VM Diesel Specialists in the UK offered me an aftermarket head gasket only. They said it is universal thickness. What do you guys think should I go for it?

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2006 Liberty CRD Sport Black
EHM, ORM, FUMOTO, SAMCO HOSES, SKYJACKER
REBUILT @ 105K
ARP HEAD STUDS
GDE HOT TUNE
FLORIDA TORQUE CONVERTER
WEEKS KIT
JBA UCA’s
Etecno 5v Glow Plugs
Updated Fuel Filter Head

Find out the actual thickness and compare to OEM specs to see if it will work. If it is the proper thickness for your application OR the same thickness as the 2-hole gasket, I would say go for it. That's interesting, because I asked about a year ago if they could sell me just the gasket and they said no and never mentioned a "universal" gasket. I know CEvans from IDparts has been looking for a gasket-only option for quite some time, he may be interested to learn about this and look into it a little deeper...

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2006 Limited CRD: Frankenlift II, Fumoto Drain Plug, DIY Stage 1 Tune, In-Tank Lift Pump

1.52mm thick

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2006 Liberty CRD Sport Black
EHM, ORM, FUMOTO, SAMCO HOSES, SKYJACKER
REBUILT @ 105K
ARP HEAD STUDS
GDE HOT TUNE
FLORIDA TORQUE CONVERTER
WEEKS KIT
JBA UCA’s
Etecno 5v Glow Plugs
Updated Fuel Filter Head

That is the thickest OEM gasket available, so I say go for it! Geordi has given us some statistical significance by using the 1.52mm gasket in all of his rebuilds involving the head gasket replacement. So far I have not heard of anyone having trouble with it from him or otherwise. That will be a good option for people who have or are going to use the ARP head studs. Especially if someone like IDParts picks them up and sells them state-side so we don't have to mess with the international shipping every time.

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2006 Limited CRD: Frankenlift II, Fumoto Drain Plug, DIY Stage 1 Tune, In-Tank Lift Pump

head gasket only are on ebay out of EU in all thicknesses. Elring brand.
For the thiner ones as well as the 1.52mm put each of these numbers in an ebay search :

272474438281

162842856492

162712822962

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Australian KJ CRD 2006

I've worked on 80 engines so far, and about a third to half of them have been head gaskets. Every one for the last 3 years at least has been a two-hole - And I'm not aware of a single one that has subsequently leaked.

Based on my observations of the engine teardown and subsequent performance after rebuild, there is not a statistically significant issue with the compression ratio to warrant concern about the thickness from one size to the next. They start quickly (or as quickly as before) after the work. But on engines with thinner gaskets, I HAVE observed concerning indications that the liner lip has contacted the underside of the head and caused a dent / indentation - this is VERY bad and should definitely have a thicker gasket to prevent this, since this head design lacks an actual copper fire ring in the head. The steel liner should NEVER contact the aluminum head.

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