Head gasket

[robert551069]

I once replaced the head gasket on my car and was surprised to find that it was as thin as paper. Surely if it were made thicker it would last longer.

[Hymie]

I’ve only had cause to replace one head gasket (on a Ford Pinto engine), after taking the head off to change the overhead cam.

From memory, the gasket was quite thick, like a stiff piece of card – it may have had additional reinforcement around the cylinder apertures (can’t recall).

On which model car (and year of manufacture) did you change the head gasket?

It may be due to the improved manufacturing tolerances on the head and engine block – that such a thick piece of material is no longer required.

[RATTER15]

I havent changed a head gasket for a few years but they were usually two layers of metal, copper or alloy I believe, with a material like asbestos sandwiched between them, not really thin and a lot thicker than paper.

[Graham-W]

The only head gaskets I've changed that were as "thin as paper" were on small 2-stroke motorcycles in the 60's. In fact, if I couldn't get a replacement gasket, I usually made one from a postcard.
All the car ones I have done have been some material reinforced with copper sheet on both sides.

[robert551069]

Thank you all for your informative answers

[MantaRay]

Was it the original gasket or a dodgy replacement I wonder...????

[MantaRay]

I should have added....I don't think the thickness of the gasket implies more or less gasket life, it's more a question of suitability for purpose.

[tonyav]

robert, is your car a Rover with a K series engine, by any chance ?.

[Hopkirk]

Ah yes, the Rover K Series head gasket.

That's how mine died.

[tonyav]

I'm not surprised, Hopkirk.