wireman said:

About to replace my cylinder head and have a new head gasket (see here Diesel Head Gasket - Paddock Spares) I bought this as I have read these MLS types are better than the original metal ones. Before I started to fit it I noticed that it didn't match the tinplate one I took off, the new one appears to have 2 holes missing (for the water ways). My question is, Is it ok to fit this and block off a couple of waterways, drill my own holes to match the old gasket (thus possibly ruining the integrity of the new gasket) or buy a tin plate one. The packaging says its suitable for 2.5 and 2.25 diesel engines. If this one is no use what is the part number of the correct MLS gasket. Many Thanks

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Turboman said:

Elring are usually an excellent gasket.
Definitely do not use the old style copper gaskets, they are trouble.
No idea about the holes. I suggest comparing the new gasket with the holes on the head, rather than the old gasket.

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wireman said:

About to replace my cylinder head and have a new head gasket (see here Diesel Head Gasket - Paddock Spares) I bought this as I have read these MLS types are better than the original metal ones. Before I started to fit it I noticed that it didn't match the tinplate one I took off, the new one appears to have 2 holes missing (for the water ways). My question is, Is it ok to fit this and block off a couple of waterways, drill my own holes to match the old gasket (thus possibly ruining the integrity of the new gasket) or buy a tin plate one. The packaging says its suitable for 2.5 and 2.25 diesel engines. If this one is no use what is the part number of the correct MLS gasket. Many Thanks

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jamesmartin said:

you dont want a mls gasket you are better with a composite

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wireman said:

Sorry My bad, the gasket I have is a composite, see the link

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Turboman said:

Elring are usually an excellent gasket.
Definitely do not use the old style copper gaskets, they are trouble.
No idea about the holes. I suggest comparing the new gasket with the holes on the head, rather than the old gasket.

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wireman said:

I compared the gasket with the head and the gasket is missing 3 holes. So, do I cover the holes or drill the gasket? Is the gasket and 'upgrade' moving the coolant to the area that needs cooling most/evenly?

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Turboman said:

Hard to say without being able to see it.
Maybe try and contact the supplier, or Elring themselves, and ask?
I have fitted quite a few Elring gaskets, and can't remember seeing this issue before.
Are there holes in the block that match the missing holes in the gasket?

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wireman said:

There are three tiny holes in the block that are covered by the new gasket. Has anyone else bought the same gasket as me (see the link in my first post) for a 2.25 diesel? If not, what composite gaskets are people using?

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Turboman said:

I have always used Payen or Elring composite gaskets, without any issues at all.

If the tiny holes do not match the size of the holes in the head, I would guess they are unimportant, perhaps used in the casting of the head.

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