaks and premature gasket failure. Modern diesel engine gaskets are designed to seal properly without additional sealants when installed on clean, properly prepared surfaces with correct torque specifications. Always follow manufacturer installation procedures for best results.
How do I identify the correct gasket set for my diesel engine?
To identify the correct gasket set for your diesel engine, you’ll need your engine make and model such as Cummins ISX, Caterpillar C15, or Detroit Diesel Series 60, engine serial number (ESN) for precise part matching, CPL number for Cummins engines to ensure correct specifications, and awareness of any engine modifications or updates that may affect gasket requirements. Highway and Heavy Parts’ ASE-certified technicians can help you identify the exact gasket set needed based on this information. Call HHP at 844-215-3406 or use the online product finder to search by manufacturer and engine model for accurate part identification.
What causes head gasket failure in diesel engines?
Head gasket failure is typically caused by underlying engine problems rather than spontaneous failure, including thermal push from extreme heat or detonation causing bore edges to become misshapen, rough cylinder head surfaces that prevent proper gasket sealing and cause scoring, improper installation including incorrect torque specifications or using sealants when not required, engine overheating from cooling system failures, excessive cylinder pressure from modifications or worn components, and warped cylinder heads from previous overheating episodes. Before replacing a blown head gasket, diagnose and repair the root cause to prevent repeated failures.
Are Highway and Heavy Parts gaskets OEM quality?
Yes, all Highway and Heavy Parts gaskets and seals are manufactured in ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities and meet or exceed OEM specifications for quality, fit, and performance. While these are aftermarket replacement parts rather than original equipment manufacturer parts, they are engineered to exact OEM specifications ensuring proper sealing, durability, and reliability. Each gasket is crafted with hard-wearing materials designed to withstand the demanding conditions of heavy-duty diesel engine operation in trucking, agriculture, construction, and industrial applications, backed by HHP’s comprehensive warranty coverage.
What warranty and support comes with diesel engine gaskets from HHP?
Highway and Heavy Parts provides a standard 1-year unlimited mileage parts and labor warranty on all gaskets and seals, covering defects in materials and workmanship, with select components eligible for extended 2-year warranty coverage depending on the specific part and application. Beyond warranty protection, HHP employs ASE-certified diesel technicians who provide expert technical support for gasket selection, installation guidance including proper torque specifications and surface preparation, diagnostic troubleshooting to identify root causes of gasket failure, and post-installation support if issues arise. Orders placed by 2PM EST ship same day Monday through Friday from HHP’s 250,000+ part inventory in Coleman, Michigan.
