Exhaust manifold gasket - best material?

[Dave_EH]

Hi,

I have a few extractor exhaust gaskets stockpiled.

Most are the modern composite type.  I also have an ACL asbestos type gasket that I have had in it's packaging since approximately 2000.

Are these old type gaskets better than the new ones?  It's been suggested to me that they are, but there must have been a million of the new ones used since then.

Dave

[fe350chev]

I doubt if it's old that, even if they were better back in the day, I'm sure it wouldn't be better than the later ones. More important is to not use anything with asbestos and I would personally find out how your council prefers them to be disposed of. I have had a congenital form of cystic lung disease since a child causing emphysema so think about the next person who might be a young bloke and take a wire wheel to a stuck gasket later down the track.

At the  end of the day, it's not that hard to replace one so I would just research on the new ones.

When I was a diesel mechanic we used to get some engines with huge pressures and engine brakes etc. We used to machine mating surfaces so good that no gasket was used. But some blokes just smeared the permatex paste on them. On a little engine you could file the mating surfaces. But a method that I found interesting from the experienced guys was to put the metal/copper, whatever you choose on and then preload it slightly against the head but only lightly then take the gasket off and where any raised bits are put paste on those areas. This would be a good method on a car that is up for a quick fix.

[fcwrangler]

I'm with Deano on this, I think you will find that the old asbestos gaskets are outlawed now the the health risks they hold. So it would be a good idea to dispose of them in the proper manner.
Jim

[hsv-001]

Someone might be able to answer a question on head gaskets for me . I still have a std. bore 138 red motor under the bench .I had two but sold one . My question is ,although I understand the reasoning behind the dome topped pistons [to increase compression ] the advantage would seem to be lost if you can't get smaller head gasket to suit . Or does it just carbon up once up and running ? There is quite a difference between the piston size in 3.3L and 2.25L so did the original 138 have a smaller gasket and if so could a person get one made ? Haydn 

[fe350chev]

http://www.swansonsgaskets.com.au/setup.htm

[fe350chev]

Not exactly sure I'm getting your question but you could always shave the block and deck and use a normal replacement. Not sure what you are referring to about the carbon. Depending on the engine u can get different valves if the head accommodates them to decrease the squish volume too.

[hsv-001]

What I meant was that the std. vrs. kit for a red motor has a gasket that is compatible with the 202 not the 138 and this leaves the head gasket, which should sit between head and block ,well away from the bores[about 15mm all the way around ]. I'll try Swansons Gaskets they should be able to cut me one .

[fe350chev]

I get you now. A lot depends what fuel you run hey.

[Dave_EH]

Thanks guys,

No worries.  Sounds like the new material is the go.

Regards
Dave

[fe350chev]

Dave, if you find any good ones or new stuff available can u let us know.