Turbo exhaust gasket - stainless or graphite?

[JHZR2]

There is a slight leak at the turbo to exhaust manifold of the Garrett T25 turbo in my 1991 MB300D2.5. I traced it the same way I did the manifold leak on my 1991 350SD.

OE is NLA. I can get a stainless one, or I can get a thicker gap filling graphite one. The graphite one claims to be sufficiently soft to take up asperities in the surfaces. What’s my best bet?

Thanks!

 

[Jetronic]

depends on the condition of the surfaces I guess? I believe both are perfect candidates for good seals

 

[JHZR2]

depends on the condition of the surfaces I guess? I believe both are perfect candidates for good seals

Yeah, and I won’t have a good idea until I get it apart, assuming I can easily. And even then I’m not sure I’ll be able to get good visuals. My intent isn’t to pull the turbo, though I may rethink that in time…

 

[Trav]

The stainless would be my preference if both surfaces are halfway decent.

 

[eljefino]

I've always liked thicker gaskets. The graphite one should have metal woven in for stiffness.