from the threads that ive searched, most people remove the middle layer. but when u look at the mugen headgasket,(like the one thats leaking in my car right now ) it looks like the top layer has been removed. the top layer also seems a bit thicker than the middle one.

does anyone have experiences w/ removing the top layer on a head gasket? will it seal ok? or, anyone that has removed the middle layer please share your experiences too. good or bad.

tia

chinese food + too much + =

 

up

 

 

one more time

 

From what I understand, the stock gasket uses spacers - those little raised round portions stuck all over it - to prevent overtightening of the gasket. By removing a layer from the headgasket, you won't be able to tighten past what those spacers allow, but you'll have removed the effective gasket seal. OK, that was a really bad explanation. Let's try ASCII art:

Original gasket:
---......................---
------------------------
---'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''---

Imagine that as a cross-section of your gasket. If you go ahead and remove the internal layer of that gasket, you'll end up with something like this, I'd think:

---......................---
------
---'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''---

See the problem? Your gasket will probably blow out from the moment you install it.


[Modified by raene, 11:57 AM 11/20/2002]

 

i thought those "spacers" you are referring to are just little rivet type things to keep the 3 layers together. in order to remove a layer don't you have to remove those little "rivets" (not sure what i should call them)....if so then you wouldn't have the problem you speak of.

 

You may be right. That was just a guess

I think it would be harder to align the gaskets if they weren't held together with handy rivets, however.

 

I used just the middle layer. been running it now for about 5 months and about 15k miles. Redlineing all day to 8600. Still holding.

 

Yea you do use the middle layer out of the OEM headgasket.... I don't do that because your chances of getting a good seal aren't as good.. I will never do this for that reason... If you want a high compression headgasket why not just with a Cometic... Peace

 

i wouldnt recomened removing layers from a stock headgasket, if you lookin to bump the compression you should just buy a thinner headgasket

 

I agree with jdmspecEG6 the best way to do it is with a thinner gasket. But if some one were doing it on the cheep I would think it would be best to use the 2 outside layers. I would also spray the layers down with Permatex Hi-Tac gasket sealant.
I do this even on stock head gaskets to help prevent leaks.

 

thanks guys.

any other input would be appreciated.

 

Yes....DO NOT DO WHAT I DO. Only attempt it if your a pro.