Is there anything I can use instead of the original metal gaskets?

I noticed on taking my motor apart it seems to missing a few of these gaskets. Is there something else I can use instead? Ie, some sort of gasket compound?

Also how about the likes of the front cover gasket?


It's not a case of saving money, it's a case of I can't be bothered to wait for delivery when I can be rebuilding it already!


thanks in advance!

 

Personally I would order the metal gaskets, oil leaks are a pain in the ***. What ever you do, don't install the front cover without the gasket. It acts like a spacer. If you were to just use silicone on it, it will crush down the little white o-ring until it pushes the rubber o-ring into the oil passage.

Dan

 

The main reason I mentioned the front cover gasket especially was because when I took it apart, I noticed there wasn't one there!



Edit - after closer inspection there is a front cover gasket there! Looks in decent condition - should it be ok to re-use?

 

I dunno your situation, but changing a leaking front cover gasket is a nightmare once the engine is in the car. In no way would I reuse that gasket unless I know the engine is coming out in the near future.

Dave

 

By them new from Mazda. They should only be about $3-5 each and are one time use in my opinion. Once they are crushed down, they might not seal again properly. I also like to use a VERY thin film of silicone rtv on the oil gaskets. If you are in a real bind you can sometimes get away with reusing them with the silicone trick. I suppose you could find some gasket material and attempt to cut them, but might be difficult to get the correct shape.

 

When you order gaskets from MAZDA, be sure to ask for the metal front cover gasket. IIRC the kits just come with the old red-plasticky design gasket.

 

Last time I checked with Ray he still could NOT get the metal gasket for the front cover. I had to get it from Mazdaspeed.

LAter

 

http://www.mazdatrix.com/b5.htm
I'm pretty sure I've seen them elsewhere too. Just can't remember right now.