Hey folks. Just wanted to get some feedback on the MLS head gaskets for the 3.0 3vze. From what I'm reading, everyone states that the block and the cylinder head must be decked prior to using the MLS head gasket. What I'm wondering, is if anyone has not done this and ran them. Were you able to get them to seal properly? Did they initially seal and then fail? Are these gaskets strictly for a machine shop rebuild or can they be used in the field?

Also, has anyone used the sets they sell on ebay? Seems the price point is far cheaper than anyone offers.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

With an MLS gasket it is typically used to bring deck height back to spec. Thus being why it is used in a machining application. If you install an MLS gasket that is on a in spec block you will suffer in losing compression as the compression ratio will be lowered. Also these are often used in boosted applications to provided a good seal. I myself would not recommend doing this on a build where the block or cylinder head has not been machined out of spec per say.

 

MLS will require a very smooth, almost mirror like, surface on both the head and block. When a motor heats up, so does the MLS head gasket and it needs to be able to expand and contract. If there are machining edges, however small, they will grab the gasket and prevent it from expanding. After awhile, the metal fatigues and no longer seals.

There great if you have a machinist that knows what he is doing. It takes special tools to get the surface that smooth, and not all machine shops have those.

Stick with OEM, you can't get any better and you will be good for as long as the timing chain holds up. And always use an OEM chain, they last so much longer and do not stretch as bad as some aftermarket ones I've seen.

 

Thanks guys... that confirms what my initial thoughts were... good for the machine shop, but not so good for the field.

As far as the factory gaskets go, yeah I hear you... think I'll order a general set to get all the bits, but pass on the head gaskets in favor of OEM.

 

No problem and good luck!!

 

I have some MLS head gaskets on mine and I haven't had a problem, did not notice any loss of power or torque, and I did not machine the block, just resurfaced the heads and rebuilt them with ebay gasket set's, and i tow with my runner,