I was running Felpro Mls gaskets previously on my engines. I deceided to do some upgrades and upon disassembly I found traces of water heading towards #7 cylinder under the head gasket. I don't think it ever made it in the cylinder but I don't want to use the MLS gaskets again. In talking with the the machine shop they said they have seen this problem over the last couple of years a couple of times. Now I know a lot has to do with the straightness and surface put on the block and heads. I have Boetie blocks and Dart Iron Eagle steel heads, bore is 4.60.
My question is could I use the old tried and true Felpro blue head gaskets that have been around for ever? These are non-super charged engines. Sometimes I think all of these fancy new head gaskets are more problems than they are worth.
Does anyone know what type of gasket was used in the 540 Bulldog engines?

Ive seen better results with a MLS style.

We started using Cometic brand on our motors in the past. no water intrusion... side seepage or signs of edge wear from detonation. I would try again or maybe a brand change.

If i remember correcty those merc bowtie engines used a $400.00 set of compsition gaskets that were aftermarket.
Yes , has to be smooth ,clean and straight,good head bolts for mls but would be upgrade over standard gaskets

the block&heads need to be smooth&flat for the mls gasket to seal properly.the problem is not the gasket brand but most likely improper surface prep.the use of mls gaskets is not necessary on most marine engine builds under 900 hp.there are tons of engines useing good quality fel pro conventional gaskets that last for years.

i think I would just use a fel pro composition gasket like this

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fe...et?prefilter=1

I used the Fel-Pro head gaskets on my previous boat, 10:01 comp NA 540" motor, never an issue! That being said I'm using Cometic mls on my new motors in the Panther, they are supercharged.

Something I have always done, and I know not everyone will agree with it, is to pray a coat of "High-Tac" gasket adhesive spray on both sides of the gasket prior to install. I've never had any water leak problems.

NOTE: if the block and heads aren't clean, smooth and flat I don't think it matters what you use, you will probably have a problem!!

FYI a Kiekhaefer 482 off shore race motor came with Fel-Pro Performance Marine Head Gaskets - 17040

i know some people use a sealant on mls gaskets even tho both fel pro and cometic directions tell you not to use any type of sealer.

Fwiw

Mopar vehicles use MLS gaskets. When R&R ing a cylinder head, their bulletin specifies using a mopar spray adhesive on the new gaskets.

I had one engine with cometic mls that i copper coated gaskets, the other with uncoated fel pro mls, no leaks on either after 4 seasons

I always use copper coat on my Cometic MLS gaskets. Just a little added insurance for me, and have NEVER had one fail. The guys at cometic say you don't have to do it, but its easier to spray it on, then pull a head. Also as stated above, surface prep is key. I can't even count the times that people blame parts when its the fault of something else.