Table of Contents
Intake Manifold Gasket Material
An intake manifold gasket, or intake gasket, sits between the engine block and the intake manifold. Its main role is to prevent engine gases from leaking and to keep the gases properly separated from the coolant.
When an intake manifold gasket fails, it can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, engine overheating, and other serious issues. To ensure a reliable seal and long-lasting engine performance, we manufacture our gaskets only with high-quality intake manifold gasket materials that withstand demanding operating conditions.
Intake Manifold Gasket Material – Types
Since high-pressure and high-temperature exhaust gases do not pass through the intake side, intake gaskets are not exposed to the same extreme conditions as cylinder head gaskets or exhaust gaskets. Instead, their key function is to provide a reliable seal while resisting wear caused by fluids or gases flowing through the manifold. To maintain proper engine performance, the gasket must also withstand thermal cycling and prevent any leakage that could disrupt the air–fuel mixture.
To handle vibration, pressure changes, and exposure to air and fuel vapors, intake manifold gasket materials are selected for their sealing stability and long-term durability. Common types include:
1. Single Layer Steel
Single layer steel gaskets are manufactured from precision-stamped stainless or carbon steel sheets. The rigidity of the steel ensures accurate positioning and dimensional stability, which is critical when the mating surfaces require a tight tolerance. These gaskets are often used in applications where surface flatness of the intake manifold and engine block is well controlled, reducing the need for additional compressibility.
Example Part No.: 23531110
2. Non-Asbestos with Silicone Coating
This material combines a high-density non-asbestos fiber base with a thin silicone elastomer coating. The fiber structure provides compressibility and creep resistance, while the silicone layer improves micro-sealing by filling machining marks or surface scratches. It also offers better resistance against coolant, oil mist, and moderate heat. Such intake manifold gasket materials are commonly chosen for engines requiring both flexibility during assembly and long-term sealing under thermal cycling.
Example Part No.: 590GB312B
3. Steel Bonded with Rubber
In this construction, a stamped steel core provides strength, while molded rubber is bonded along the gasket’s edges. The steel maintains dimensional stability and resists blow-out, while the rubber edge increases localized conformity to sealing areas, especially around coolant or oil passages. This design effectively reduces the risk of fluid leakage in zones where joint movement or minor misalignment may occur, balancing rigidity with localized sealing capability.
Example Part No.: 3688347
4. Rubber Coated Metal (RCM)
RCM gaskets consist of a steel substrate fully coated with rubber, typically nitrile or fluoroelastomer depending on chemical resistance requirements. The full rubber layer provides excellent adaptability to thermal expansion and surface irregularities, while the steel ensures mechanical strength. This construction is highly resistant to coolant and fuel vapors, making it a preferred intake manifold gasket material for modern engines where sealing reliability under frequent heat cycles is essential.
Example Part No.: 1842033C1
What is the Best Intake Manifold Gasket Material?
There is no single “best” intake manifold gasket material, as the optimal choice depends on the engine’s operating environment, fluid exposure, and sealing requirements. Common materials and their advantages include:
- Single Layer Steel – Best for applications where the intake and engine block surfaces are precisely machined and require dimensional stability rather than compressibility.
- Non-Asbestos with Silicone Coating – Suitable when flexibility and adaptability to uneven surfaces are needed. The silicone layer enhances resistance against coolant or oil seepage.
- Steel Bonded with Rubber – Ideal for sealing around coolant or oil passages, where minor misalignment or vibration can occur. The rubber edge provides localized conformity without compromising the steel’s strength.
- Rubber Coated Metal (RCM) – Often used in modern engines requiring long-term durability under repeated thermal cycling. The rubber layer resists coolant, fuel vapors, and provides excellent adaptability.
Intake Manifold Gasket Material – Applications
Intake manifold gaskets are important parts of the engine. MJ GASKET provides high-quality intake manifold gaskets for diesel engines. MJ continues to supply durable intake manifold gasket across various applications to meet customer needs.
Heavy-duty Applications
Caterpillar – C7/C9/C10/C12/C11/C13/C15
Cummins – ISX15/8.9L/L9/B6.7L/QSB3.3/QSK19/K38/QSK50/QSK60/QSK95
Detuz – 2.9L
Detroit Diesel – S60/DD13/DD15
MTU – Series 4000
John Deere – 6090
Mack – E7
Navistar – DT466/DT466E/DT570
Paccar – MX-13
Volvo – D12/D13
Pickup Truck Applications
General Moters – Duramax 6.6
Dodge Cummins – B6.7/B5.9
Quick FAQ about Intake Manifold Gasket Material
What are intake manifold gaskets made of?
They are commonly made from single-layer steel, non-asbestos with silicone coating, steel bonded with rubber, or rubber coated metal (RCM), depending on engine requirements.
Which intake manifold gasket material is the best?
As mentioned above, there is no single best option. The right intake manifold gasket material depends on the application—steel for stability, fiber with silicone for flexibility, or rubber-coated types for better fluid sealing.
How do I customize an intake manifold gasket with MJ GASKET?
Provide us with a drawing or sample and specify the changes you need, such as material or thickness. Our team will evaluate your request and offer a gasket solution that meets your requirements.
