Head and base gasket prep - how clean is clean

[fastbysuzuki]

Ok - that's good to know. Is the "multilayered steel gasket" something different than OEM? (Which I was planning on using as I've read the forum comments.)

Thanks for the heads up.

Dan

The "old" Oem gasket is a fibreous type gasket the "new" Oem one is as it suggests its multilayered as in two or three very thin steel layers that are impregnated with a very thin coating of a sealant that bonds together when hot as you can imagine the steel gasket is not as forgiving to take up poor finish or distortion.

[Dan]

Thanks again guys. I'm getting there, not as pristine as Steves, but not bad for hand work.

I'll get the MLS gaskets and leave out the cam tunnel ring.

One more question - I see a bit about this on the forums, but with the MLS, do you typically add any kind of sealant?

[Steve]

Generally not necessary, although some guys insist that it works better for them.

.

[Dan]

Thanks again for all the help.

[fastbysuzuki]

One more question - I see a bit about this on the forums, but with the MLS, do you typically add any kind of sealant?

As I mentioned in post #16 the MLS gasket is already pre- coated with sealant.

[eil]

To answer your original question, the gasket surfaces are done and prepped when they are smooth to the touch. They don't need to be clean or shiny, just smooth. You do have to be careful with a razor blade as it can put gouges into the soft aluminum where you don't want gouges. Gasket remover solvent didn't do much better than WD-40 for me.

[Dan]

Ready to buy the head and base gaskets.

Going with OEM. Can't seem to find MLS in OEM, in particular for the base, or are they now all MLS now by default?

The sites don't list many details. Considering -

Head Gasket: 11141-49410

Here's a head gasket in Europe, listed as MLS, but no idea about manufacturer.

Base Gasket:
11241-49401-H17


All in all, I'm inclined to just order from PartsOutlaw or Partzilla, and get the OEM.

Thanks again for any guidance.

[Dan]

Thanks. I found the gasket remover useless. Went back to WD-40.

[Nessism]

I'd stick with the regular old fashion head gasket unless you are going to have the surfaces skimmed. They seal better over bad surfaces than MLS.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Suzuki-GS1000-GS1100-GS850-Cylinder-Head-Gasket-11141-49410/382551579304?epid=1024671934&hash=item5911d9daa8:g:bVgAAOSwYlRZJJLa:sc:USPSPriority!90503!US!-1

[Steve]

The last two gaskets I have ordered for my 850 were MLS. Ordered straight from Suzuki, there was no mention of gasket composition. I just ordered a gasket and an MLS gasket showed up.

.

[Dan]

Thanks again guys. The surfaces feel smooth but they are not skimmed. I'll share where I end up.