I'll be removing my UIM soon to replace an Intake Air Thermosensor gone bad. I've never done this before but had heard that the UIM to LIM gasket often has to be replaced. A few days ago I ran across this in ebay and it got me to wondering if there is a better alternative to the OEM gaskets. I've never heard of it and obviously didn't bid. Apparently I'm not the only one either, as it didn't sell. Is there a better choice than OEM?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

 

There was talk about those about a year or so ago. The consense was "not worth the money".

 

Originally from the factory the gasket between the UIM and LIM was paper and so would often tear and couldn't be reused. The ones available now are a coated metal (like the oil return line, turbo inlet and y-pipe gaskets) and can be reused with no problem.

The original paper gasket is a bluish color so if that's what yours is I would have a replacement from Mazda on hand. You'll automatically get the new one if you purchase it.

 

I love how that ebay gasket acts as if it will be this great heat reducer for the UIM and TB. I'm willing to believe that the gasket itself doesn't transfer heat all that well, but there are these metal connection thingies called 'bolts' that transfer heat quit well .

 

I'd like a better Oil Pan gasket!!

 

I did some work on mine and got the UIM gasket from Atkins Rotory. The original was a paper pile that ripped, so I replaced it with a composite. Not for anything more than piece of mind, and that it wasn't that expensive. The heat transfer is bullshit. There isn't enough heat in the UIM to make heat transfer an issue.

 

I have a brand new LIM to UIM gasket and a new UIM to TB. Let me know if your interested.
Dave

 

LOL, good point, and whenever there are statements such as "...you can expect as much as a 5% increase in horsepower..." I get suspicious, which was part of the reason I asked on the board.

Damonb, Thanks for the description. I looked my car over and from what I can tell, it's OEM. Not bluish necessarily, but more black. I'll be getting in touch with Ray Crowe. Thanks to all for the responses and help.

 

funny i dont have an oil pan gasket