I really need to know this ...

[billjam]

I really need to know this ... for a 3.6 engine, is the newer steel ring head gasket that comes with the gasket kit really a direct replacement for the original graphite seal that was used in 1992?
It really doesn't look right, but I am being told that the steel ring supersedes the graphite seal even though the steel one is 2.5mm wide and the ring groove in the top of the cylinder is 4mm wide.

Been chasing this info for several days here, on engine forum and 964 forum. C'mon, surely someone knows ... can I use the steel ring or do I need the graphite seal?

[billjam]

Anyone?

Where are all the engine gurus?

[Porsche84]

Good question, maybe you need to change the title to grab the attention of an expert. I'm interested in the "correct" answer.

[billjam]

Originally Posted by Porsche84

Good question, maybe you need to change the title to grab the attention of an expert. I'm interested in the "correct" answer.

Thanks for the hint Jerry, (and bump) but I've got this query running on three forums already with the right subject and no responses.

All the engine builders must be away on holidays

[billjam]

Daily bump ...

[john walker's workshop]

you need to machine that crap out andcut the groove to the proper depth to use the o-rings. the compression surface is the inner area that is between the o-ring and cylinder bore. the groove will be larger than the o-ring on the outside, but it works fine. the o-ring is just a fluid barrier. it does not seal compression.

[billjam]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

you need to machine that crap out and cut the groove to the proper depth to use the o-rings. the compression surface is the inner area that is between the o-ring and cylinder bore. the groove will be larger than the o-ring on the outside, but it works fine. the o-ring is just a fluid barrier. it does not seal compression.

Thanks for your input John.
I have already cleaned out the old seals. My main concern was the excessive side clearance if I use the 2.5mm wide steel ring in the groove designed for 4mm wide graphite seals.
I don't believe it would be necessary to machine the grooves deeper because the (hollow) steel rings will need to be compressed a little to be effective.
They are actually 0.5mm thicker than the depth of the groove so they should easily squash down by that amount.

I am a little surprised that there doen't seem to be much info or opinions available on the use of the newer steel seals in place of the graphite ones. Maybe there aren't many of these engines out there with the graphite seals.
As I've commented earlier, the steel ones just don't look right.