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MLS head gaskets for C32A6 ('98 acura TL 3.2L) availability?
I cannot find MLS (multi-layer steel) head gaskets for this engine. Does anyone know of any available? The fiber gaskets are notorious for going bad and leaking and I'd like something that'll last a while. Thanks for any info.
The only company that comes to mind are JE ProSeal. You may have to contact them to see if they have any in stock. I know there was a group buy for a forum a couple of years ago to have MLS head gaskets made. but there was an issue with steel vs aluminum vs ceramic... but here's a start to your search... http://www.jeproseal.com/
Thank you,, omega1911. Earlier today after posting this question, I found that autopartswarehouse.com advertises that at least the passenger (right side) Felpro head gasket is multi-layered steel here, but they don't say anything about it for the left side here. Advance auto offers them at a lower price so I ordered a pair under the condition that I could get my money back if they aren't both MLS gaskets. I'll get to see them tomorrow and will report back here. Thanks for the tip.
These felpro gaskets are definitely not MLS. I'm going to use them though because at least they're not cheap gaskets and I need to get this job done. I'm hoping they last 150,000 miles.
***I can't edit my post? Then here's a new, fixed one.***
These felpro gaskets are definitely not MLS as advertised by autopartswarehouse and will contact them to change the incorrect info for these gaskets. I'm going to use them though because at least they're not cheap gaskets, they should last a while, and I need to get this job done. I'm hoping they last 150,000 miles.
Here's the engine right side head gasket (the one that usually goes bad). Notice the upper right corner, magnified in the second picture:
And here's what happened when I used my fingernail on the corner of the gasket. Definitely not MLS This makes me sad.
Oh wow... Yeah, they look similar to the evergreen gaskets I have from ebay. I'm not knocking the felpro... but, I'm more worried of the cheap ebay gaskets I got... haha... I may go to Honda and get an OEM.
Can anyone point me to a tutorial to replace this?
I never found one. If you don't have a full shop at your disposal and you're not mechanically proficient (expert level) I wouldn't even attempt replacing the head gaskets on a '98 Acura TL 3.2L. I didn't have a full shop at my disposal, only a bunch of tools and the underhang of a barn so the car was out of the weather, but I'm an expert level mechanic. It was so difficult I'll never rebuild it again (difficulty level 10 on a scale of 1 to 10). I had a program called Alldata and the factory service manual, so I had all the procedures laid out, basically. Autozone's repair section had some info the service manual didn't have too. It took me 3 weeks and I took my sweet time double checking everything.
I'll try to help you out if you're going to go for it: You have to remove the wiring harness from the engine first - label everything as to what connector goes where. I used small pieces of duct tape and a sharpie. Be creative here. Also label every hose as to where it goes. Make sure you very gently remove the knock sensors because I've heard horror stories of people breaking them because they're so fragile, and they're expensive. Removing the coolant drain plug is ridiculously difficult but it must be done. Removing the exhaust nuts connecting the exhaust pipes to the manifolds is not easy on one nut on the left exhaust pipe. Replace all the exhaust manifold studs or some will break when you put the heads back on and tighten them. Everything else is fairly normal. Good luck!
05-30-2017, 11:42 AM
