Ok my first turbo to manifold gasket was OEM so I attributed it to being old and needed to be changed anyway so I bought a pineapple racing graphite gasket and installed it along with the P.R. dp gasket and copper locking nuts and I noticed my turbo had a little in and out play, nothing major. I finished the job last thursday and took a trip to ATL, about 450 miles one way, messed around some, and drove back. About 20 miles from my house my turbo gasket blows again. I havent had a chance to check the turbo but could the turbos' shaftplay cause the gasket to blow? In my mind I picture the turbo's turbine not spinning properly to usher out the exhaust causing a lot of backpressure the gasket cant withstand. Im going to get another turbo I just want to know should i get get another graphite gasket b/c it just feels like compressed shiny cardboard or should I shell out the extra money and get OEM?

 

Oem Ftw.

 

There's no way that the shaft play would cause the gasket any harm. A little shaft play is normal, they're float bearings, which are suspended in oil on both sides: between both the housing they are in and the shaft that goes through them.

Ooops, i just realized you meant axial play, which is a bigger deal... that still shouldn't increase pressure after the turbine. Either way, I would suspect a warped flange, causing uneven pressure on the gasket.

 

what about backfiring(it happens A LOT)?...I have a s5 manifold and am in the market for a s5 turbo, now i just need a gasket which would you recommend oem or aftermarket such as the graphite from PR

 

makes sense that backfiring could do it, and I'm sure it's not nice on your ailing turbo, either...

 

That pineapple graphite gasket kit is DOGSHIT. It is far INFERIOR to stock and I have no idea why they even bothered to make or offer it. Just buy another set of stock all-metal gaskets which will outlast the engine/car and be done with it.

 

Also make sure the flanges are not warped.

 

thank you..i wanted someone else to say it before i lump the PR gaskets into the crap category. OEM here i come

Thanks everyone!

 

flanges are prolly warped.. I sell the OEM gasket for 25.00 shipped, but if the flanges are warped there is no need buying another gasket untill uy fix that problem