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MLS (Multi Layer Steel) Head Gasket for MG ZR & R25

Product Information

Multi layered Steel (MLS) Gasket - Suitable for all K Series engines inc. 1.4, 1.6 & 1.8

After Many years of Head Gasket failure on the K Series engine, an interesting development was the introduction of the MLS head gasket. Payen leads the way in the development of high-grade coatings with its multi-layer steel (MLS) gasket range. Payen’s MLS gaskets deliver the rigidity and sealing integrity that today’s lightweight engines need, giving the ultimate sealing every time.

Why use the Payen MLS gasket:

Reduced engine structure distortion
Increased durability and performance
Low-bore distortion
Low oil consumption and reduced emissions

The gasket set consists of a steel gasket consisting of 5 layers. In the centre is a steel shim with swaged on fire rings - which appears to be very similar to the original gasket designs. This, like the original gasket is encased by two steel layers - rather like a sandwich. The gasket has an additional two steel layers on either side of the gasket with swaged / raised areas to provide the coolant/oil void sealing. These layers are there to help prevent any coolant leakage failures.

The other interesting feature of the new gasket set is the so-called 'sixth layer' or shim. The shim, as shown opposite (left), is inserted between the MLS gasket and the cylinder head, black surface uppermost. The shim is coated on both sides: on the upper side (the head-facing side) with a dry sealant (it has the same black, glossy appearance to the gasket face opposite) and the lower side is coated with an inert matt-grey treatment - and it is this side of the shim that comes into contact with the upper surface of the MLS gasket.

The shim appears to provide two main roles. Firstly it prevents the fire rings on the gasket digging into the cylinder head. When the head is torqued down, the fire rings are crushed between the liners and the cylinder head. The shim prevents the ring from digging into the head, and enables the 'ring to roll over the gasket layer in the manner in which it was designed.

Secondly, and the potential advantage of this system over the original gasket design, it acts as a protective layer to the cylinder head, a layer that comes into its own if the condition of the head is less than perfect. Examples of this is where the cylinder head has gone soft, or where the casting has an imperfection close to the combustion chamber; the shim will help prevent the liners hammering into the head.