1990 non turbo headgasket

cre · 02-09-2011, 10:05 PM

MLS = Multi-Layer Steel You have one in between the throttle body and the Y pipe if you want an example. The MLS HG will have 3 or more layers. Usually there's a "shim" in the center, its thickness is varied to change the thickness of the gasket; And one thin gasket layer on each side of the shim with corrugations to provide the extra sealing force around areas such as the coolant jackets.

This is not the only type of metal head gaskets... another popular type (especially among pro racing builders) is the solid copper shim. It's a single layer of copper... just like the MLS it has its ups and downs. EDIT: One of the cons is that the copper HG is far less forgiving of warpage and can deteriorate far more quickly under certain circumstances... BUT they're less likely to leak as there aren't multiple layers which may fail; They're more forgiving of rough cut decks; They also offer much better heat transfer.

02-09-2011, 10:05 PM	#7
cre Toyota Racing Development Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,038	MLS = Multi-Layer Steel You have one in between the throttle body and the Y pipe if you want an example. The MLS HG will have 3 or more layers. Usually there's a "shim" in the center, its thickness is varied to change the thickness of the gasket; And one thin gasket layer on each side of the shim with corrugations to provide the extra sealing force around areas such as the coolant jackets. This is not the only type of metal head gaskets... another popular type (especially among pro racing builders) is the solid copper shim. It's a single layer of copper... just like the MLS it has its ups and downs. EDIT: One of the cons is that the copper HG is far less forgiving of warpage and can deteriorate far more quickly under certain circumstances... BUT they're less likely to leak as there aren't multiple layers which may fail; They're more forgiving of rough cut decks; They also offer much better heat transfer. __________________ If something breaks or you need to contact a member of the administration please post HERE. Unless it's a private or administration matter please post it on the forum. It benefits no one else if car related questions aren't posted for future users and takes away from the time I'm able to spend helping on the rest of the forum. If you're so inclined I'm always more than happy to accept tips via PayPal. Tip Jar ---> Last edited by cre; 02-09-2011 at 10:12 PM.