Holden 1.

8L: Head Gasket Orientation

Holden 1.8L Ecotec:

Head Gasket
Orientation
2009 - 2016 Holden Cruze 1.8L F18D4
2007 - 2010 Holden Astra AH 1.8L Z18XER
2001 - 2005 Holden Astra TS 1.8L Z18XE
2013 - 2015 Holden Trax TJ 1.8L F18D4
These holes must
Correct Orientation align for correct
orientation

AHS has had several occurrences The head bolts are torque to yield and
where customers have purchased must also be replaced if loosen (see Tech
Elongated cut out on the head aligns
a new cylinder head for a Holden Online for tension specifications), and
with the elongated hole in the gasket to
1.8L Z18XER or F18D4 engines the head gasket must also be replaced if
allow oil into the heads oil galleries.
and fitted it themselves. This it has been compressed.
has resulted in no oil flow to the
This is not the only engine in which it is
cylinder head and the sump filling
easy to fit the head gasket incorrectly,
up with coolant.
so it is up to you to take care and double
Like many other engines, this head check that all of the holes are aligning
gasket can be fitted incorrectly, correctly before installing the head. It
and it is only after startup where might be a good practice to take note of
the mistake is made evident. The the old gaskets orientation and use it as
workshop manual makes not notes a guide for reassembly. A few minutes at
on what to look for when refitting this stage will save you hours of rework,
the gasket to ensure it is in the wasted parts and money.
Incorrect Orientation correct position. There are no
Other traps with these engines
markings to indicate which way is up.
You must have a look and align the The head gasket is of a Multi-Layer Steel
holes yourself. (MLS) design, which means that the
surfaces must be prepared correctly
The oil flow to the cylinder head goes
(See Tech Talk August 2018 page 4564).
from the block into an elongated
hole or teardrop area at the centre There are also some common assembly
cylinder to a bolt hole. The oil then fault in-relation to the VVT system (See
The oil feed is now blocked and
flows up the bolt hole and in through Tech Talk December 2017 page 4452).
coolant can now enter the sump.
a gallery to lubricate the head. If
the gasket is flipped over and fitted
We would like to thank
incorrectly, it will block off oil flow to
Geoff, from All Head
the cylinder head and causes coolant Services, for sharing
to enter the oil system from the this information
teardrop cut out in the gasket. The www.allhead.com.au
head needs to come off again. 1300 416 181

4660 Tech Talk – March 2018