I ordered a Felpro gasket kit for doing the rebuild on my 2.5. The head gasket that came with the kit is giving me some concerns. Apparently this is a steel core laminated gasket. That being the case I have no idea how to treat it. Can I install it like a composite, totally dry, or is it like an MLS gasket where I need to use a sealant coating before I put the gasket on. I have a resurfaced head, but the block was not re-machined (I used some 320 grit sandpaper to get it cleaned up and can still see the original machining marks). Will this gasket be as sensitive as an MLS in that I need to have the block's mating surface machined? <not really an option since I'm doing all this in the car. I can get a pic of the gasket if that helps.
The manual and the instructions that came with the gasket are pretty specific about using a sealant on MLS gaskets and just installing composites dry. I would feel better if I had a little more feedback, as I have gotten a lot of mixed answers.
"Steel core laminate" is that not MLS? (Multi Layer Steel)? A true MLS gasket will look like it has a non-stick pan coating on it.
I know what you are worried about with the Deck surface and MLS gaskets, but as far as I know it's not an issue with every engine, it's just a matter of how smooth the factory got the block decked. If you think it will be an issue just use a conventional gasket.
The instructions are just a generic note they put in with all their gasket kits, it doesn't address steel core laminate gaskets. This is definitely different than an MLS gasket, there is some kind of opaque film over the steel layer. I'm starting to think that the coating is enough to make a good seal and I should just put it on dry.
Best info I could find just googling it was Felpro dry, Cosmic (I think that's the brand) use a sealant , copper spray or Mopar part num 04318035 although a lot depends on the flatness of the block with some people saying spray it anyway.
Not a lot of help really I guess! Sorry...
------------------ Anything I might say is probably worth what you paid for it, so treat it accordingly!
I'd go with the manufacturer's instructions, but in the good old days a good coating of "Indian-Head" sealer by permatex on both sides of the gasket and you'd ---NEVER EVER---- have to worry about a leak, even if you forgot to put half the head bolts in.
Spoon
------------------ "Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut
