Difference between Automotive and Marine head gasket?

[Keyboardman]

Looking to replace my OMC 2.3 engine with a Ford ranger engine. What's the real difference between an auto and marine head gasket? Was talking to an old marine mechanic and he said as long as you flush the engine after use there's nothing wrong with using one.

 

[southkogs]

Marine gaskets are going to be stainless or aluminum to prevent corrosion. Automotive gaskets typically won't meet that, and are designed to work with automotive coolant rather than raw water.

From a practical standpoint your guy is probably right. But I wouldn't risk it against raw water.

 

[Scott Danforth]

marine gaskets are generally multi-layered stainless