Hi all masters,

As we all know there are few exhaust gasket, 1. manifold gasket, 2. the joint gasket (I don't know what it call) where manifold joint with exhaust pipe... The original no 2 gasket is made of metal, some mechanic in Malaysia they use some kind of gasket paper to cut it and fix it. Some says that metal will last longer, some said the custom made one is thicker and it is much more fit. My question is which one is better? If the custom made one is much more fit why would the factory use a metal one which is slimmer?

Ive also compare no 1 gasket, which local made one the quality is really bad just a piece of paper that can stand the heat... is it really long lasting and reliable? really doubt it sometime..

Just want to share out and see anyone here got any opinion about this thing.. I know it just a simple gasket but I would like to know more about it especially for weather in Malaysia is so hot..

Cheerss...

Crazymini,

Interesting questions. Never really thought about it until your posting.

1. Manifold gasket - the gasket that sits between the head, the exhaust & carb inlet pipes.

The locally made gaskets do alright under normal and occasional high speed driving. The composition of the gasket is something like abestos,paper pulp and some other things compressed together to make the gasket. They are pretty heat resistant but cannot take too much exhaust pressure. Hi performance engines use the copper/metal type gaskets or the carbon impregnated type gaskets. Unfortunately, these are quite expensive.

Do not get me wrong, the local items are ok. A thin layer of exhaust sealing paste will gaurantee a good air tight seal.


2. Join Gasket - I am assuming you are referring the gaskets between the mating surfaces of the carburettor and the inlet manifold.

The original metal gaskets are good but they do wear out. Petrol is corrosive. Metal does not make such a good gasket here as it does not 'squish' and give a complete seal. It can be used on cylinder heads as the heads are torqued down but on hand tightened screws it does not seal properly. The original metal gaskets were made in the time where resources were limited. So soft thin metal was deemed as sufficient and used.

Yes, gasket paper is used here by the local mechanics as it is easier to make. There are different grades of gasket paper available. Just depends on use. I mean if it works, don't mess with it. As for reliability, that is all subjective as metal gaskets have been also known to fail prematurely.

The principle is the same as in life, you get what you pay for. Cheap does not mean good and good is usually not cheap. I mean, if you want to and can afford to get good gaskets, by all means, if budget is tight, go for something serviceable in the mean time.

Cheers