Correct head gasket - 2.25 diesel

About to replace my cylinder head and have a new head gasket (see here Diesel Head Gasket - Paddock Spares) I bought this as I have read these composite types are better than the original metal ones. Before I started to fit it I noticed that it didn't match the tinplate one I took off, the new one appears to have 2 holes missing (for the water ways). My question is, Is it ok to fit this and block off a couple of waterways, drill my own holes to match the old gasket (thus possibly ruining the integrity of the new gasket) or buy a tin plate one. The packaging says its suitable for 2.5 and 2.25 diesel engines. If this one is no use what is the part number of the correct composite gasket. Many Thanks

wireman said:

About to replace my cylinder head and have a new head gasket (see here Diesel Head Gasket - Paddock Spares) I bought this as I have read these MLS types are better than the original metal ones. Before I started to fit it I noticed that it didn't match the tinplate one I took off, the new one appears to have 2 holes missing (for the water ways). My question is, Is it ok to fit this and block off a couple of waterways, drill my own holes to match the old gasket (thus possibly ruining the integrity of the new gasket) or buy a tin plate one. The packaging says its suitable for 2.5 and 2.25 diesel engines. If this one is no use what is the part number of the correct MLS gasket. Many Thanks

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Elring are usually an excellent gasket.
Definitely do not use the old style copper gaskets, they are trouble.
No idea about the holes. I suggest comparing the new gasket with the holes on the head, rather than the old gasket.

Turboman said:

Elring are usually an excellent gasket.
Definitely do not use the old style copper gaskets, they are trouble.
No idea about the holes. I suggest comparing the new gasket with the holes on the head, rather than the old gasket.

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That's a good point, I'll look at that on Monday when I'm off.

wireman said:

About to replace my cylinder head and have a new head gasket (see here Diesel Head Gasket - Paddock Spares) I bought this as I have read these MLS types are better than the original metal ones. Before I started to fit it I noticed that it didn't match the tinplate one I took off, the new one appears to have 2 holes missing (for the water ways). My question is, Is it ok to fit this and block off a couple of waterways, drill my own holes to match the old gasket (thus possibly ruining the integrity of the new gasket) or buy a tin plate one. The packaging says its suitable for 2.5 and 2.25 diesel engines. If this one is no use what is the part number of the correct MLS gasket. Many Thanks

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you dont want a mls gasket you are better with a composite

jamesmartin said:

you dont want a mls gasket you are better with a composite

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Sorry My bad, the gasket I have is a composite, see the link
I'll edit my original post

wireman said:

Sorry My bad, the gasket I have is a composite, see the link

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yes but you said you wanted a mls i said you dont

Turboman said:

Elring are usually an excellent gasket.
Definitely do not use the old style copper gaskets, they are trouble.
No idea about the holes. I suggest comparing the new gasket with the holes on the head, rather than the old gasket.

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I compared the gasket with the head and the gasket is missing 3 holes. So, do I cover the holes or drill the gasket? Is the gasket and 'upgrade' moving the coolant to the area that needs cooling most/evenly?

wireman said:

I compared the gasket with the head and the gasket is missing 3 holes. So, do I cover the holes or drill the gasket? Is the gasket and 'upgrade' moving the coolant to the area that needs cooling most/evenly?

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Hard to say without being able to see it.
Maybe try and contact the supplier, or Elring themselves, and ask?
I have fitted quite a few Elring gaskets, and can't remember seeing this issue before.
Are there holes in the block that match the missing holes in the gasket?

I'll double check later on.

Turboman said:

Hard to say without being able to see it.
Maybe try and contact the supplier, or Elring themselves, and ask?
I have fitted quite a few Elring gaskets, and can't remember seeing this issue before.
Are there holes in the block that match the missing holes in the gasket?

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There are three tiny holes in the block that are covered by the new gasket. Has anyone else bought the same gasket as me (see the link in my first post) for a 2.25 diesel? If not, what composite gaskets are people using?

wireman said:

There are three tiny holes in the block that are covered by the new gasket. Has anyone else bought the same gasket as me (see the link in my first post) for a 2.25 diesel? If not, what composite gaskets are people using?

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I have always used Payen or Elring composite gaskets, without any issues at all.

If the tiny holes do not match the size of the holes in the head, I would guess they are unimportant, perhaps used in the casting of the head.

Turboman said:

I have always used Payen or Elring composite gaskets, without any issues at all.

If the tiny holes do not match the size of the holes in the head, I would guess they are unimportant, perhaps used in the casting of the head.

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Ok thanks