Head gasket

Post by **Sidney'61** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 7:33 pm

Right, this may be another silly question but forgive me as I'm juasta beginner!

What does the head gasket actually do?

Post by **PSL184** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:19 pm

Basically it seals the gap between block and head and stops your water and oil mixing together.....

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:26 am

And keeps the compression in! Some racing engines don't have one - the head and block are very carefully ground and then lapped together to form a perfect seal. I don't suggest this will work with the A series engine !

Post by **8009STEVE** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 4:04 pm

are you suggesting that the A series is not a racing engine? Mine is always racing, just to keep up with other traffic.

Post by **Dean** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 7:01 pm

I wouldn't recommend using silicon sealant in place of a proper gasket, like Rover used on the K series. It doesn't seal very well, like a lot of people found out including myself.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 7:06 pm

Silicon sealer ??? Did they ? I know replacement head sets for the K engine are v expensive, and the long bolts should always be renewed at the same time - they are designed to stretch beyond the elastic limit when tightened. makes a head removal/replacement a v costly business.

Post by **Dean** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 7:41 pm

Yes they did... it was red in colour. A machine used to squidge it out along a predetermined path then the head was squished on. Land Rover offered a replacement under warranty which is probably the one you are thinking of. These are proper gaskets and should have been used originally.... shame really such silly cost cutting ruined a fairly decent company.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 9:54 pm

Good grief! I think the MGF always had a proper head gasket ?