Cometic Mazda FS-DE 2.0L 84.5mm .027in MLS Head Gasket

Starting with a compressed operating thickness of 0.027 inches, this Cometic Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gasket is built for the FS-DE 2.0L engine found in your 2000-2002 Mazda 626, 2001-2003 Protege, and 2002-2003 Protege5. MLS gaskets are a solid choice for high-output engines because they offer maximum sealing performance without needing any extra sealants, making the installation cleaner. They are well-suited for applications where you have aluminum heads bolted to either aluminum or cast iron blocks, as they can handle the shearing forces that can occur between these different metals.

The strength of this gasket comes from its multiple layers of stainless steel, which also allow it to rebound and resist corrosion. The outer layers are embossed and coated on both sides with Viton, a heat-resistant rubber material that can handle temperatures up to 482 degrees Fahrenheit. This Viton coating is designed to perform reliably in tough sealing environments, under various load conditions, and on different surface finishes. The center layer is uncoated stainless steel, and its thickness can be adjusted to meet different requirements, though this specific gasket is set at 0.027 inches compressed thickness.