Fel-Pro Introduces Solution to Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks on Millions of Vehicles

SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--Oct. 1, 20044, 2004--Fel-Pro(R), the automotive service industry's premier brand of engine sealing technologies, has introduced an advanced PermaDryPlus(R) replacement intake manifold gasket design that solves chronic coolant leakage issues facing millions of light trucks and sport-utility vehicles. Fel-Pro Gaskets, "The Gaskets Professionals Trust," are manufactured and marketed by Federal-Mogul Corporation (OTCBB:FDMLQ).

Available through Fel-Pro suppliers across North America, the brand's latest gasket innovation ensures a lasting seal on millions of domestic engines that rely on extended-life coolant and were factory-equipped with rigid nylon and molded rubber-type intake manifold gaskets. A broad range of domestic engines may be susceptible to these sealing issues. Immediate coverage of the new Fel-Pro solution is offered for General Motors 5.0L and 5.7L engines manufactured from 1996 through 2002. Additional coverage -- for select Ford (3.8L, 4.0L and 4.2L) and G.M. (3.1L, 3.4L and 4.3L) applications -- will be introduced in early 2005.

"It appears that on some engines, the use of conventional plastic-and-rubber gaskets in combination with the more aggressive 'OAT' (Organic Acid Technology) engine coolants has caused a significant number of sealing-related issues for consumers and automotive service providers," said Fel-Pro Chief Engineer Jerry Rosenquist. "Our team has spent the past two years developing and testing a variety of gasket technologies that can survive in this very difficult operating environment.

"Our new PermaDryPlus gasket is absolutely the best answer for millions of engines exhibiting sealing problems induced by aggressive coolant chemistries and engine-specific dynamic issues."

The new Fel-Pro PermaDryPlus gasket features a high-strength aluminized steel carrier that is edge molded and encapsulated with a proprietary fluoroelastomer (FKM) material. In addition, the new gasket features three separate sealing beads around coolant ports to ensure a long-lasting seal under any situation.

A key element of the Fel-Pro design, the new FKM material was specifically formulated by Federal-Mogul chemists to resist OAT coolants. "We ran our final dyno test for 612 hours and the gasket looked so good it was difficult to distinguish it from an untested part," Rosenquist said.

"The steel provides the strength needed to resist cracking and crushing, and the FKM provides exceptional fluid sealing under all conditions. This design solves the primary leakage issue everyone knows about as well as other concerns typical of engines that have entered the repair cycle.

"The consumer and service provider recognize the problem by the coolant spots that are left on the ground. Unfortunately, retorquing the manifold bolts simply causes additional damage to the carrier, making the leakage much worse," Rosenquist added. Coolant ultimately can leak into the engine oil, causing significant damage to internal components, he said.

Fel-Pro engineers tested several gasket technologies before identifying the new encapsulated design as the best solution, according to Rosenquist. "Our ultimate design is the right choice by any measure - strength, fluid sealability, corrosion resistance, affordability, and ease of installation."

The new PermaDryPlus gasket was subjected to thousands of hours of dynamometer testing before being approved for production. Among the tests was a deep thermal cycle evaluation in which the engine was heated to 240 degrees F, then "shocked" with 0 degrees F coolant in an attempt to induce gasket failure.

"This gasket came through with flying colors - it's absolutely awesome," Rosenquist said.

Other key design features of the new Fel-Pro PermaDryPlus design are stainless steel load limiters and integral locator pins molded into the FKM material.

This new technology is now available as part of a complete Fel-Pro Manifold Installation Set (Fel-Pro P/N MS 98000T) for G.M. 5.0L and 5.7L V8 truck engines manufactured from 1996 through 2002. This time-saving new set contains all of the premium technologies needed to complete an intake manifold gasket repair, including PermaDryPlus lower manifold gaskets, upper manifold gaskets and an advanced PermaDry(R) valve cover gasket.

For more information on the new Fel-Pro PermaDryPlus gasket and other Fel-Pro problem-solving designs, contact your Fel-Pro supplier, visit www.federal-mogul.com/felpro, or write to: Fel-Pro Gaskets, Federal-Mogul Corp., 26555 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI 48034.

Federal-Mogul is a leading global supplier offering a comprehensive portfolio of quality products, trusted brands and creative solutions to the automotive and other industries. The Company utilizes its engineering and materials expertise, proprietary and innovative technology, manufacturing skill, distribution flexibility and marketing power to create value for its stakeholders. The Company's principal customers include many of the world's foremost original equipment manufacturers of vehicles and industrial products, and aftermarket retailers and wholesalers.

Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, Federal-Mogul's rich heritage began in Detroit, Michigan, in 1899. Today, Federal-Mogul employs more than 45,000 people in 29 countries. On October 1, 2001, Federal-Mogul decided to separate its asbestos liabilities from its true operating potential by voluntarily filing for financial restructuring under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States and Administration in the United Kingdom. For more information on Federal-Mogul, visit the company's Web site at http://www.federal-mogul.com.