GL281 D1503 Metal vs Graphite head gasket

[MichaelQ]

I'm replacing the head gasket from my D1503 engine with the metal gasket.
Could someone tell me if I should replace the little blue o-ring which came off the small pipe under the thermostat in the cilinderhead? In the metal head gasket there is a small hole for the pipe but no real place for the o-ring and the original gasket had a large hole which is big enough for the blue o-ring.

Best regards, Michael

 

[Russell King]

Yes you should replace that o-ring.

Most people that have experience with head gasket replacement always recommend that the head gasket is Kubota (OEM) gasket, not an aftermarket gasket.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If the replacement head gasket does not match the OEM head gasket your going to have problems.
Most aftermarket head gaskets are too thick.
And yes you must replace the O-ring for the Oil pipe with the same kind of O-ring, do not go to a black or green O-ring as they are too stiff and will not let the head seal properly.