Frank, I wasn't trying to push MLS gaskets on you. It was in no way directed at you.

I thought it might be helpful information for others searching this thread in the future.

No problem, Mike - and no offense taken. I also thought it might be helpful for others to know it's easier for some machine shops to talk a better game than they play.

Frank

What's an RA?

Another way to check on a blown head gasket is to run the engine with the radiator cap off, if the water is blowing out the radiator and there is so much pressure that you can't even add water, thats a pretty good indicator.

My money is on a leak, not a head gasket. No water in oil, or steam in the exhaust seems to be something other than a head gasket.

Dang. Dummie me.. but I put an MLS gasket on my Honda Accord's Engine when I put the JDM motor in it. Guess I got lucky. I drove it for 8k miles with a bad waterpump through wintertime, and it survived <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I just put in what the parts guy gave me over the counter. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

Surface Finish Roughness Average

RA = Roughness Average

Generally speaking, you should be able to see your reflection in a machine surface that can handle MLS gaskets. Without sophisticated and modern equipment, most machine shops can't get near that level of smoothness..... particularly on both heads and block deck surfaces. But, in addition to the polished surface, waviness or undulations need to be considered.... and these are very hard to see with only your eyeballs.

Larry Carley on MLS Gasket Surfaces

Brendan, on a relatively new engine that was factory machined for MLS gaskets, you can usually replace the MLS gaskets. The problem comes into play when you get the head or deck cut at a machine shop that can't duplicate the factory finish.

Frank