Foreign Debris

Foreign Debris - Failure Diagnosis

Replacement of engine gaskets can be time wasted if the cause of engine failure has not been identified. Gaskets act much like a safety valve or fuse, designed to give way, amid underlying fitting or operational problems, thus preventing more detrimental engine damage. As such, clues left on the gasket may help you diagnose failure, preventing any re-occurrence.

Ensure mating surfaces, bolts, threads, and bolt holes are all clean and free from foreign matter before gasket installation. Debris may cause damage to the gasket and even the mating components. Debris can also cause combustion and fluid leakage, as well as clamping load problems.

Check that new or remanufactured components are also clean from machining, cleaning, or packaging residue.