Did a complete rebuild on my 96 400L and after filling the fluids I have coolant coming out of 4 head bolts and its in the jug. Pulled the head off and checked it again and it's as flat as can be (as is the new jug). Does anyone know where to get an OEM or equivalent GOOD head gasket? The ones in these rebuild kits are so thin and flimsy.

Also, is there a good way to keep the gasket centered on the studs while installing the head? The bolt holes in the gasket are so bit that it slides forward due to the tilt of the engine. I think this is the main reason everything leaked. And yes, it was oriented and torqued properly. Can anything be used to help seal up the gasket or hold it in place during assembly that wont burn off?

Thanks

 

Realized that I had another gasket since one came with the top end kit and one came with the lower end bearing kit. Just looked closer at them and realized that the raised portions of the gaskets are exactly opposite. On the one that failed the seals (raised edges) face up and on the unused one they face down...see attached pictures. Not sure if it makes a difference or not, but this would put the sealing "cones" around the bolt holes facing up towards the head on the one that failed. Which one is right?

How do you keep the gasket centered during reassembly? It wants to slide down given the tilt of the engine and i imagine that makes the seals weaker as they touch the bolts. Anything I can seal the bolt holes with?

 

Due to lack of response I went an put the gasket on the right into the unit. Seems to be running leak free now. Hope this helps someone in the future