Abstract: A gasket assembly (10) for use with a first engine component having a first coolant passageway and a second engine component having a second coolant passageway is provided. The gasket assembly (10) comprises a plastic base (12) adapted to be disposed between the first engine component and the second engine component The plastic base (12) defines an opening (20) adapted to align with the first coolant passageway and the second coolant passageway when the base (12) is disposed between the first engine component and the second engine component. The gasket assembly (10) also includes a protector (14) associated with the coolant opening (20) of the base (12) and adapted to protect the base (12) from a coolant flowing through the first coolant passageway and the second passageway wherein the coolant is adapted to contact the protector (14) and not the base (12).