This cylinder head gasket seals the combustion chamber between the engine block and the cylinder head. It prevents the escape of compressed gases and the leakage of coolant and oil into the cylinders. The gasket is installed between the two mating surfaces and is compressed when the head bolts are torqued to specification. A failed gasket typically causes a loss of compression, coolant contamination, or external oil seepage. The gasket is manufactured to match the original sealing profile and material specification for the host engine. On reinstallation, the cylinder head and block surfaces must be clean and flat, and the head bolts must be tightened in the correct sequence and to the specified torque value.