Head gaskets

[gsx600]

What does anyone recomend for the head gasket tin or composite

Got the 4.5 running over the weekend, but once warm lets oil out, plus water in oil.
I suppose can be expected after 5 or 6 years non-use.

So took the heads of Sunday, glad I did as rattling around in the inlet area was a spare bent pushrod

But now need to replace the gasket, it looks like a composite came off

[chunder]

I've just had it replaced with the tin version - 24hrs after it started leaking again.

Before I went back for it to be changed again I got some advice from a third party and was told it's not the material that counts but whether the rubber seal has a single lip or double - the double one being the one to use.

It's dried up again at the moment so the garage that did it are just on notice they may need to do it again and with the double lip seal.

Didn't do it myself though so have no personal experience so someone a bit more knowledgeable than me will hopefully be able to add to the above.

[suffolkfox]

Having head the head on and off three times now on the project, looked into this.

First question is did it have the composite on already because the mating faces are not quite true? If so, putting tin on would result in even more fluid outflow. Worth getting the faces checked, but I would personally use composite anyway, as they are far more forgiving. Usually you lose about 1.2cc of space against tin on a 3.5 so slightly more on your 4.5, and it also reduces the compression ratio, but unless you are looking for the ultimate performance not normally a big difference, and reduces stress on engine slightly (not sure which as I am away from the library at the moment, but I think some of the engines were fitted with composite from new). Putting in tin, as the engine gets older, can often mean you soon have to do it again. Composite therefore can work out cheaper in the long run when you factor in a second strip down.

[gsx600]

Gone for a composite from Real steel, so apparently a high performance item with a better seal capability

It would appear on this ex chimera engine that a composite was fitted as standard.

So just got to rebuild again. Another weekend wasted but hopefully back on the road soon, maybe in time for BBWF 2005 !!

[Boosted Ls1]

If your head and block were really good you wouldn't need a gasket at all. I use tin because it raises the compression and helps improve squish. I've also used composite but if the fire ring is damaged on a tin or composite gasket the rest of a composite gasket won't save you. So the composite imo is only helping with sealing the water. I'm not against composites and I suppose on older engines they may be better.

[2 sheds]

Unless you want to change the compression ratio best stay with the type you already have. tin gaskets are thinner = higher comp
Tim

[adam quantrill]

I went from tin to composite a number of years ago. Seem to have a flatter torque curve now but the beast is less sensitive to the octane rating of the petrol.

- Adam