Feasibility of stacking MLS gasket layers?
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,482
Likes: 1,026
From: Wichita, KS
Feasibility of stacking MLS gasket layers? I don't mean literally laying 2 gaskets on top of each other... But I have tons of used LS9 gaskets in good shape. I'd like to separate the embossed top and bottom layers and stack my own in between? Anyone know what each layer is specifically for and which you would want to stack? Or if this is a bad idea?
Reason I ask is I had to deck my 5.3 block .015. Even with the .051 LS9 gasket I think it may have piston/valve clearance issues. The thicker cometic gaskets may work but they don't seem to seal as well and are very expensive.
Thanks...
Reason I ask is I had to deck my 5.3 block .015. Even with the .051 LS9 gasket I think it may have piston/valve clearance issues. The thicker cometic gaskets may work but they don't seem to seal as well and are very expensive.
Thanks...
9 Second Club
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Norn Iron
If you're happy with a higher risk of blowing, work away, but that's purely because of unknowns
But clearly the differing layers do different things. Otherwise all companies would offer the same number or layers, thicknesses etc
The layers are also different types of material.
But clearly the differing layers do different things. Otherwise all companies would offer the same number or layers, thicknesses etc
The layers are also different types of material.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,482
Likes: 1,026
From: Wichita, KS
Using the OEM pistons, so I’d like to avoid cutting any material off. Thicker head gasket doesn’t bother me, just wondering what the most cost effective route would be.
I have no idea if stacking additional layers is a “good” idea or not. I believe the top 3 and bottom 3 layers of the 7 layer gasket are to assist in sealing while the center layer is just spring steel, mainly for gasket thickness? Can anyone confirm this? I know the top and bottom layers are mainly for water port sealing. The next 4 are raised around the fire ring to assist in sealing and prevent movement.
I was thinking I could drill out the rivet’s that hold the gasket together and add another center layer. I didn’t want to go tearing up gaskets until I knew if this was possible or not. Looking at the Hotrod article they specifically say adding or subtracting layers is an easy way for the manufacturer or a “smart engine builder” to adjust compression ratio. They don’t say which layers are beneficial to “Stack”.
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/...-head-gaskets/
I have no idea if stacking additional layers is a “good” idea or not. I believe the top 3 and bottom 3 layers of the 7 layer gasket are to assist in sealing while the center layer is just spring steel, mainly for gasket thickness? Can anyone confirm this? I know the top and bottom layers are mainly for water port sealing. The next 4 are raised around the fire ring to assist in sealing and prevent movement.
I was thinking I could drill out the rivet’s that hold the gasket together and add another center layer. I didn’t want to go tearing up gaskets until I knew if this was possible or not. Looking at the Hotrod article they specifically say adding or subtracting layers is an easy way for the manufacturer or a “smart engine builder” to adjust compression ratio. They don’t say which layers are beneficial to “Stack”.
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/...-head-gaskets/
Last edited by Forcefed86; May 21, 2015 at 08:35 AM.
9 Second Club
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Norn Iron
LS2 and LS9 are different gaskets, different layers, but same overall thickness.
So the individual layers play more than just filling space, although no doubt some do
I dont see a problem with what you propose, but ultimately there will be risk there. MLS are very forgiving though, and I know people who've even re-used old gaskets with success before.
I dont think I'd put two thick layers right next to each other though unless you can find an OEM gasket that has two like that
So the individual layers play more than just filling space, although no doubt some do
I dont see a problem with what you propose, but ultimately there will be risk there. MLS are very forgiving though, and I know people who've even re-used old gaskets with success before.
I dont think I'd put two thick layers right next to each other though unless you can find an OEM gasket that has two like that
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I basically was going to post this. Now it is common for them to use a shim aka added layer like we are talking about it. A local friend of mine did this and was making around 800-900rwhp in a VW. My mind was blown.
LS2 and LS9 are different gaskets, different layers, but same overall thickness.
So the individual layers play more than just filling space, although no doubt some do
I dont see a problem with what you propose, but ultimately there will be risk there. MLS are very forgiving though, and I know people who've even re-used old gaskets with success before.
I dont think I'd put two thick layers right next to each other though unless you can find an OEM gasket that has two like that
So the individual layers play more than just filling space, although no doubt some do
I dont see a problem with what you propose, but ultimately there will be risk there. MLS are very forgiving though, and I know people who've even re-used old gaskets with success before.
I dont think I'd put two thick layers right next to each other though unless you can find an OEM gasket that has two like that
TECH Resident
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 793
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From: Michigan
I hear you. I haven't done it, but I was under the impression that it was the center layers that people stacked, possibly with a thin "outer" layer in between them. No idea where I got that impression though. Haha...
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Somewhere, VA
Don't know any Honda guys that use double stacked hg's, but I do know some VW guys that used to do it back in the day as already posted.
I would think that if you had several OEM gaskets that you could experiment with, you could probably put together a combo that would work well.
I would think that if you had several OEM gaskets that you could experiment with, you could probably put together a combo that would work well.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,482
Likes: 1,026
From: Wichita, KS
I'm guessing the VW guys were using steel shims that were all the same? It was common practice to add or remove these on SBC stuff as well.
With the LS9 gasket the first 3 layers are different. You have the embossed first layer to help with water sealing. Then the "energizer" which is raised around the cyl bore to help prevent movement. I don't know what the third layer is? (guessing another energizer?). Then the 4th is just flat spring steel. Then it starts over again on the opposite side of the center layer.
I know I could stack the middle layer. But that won't gain me alot of thickness. Wondering if I can stack the 2nd and 3rd layers. And if so, what order would I stack them in?
With the LS9 gasket the first 3 layers are different. You have the embossed first layer to help with water sealing. Then the "energizer" which is raised around the cyl bore to help prevent movement. I don't know what the third layer is? (guessing another energizer?). Then the 4th is just flat spring steel. Then it starts over again on the opposite side of the center layer.
I know I could stack the middle layer. But that won't gain me alot of thickness. Wondering if I can stack the 2nd and 3rd layers. And if so, what order would I stack them in?
Launching!
Joined: Oct 2013
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No, we/they actually stacked 2 head gaskets without any modification. Later on companies were making thicker centers attached to the stock outer layers to lower compression.