Cylinder Head Gasket

Whats the difference between a 3 component and a 4 component cylinder head gasket. And are they interchangeable.

The answer is in your question, and IIRC they are interchangable, but you ant the newer version.

Jim

JimVonBaden1 said:

The answer is in your question, and IIRC they are interchangable, but you ant the newer version.

Jim

Click to expand...

Granted but what are the components. Is the newer version 4 component and why is this better.

The multilayer gaskets have outer-layers specifically selected to seal to the aluminum, and inner layers specifically selected for spring characteristics and the ability to slide over each other. Engines never warm uniformly, so one part expands faster than another, and grows. Without the ability to slip, the gaskets slowly wear, this is called fretting, and fail. The inner layers of the gasket can slip slightly so the outer layers can remain in good condition. Some of these gaskets have as many a 6 layers, this is usually aluminum head, iron block though.

Be careful removing and cleaning up after your old gasket, these multilayer gaskets are sensitive to surface finish and you do not want to scratch up the head and jug cleaning them. This is a newer technology, and this kind of gasket is very good.

Rod

Thanks for the explanation. So I can use either 3 or the newer 4 component.

Cheers.....John

You can use 3 but 4 will be better. All depends on if you feel lucky. My logic would be if the original died, it must be a hard to seal part for some reason, and 4 layers is extra assurance.

However, even 1 layer will work, for a time.

Rod

ragtoplvr said:

You can use 3 but 4 will be better. All depends on if you feel lucky. My logic would be if the original died, it must be a hard to seal part for some reason, and 4 layers is extra assurance.

However, even 1 layer will work, for a time.

Rod

Click to expand...

Original has held up for 48000. Thank you....John

i believe one of them has larger guide pin holes.
NOT SURE but i think the 3 piece gasket has the larger holes. therefore, the 4 piece would not fit on the wrong head without modification, but the 3 piece would fit regardless.