Thread: 300 tdi head gasket

I have blown 3 composite head gasket because of a warped head between 2 & 3 cylinders, I noticed the composite material between the fire rings (metal/ were not damaged) was blown away. So I used the metal shim type (3 layers of metal plate) head gasket and have not had a problem since (knock on wood), the head still has the warp but the steel shim gasket is OK, I will be getting a new head soon and will use a steel shim gasket with that, good luck whichever way you go, Regards Frank.

As always there is varying opinions and varying success stories with each, but from the dozens of threads I've read on a 300TDI head gasket, I think if you took a poll on here you would find most people prefer the OEM composite.

Getting the head skimmed is usually recommended by most as well. I had mine skimmed after head gasket went and so far so good....

TURNER ENG. recommend using Elring composite and MR Automotive only sell Elring Composite AFAIK.

+2 for composite

Elring composite...

you only use steel IF you are absolutely certain the deck is dead flat and so is the head (unless you're willing to put a stress fracture in the head)

Just installed a composite gasket on a new head as supplied by Turners. I didn't even think to ask which one came in the kit, but as I only had a weekend to fit it all up I used what was sent. That said, thinking back to how long my previous composite gasket lasted, as opposed to the steel shim - it was about 3 times as long for the composite - both on a head which was far from new but seemed OK. From what people have been saying on this forum, it seems that with an older head, the steel shim might be the way to go as long as its all flat, maybe its more tolerant. But after fitting up the new head with the composite I'm pretty happy I went with it (so far at least). The Elring is German engineering after all, and that usually equates to some level of efficiency.

Just to clear up some points, first , composite gasket blew after I had head machined, when removed the depression between 2 & 3 cylinders was back, so fitted another composite blew out in exactly the same spot (in a matter of days). Fitted steel shim gasket on flat block deck, but with 7 thou. dip between 2 & 3 cylinders in the head as it was with the comp. gaskets, this gasket has lasted over 2 years. This should tell you that if your head is buggered like mine and the block deck is flat, then a steel shim gasket will work and last where a comp. gasket will not, Regards Frank.

Thanks for all your replies - very helpful - I've since found out that Turner's only supply the elring in their kits.

I needed to bump this up again from my first post

Should any coating or sealant of any kind applied to one or both sides of the new gasket on fitting ?

I vote NO.