STARBOARD CYLINDER HEAD GASKET 27-887848

Function and technical context

The head gasket is the sealing component that seals the interface between the engine block and the cylinder head, preventing leaks of coolant, oil and combustion gases to the outside. This part works in the cooling and internal pressure system of the engine, subjected to constant cycles of high temperature and pressure that reach critical values ​​during navigation operation. Its degradation or breakage compromises the tightness of the cylinder, allowing salt water to enter the combustion chamber, loss of engine compression and localized overheating of the cylinder head, with the risk of seizure or irreversible damage to pistons and valves.

When to replace this part?

Typical symptoms of head gasket failure include progressive loss of compression, presence of water in the crankcase (oil emulsion), abnormal engine overheating even with a clean cooling system, and visible coolant leaks at the contact line between the block and the cylinder head. Although there is no fixed preventive maintenance interval as with filters or impellers, this gasket must be checked each time the cylinder head is dismantled or if there is any symptom of loss of tightness. Replacing this part preventively when the engine accumulates many hours or after cylinder head repairs avoids catastrophic breakdowns in navigation and exponentially higher repair costs.

Engine Compatibility Table

Mercury/MerCruiser

Equivalent manufacturer part numbers