inlet manifold gaskets

[garyf]

so water escape slots or not
that is the question chaps

[MandM]

I used the water escape slot gaskets on the right, with my little knowledge and understanding there seems to be 2 train of thoughts, the first being that if you use the gaskets as I did, then if there is a leak on the inlet manifold, between the water way and the inlet port then the water will drain into the V.
If you go with the other train of thought, there is a larger land to obtain a seal, but if there is a leak across the land between the waterway and inlet port it will possibly end up with water in a cyclinder , rusting the bore, especially dangerous if stored for long periods.

All Please correct me if I am wrong.

[Lingen]

MandM.
Just my opinion, but I have used both over the years, and am not convinced that the slotted ones provide the special protection intended. If/when the gaskets fail, it is usually for a good reason, and that could be because they are not sufficiently, and evenly compressed. In which case the gasket material on both sides of the slot will probably fail, and the water will still enter the bores. The solid ones are probably stronger, and may better resist the chance of sudden failure. A slow weep will become apparent from loss of coolant and a steamy exhaust.
I think that reinforced gaskets are the best way of warding off failure, once you are certain that the manifold is a perfect fit against the cylinder head, before fitting them.
Mike.
.

[MandM]

Thanks Mike, we have both train of thoughts in the Norfolk group, but may go for the other type when I reseal my pump.

[flying farmer]

The first engine I built had two sets of gaskets without the slots.

The first failure involved water leaking into the inlet port, the second one the gasket blew out.

Following the second failure I spent an hour or so fettling the manifold to fit properly and the third set never leaked again.

All my subsequent engines have used the slotted type simply because I have had to have cylinder liners replaced on three engines, due to corrosion caused by water in the bores after long term storage.

I have never had a problem with the slotted type for sealing, but all the inlet manifolds have been properly prepared before fitting.

If your stag is used regularly and the manifold is prepared correctly both types should be ok, but I will still continue to use the slotted ones for the above reason.

Neil

[garyf]

The first engine I built had two sets of gaskets without the slots.

The first failure involved water leaking into the inlet port, the second one the gasket blew out.

Following the second failure I spent an hour or so fettling the manifold to fit properly and the third set never leaked again.

All my subsequent engines have used the slotted type simply because I have had to have cylinder liners replaced on three engines, due to corrosion caused by water in the bores after long term storage.

I have never had a problem with the slotted type for sealing, but all the inlet manifolds have been properly prepared before fitting.

If your stag is used regularly and the manifold is prepared correctly both types should be ok, but I will still continue to use the slotted ones for the above reason.

Neil

so I think slotted ones are the way to go......but what are the reinforced ones?