Engine Gaskets & Seals

Is your engine stripped down on the bench, or does a single joint need sealing again? This category brings together gaskets for the engine's fixed joints: cylinder head, intake manifold, valve cover, oil pan and thermostat housing, as well as complete gasket sets. It is for you if you are rebuilding, maintaining or building a project with more power.

What engine gaskets need to do

Gaskets seal where two engine parts meet and keep compression, oil and coolant separated. The head gasket is typically the most heavily loaded, because it has to withstand combustion pressure and heat and, in a turbo project, higher boost pressure as well. Among our head gaskets you will find, for example, Cometic Gasket in several bores and thicknesses. For the smaller joints there are intake manifold gaskets as well as gaskets for the valve cover, oil pan and thermostat housing. The category also includes cylinder base gaskets for motorcycles, such as the Kawasaki ZX-6R and Suzuki GSXR.

How to choose the right gasket

• Bore: The hole in the head gasket must match the cylinder bore, including after any overboring.
• Thickness: Affects the compression ratio and the clearance between piston and cylinder head, so it should be calculated for your project.
• Material: MLS – multi-layer steel –, copper or composite. The choice depends on boost pressure, power target and the condition of the surfaces.
• Engine code and model year: Fitment depends on the specific engine, so match the part number to the engine code and model year.

If the engine has to come apart anyway, a complete gasket set typically covers several joints at once. Fel-Pro, for example, offers intake manifold gasket sets for the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger and Charger, and Victor Reinz, Vertex Pistons and Wiseco are also brands in the category. A good seal typically depends on clean, flat surfaces, correct tightening torque and sequence, and new bolts where the manufacturer specifies them. Only use sealant if the gasket manufacturer recommends it. Gaskets for the exhaust manifold can be found under exhaust gaskets and seals.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the head gasket thickness?

The thickness affects the compression ratio and the clearance between piston and cylinder head. Calculate it for your project, especially if the cylinder head or block has been surfaced or the pistons have been replaced, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific part number.

Can I reuse an old gasket?

It is typically not recommended. Many gaskets, such as MLS types, deform when first tightened and rarely seal as well a second time. It depends on the type, so check the manufacturer's instructions for the specific gasket.

What are the signs of a blown head gasket?

Typical signs can be coolant loss without visible leaks, white smoke, bubbles in the expansion tank, oil mixed with coolant or overheating. The symptoms can have other causes, so a compression or leak-down test gives a more reliable answer.

Should I choose a complete gasket set or individual gaskets?

If the engine is being fully disassembled, a gasket set typically covers most joints at once. If you only need to seal, for example, the valve cover or thermostat housing, a single gasket is often enough. Always check what the set contains for your part number.