The Cometic CFM‑20 head gasket is engineered specifically for the Ford 3.0L OHV Vulcan V6, delivering a modern sealing solution for a platform that was originally equipped with soft composite gaskets. Built around a galvanized, tanged‑steel core and a high‑temperature fiber/elastomer facing, the CFM‑20 series provides the stability, clamp‑load consistency, and long‑term durability the Vulcan responds to — whether it’s a stock refresh, a workhorse rebuild, or a mild performance upgrade.
 
CFM‑20 Construction — Why It Works on the 3.0L Vulcan
The CFM‑20 gasket is a purpose‑built hybrid design that blends the strength of a steel core with the conformability of a premium fiber/elastomer sealing layer. It’s engineered to handle the Vulcan’s real‑world operating conditions: uneven deck surfaces, thermal cycling, and the fluid‑sealing demands of a high‑mileage pushrod V6.
 
1. Galvanized, Tanged Steel Core
A stamped, tooth‑profile steel core provides the backbone of the gasket.
Maintains structural integrity under clamp load
Resists long‑term compression set
Ensures stable combustion sealing across the full deck surface
Galvanized finish improves corrosion resistance in coolant‑rich environments
 
This core is significantly stronger than the original composite-only construction used on factory gaskets.
 
2. Aramid Fiber / Inorganic Filler Facing
Both sides of the steel core are coated with Cometic’s asbestos‑free CFM‑20 compound:
Aramid fibers for high tensile strength
Inorganic fillers for heat stability
High‑grade elastomer binders for micro‑sealing
 
This material conforms to minor deck irregularities — a critical advantage on older Vulcan blocks and heads that have seen years of heat cycling.
 
3. Multi‑Thickness Options for Build Flexibility
Available thicknesses:
.043"
.051"
.059"
 
This allows builders to fine‑tune quench, compression ratio, and piston‑to‑head clearance depending on whether the engine is stock, overbored, or running aftermarket pistons.
 
Why Builders Choose CFM‑20 for the 3.0L OHV Vulcan
The 3.0L Vulcan is known for its longevity, but its original composite gaskets were never designed for decades of thermal cycling or modern rebuild expectations. Cometic’s CFM‑20 gasket solves that by combining:
A steel‑reinforced core that won’t collapse or degrade
A conformable fiber/elastomer sealing layer that handles imperfect surfaces
Improved fluid control around coolant and oil passages
Stable combustion sealing even on high‑mileage decks
 
For stock rebuilds, work trucks, fleet vehicles, or mild performance builds, the CFM‑20 is a major upgrade over OEM‑style composite gaskets. It delivers the reliability and sealing consistency today’s builders expect — without requiring MLS‑level surface finishes.
 
 
Sold individually (No orientation). Two (2) are required to complete both sides