Modern MLS (Multi-Layer Steel)...
Modern MLS (Multi-Layer Steel) gaskets like this one from Cometic that’s going on an SB2 can provide superior sealing and are popular in every circle track racing class, but they can be worthless if the engine builder doesn’t use the correct installation procedures.
In what the old timers called the "good old days," blown head gaskets used to be a real pain in the...well, you pick the body part. Poor machining practices that left the decks of both the heads and the block wavy, subpar bolts that weren't torqued accurately, and old-school head gaskets left a lot to be desired. And that's why all those additional practices popped up to help increase the chances of getting a long-lasting head gasket seal.
Of course, if you're racing a 1,000-plus-hp dragster with forced induction or nitrous, then things like spraying your gaskets with a copper sealant or O-ringing the block may still be necessary. But for modern circle track racing engines, all that should be required are the right gaskets, good machining of the block and heads, some quality head bolts and—probably most important—proper installation practices.
This Cometic MLS gasket uses...
This Cometic MLS gasket uses embossing to create a seal around both the cylinder and the water and oil passages. In the event that combustion pressure does force the head to lift a bit, the embossed bead can expand a bit to maintain the seal between the block and cylinder head when other gaskets will fail.
Of course, it really doesn't matter what head gasket you use or how you install your heads if they haven't been machined properly. Both the deck of the block and the cylinder heads must be flat and on a plane that's parallel to the centerline of the crankshaft. This means that whether you have a new block and heads or are performing a rebuild, they should at least be checked by a quality machinist—especially if the engine has overheated or you have already suffered a head gasket failure.
Incidentally, MLS (Multi-Layer Steel) gaskets typically seal better against a block or cylinder heads that have a smoother surface finish than is normally used with a composite gasket. Make sure you let your machinist know which gasket style you're using.
The inner layer on an MLS...
The inner layer on an MLS gasket not only provides a sealing surface for the embossing on the outer layer, but the stainless steel sheet also controls the gasket’s compressed thickness. Notice how the layers are loose except for a rivet holding them together (gold colored in the background). This makes assembling a gasket with different thicknesses relatively easy for the manufacturer and can be a good way for a smart engine builder to adjust compression ratio if he needs to.
Also, when performing a rebuild avoid using any power tools to clean the deck surfaces. This is especially critical if you're racing aluminum cylinder heads. It can be tempting to use a Scotch Brite pad on a small hand sander or even one of those scuffing discs because they make quick work of cleaning, but they can actually put undulations into the surface of the head that can lead to poor sealing. Instead, take your time and clean the decks by hand with a scraper.
MLS—The New Standard
MLS head gaskets have been out for several years now, and they've gone from exotic components for only the most high-end race motors to standard equipment on just about everything from Street Stock engines to Cup motors. "MLS" stands for Multi-Layer Steel and refers to how these gaskets are constructed. Unlike a more traditional composite gasket which uses different materials pressed into one solid gasket, an MLS gasket is constructed of three or more pieces of steel that are only attached together at a few points, typically by rivets.
This is an SB2 Chevrolet engine...
This is an SB2 Chevrolet engine that Keith Dorton of Automotive Specialists is building for an ARCA race team. Many of the components, including the block and heads were previously raced in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, but it uses the same head bolt pattern as a standard Chevy small-block. Here, Dorton is installing the head studs and torquing them to 20 ft-lb. When using head studs, the torque into the block isn’t critical but you do want to make sure that they don’t come loose. If they aren’t fully seated they can cause bore distortion when the head is tightened down.
But the most interesting aspect of the MLS design isn't the number of layers of steel it uses, but what is done to the two layers on the outside of the gasket. A bead is rolled, or embossed, into the steel that goes around the cylinder bores as well as the water passages and even the oil drain back holes between the block and heads. When the cylinder heads are bolted to the block, the gasket is compressed but the sealing beads aren't crushed flat. It's these beads that provide the seal. And in the event combustion pressure causes the head to lift off the block slightly, the beads are able to spring back a bit so that the seal is maintained between the block and heads.
"There are actually many differences between our MLS gaskets and composite gaskets offered by other companies," explains Kevyn Kistner of Cometic Gasket, one of the leading manufacturers of MLS gaskets in the industry. "The most noticeable difference is the materials used in each design. Cometic's MLS gaskets utilize multiple layers of embossed 301 stainless spring steel which can withstand the constant abuse provided by today's high-performance and race engines. By utilizing this design we take advantage of an active seal that is capable of sealing even when a cylinder head starts to move around.
One interesting difference...
One interesting difference with the SB2 head versus a traditional 23-degree small-block head is that the holes for the bolts in the center of the head extend through the water jackets. To keep the heads from spraying water, they are O-ringed to seal against either the head stud or a sleeve that goes between the stud and the head.
On a Chevy small-block the...
On a Chevy small-block the top of the cylinder head that extends over the lifter valley sometimes will not provide good clamping load to the ends of the block. You aren’t trying to seal combustion pressure here, so it’s not really a big deal. But a thin film of silicone on either side of the “ears” of the head gasket will help eliminate the chance of oil weeping out from this area.
Now you’re ready to put the...
Now you’re ready to put the head on. With a good MLS gasket, there’s no need to copper spray or any other old-school voodoo.