Are all head gaskets created equal?

[northernterritory]

I am about to order a new head gasket. Are they all pretty much the same? Any to avoid?

 

[tpenfield]

I would go with Felpro brand . . .

 

[Dave-R]

I replaced a no name head gasket on a Suzuki sidekick, that came with a bunch of parts. Lasted about 2 months. Yes I have done quite a few head replacements.
Felpro all the way. They are more expensive, but having to do it over really sucks. Dave-R

 

[Lou C]

You can get the Felpro sets from Summit Racing might be cheaper than other places. I used them on my top end overhaul and they seem to be better than what was used as OE.

 

[bruceb58]

You can get the Felpro sets from Summit Racing might be cheaper than other places. I used them on my top end overhaul and they seem to be better than what was used as OE.

Rockauto has the best prices.

 

[Lou C]

Basically its a choice between Mercruiser OEM or Fel/Pro and for all we know, they may use Fel/Pro as OEM.

 

[Scott Danforth]

No, all head gaskets are not created equal

Factory gaskets are Mahle
Felpro has about 5 levels of gaskets with the pro series being the top (at $90 each).
The Felpro pro are similar to cometic

For 90% of boat motors, standard felpro marine head gaskets are all you need

 

[northernterritory]

Great. Thanks for the help.

I I put the head back on the block with the new head gasket, do a compression check, and find out block needs rebuilt, can I re-use the head gasket?

 

[Scott Danforth]

No, you cant reuse a head gasket

 

[northernterritory]

Fel-pro it is. Thanks for the help.