Whether it’s in the mechanic’s shop, or at the engine machining shop, experienced installers, as well as other professionals, know very well that paying attention to the details and being careful during gasket installation makes all the difference to the performance of the engine. After all, each component plays a fundamental role — and it’s no different when it comes to RIO’s line of automotive gaskets, a brand-new addition here at RIO that has come into play to simplify the Expert’s routine once and for all. Come take a look!
RIO Line of gaskets: technology, quality, and safety at the service of your workforce
Reaffirming our commitment to always provide the Expert with the best in technology for replacement parts, RIO introduces a new comprehensive portfolio of automotive gaskets, tailor-made to simplify the installer’s daily routine: head gaskets, gasket sets, and overhaul kits for over 50 engine models, including both light and utility vehicle lines.
All of this, of course, with the orange quality that you already know, ensuring the highest standards of reliability for the workshop and the machining shop. And nothing less would do, since these mechanical sealing parts play the crucial role of joining the lower and upper parts of the engine, ensuring proper insulation of hot gasses and correct circulation of coolant and lubricating oil.
And everyone agrees: well-installed automotive gaskets are the great secret behind high-performance engines and superior efficiency, are they not? That’s because these parts are also responsible for sealing the cylinders and the cylinder head, where combustion occurs, withstanding the high temperatures and pressures of the assembly.
Not to mention that any negligence during the installation can result in serious consequences, such as coolant or oil leaks, loss of compression, overheating of the assembly, and even irreparable damage to the engine. Hence, the importance of paying extra attention during this process, as we will explain in the following sequence.
7 valuable tips in order to excel in the installation of automotive gaskets
You’ve probably realized by now that applying automotive gaskets is a task that requires responsibility and precision, right? With that in mind, we have gathered some important tips for you, the Expert, who wants to ensure that your customers can drive worry-free. Take note:
1 – Choose the appropriate gasket for the engine
There are different types of automotive gaskets available in the market, all designed to meet the specifications of different engines and applications. Therefore, it is essential that the installer makes sure to choose the correct gasket that is compatible with the engine they will be servicing. Always consult the manufacturer’s specifications and verify if the gasket meets the vehicle’s requirements!
2 – Pay attention to the tools
When replacing the gasket, especially when tightening the cylinder head bolts, it is also recommended to make use of the appropriate tools, and exercise extra caution to the torque specification of the manufacturer. Remember that excessive or insufficient tightening of the bolts can compromise the sealing of the gasket — also, there is a correct bolt tightening sequence which is indicated in the manufacturer’s manual, this sequence guarantees an evenly distributed compression load.
3 – Not applying it right away? Be careful with storage
Mechanics or installers should store gaskets on flat shelves, inside their original packaging, and only open the package at the time of installation. It is also important to avoid stacking other items on top of the gasket boxes, and to ensure 100% manufacturing integrity of these parts, they should not be stored in areas with high temperature and humidity.
4 – Remember to prepare the engine block before a new application
Is it time to replace a gasket? So, before anything else, make sure to remove all the remnants of the old gasket, as well as any potential carbon deposits and coolant residue on the surfaces of the engine block and the cylinder head, by scraping them thoroughly with a scraper. Next, clean the bolt and the bolt thread, then lubricate them. Just be cautious not to over-lubricate, as excessive lubrication may cause the well-known hydraulic lock.
5 – Don’t neglect the cleanliness of the engine block during the process
Keep in mind that friction caused by dirt can “consume” part of the applied torque, giving a false impression that the bolt has been properly torqued. Also, check for any accumulation of dirt, water, or oil at the bottom of the engine block threads. In summary, it is essential that the cleaning process is as efficient as possible, as it will ensure longevity and superior performance of the new gasket.
6 – Is it possible to make fine adjustments with an iron file?
Don’t even think consider it! The use of iron files for cleaning and adjusting the engine block and cylinder head is out of the question, as it can cause grooves or deep scratches that, during engine operation, can lead to liquid leakage or the burning of the gasket, especially in aluminum cylinder heads. When in doubt, refer back to topic 2 on this list!
7 – Pay close attention to the cylinder sleeve height
Be careful with the height of the cylinder sleeves during the installation of a new gasket! Don’t forget that a sleeve that is too low can burn the gasket, while a sleeve that is too high can cause the combustion ring to break. In this situation, it is ideal to always use a dial gauge and ensure the correct installation height, verifying if the sleeve is perfectly seated in the support region of the engine block.
Now it’s time to get your hands dirty!
So, Expert, did it become easier to understand the step-by-step process for applying RIO’s automotive gaskets? Oh, and remember to never apply grease, glue, or any other chemical product on the gasket surfaces, as these products can alter the thermomechanical resistance characteristics and the load distribution of the gaskets, jeopardizing all the work you’ve done.
If in doubt, just look for the nearest RIO orange box: on one of the inner flaps, there is a unique QR code that will direct you to a technical video with the step-by-step process for applying the purchased part or kit on our YouTube channel. By following these tips, you will certainly deliver a superior quality service and gain even more preference from your customers!
And, as you know, in addition to gaskets RIO has an online catalog with over 5 thousand items featuring our Flame Technology, which is recognized and exported to more than 25 countries worldwide. Access it, explore all the items, and if you need assistance, rely on our technical team, who is always ready to help!
