Head Gasket

[nicmal]

Just rung an owner whoes traveller 1969 has just blown its head gasket. She is asking £1,750 (MOT 6 mths) - recon engine, new gear box, clutch and radiator. What do you think?

[rayofleamington]

It all depends on the rest of the car. based on the description it could be worth anything between £500 and £2500 The condition of the underside will make it worthwhile or not and the condition of bodywork and paint will affect resale price a lot.
Also bear in mind that an engine with a headgasket failure could be in need of a recon (worst case).
Before buying any Minor you should get it thoroughly inspected, as the shiny expensive ones are sometimes far worse than the cheap tatty looking cars.

[bmcecosse]

The head gasket is almost irrelevant - it's all the rest that counts - especially on the Traveller the condition of the wood as well as all the other usual chassis stuff. Are all the wings in good order - and are they steel, not fibreglass ? Does it have a new MOT ? Good tyres ? It sounds quite expensive up here in Scotland - but I think they do fetch a bit more down south. The gasket is a good bargaining point - however while at best it will only cost £4 to fix if all it needs is a new gasket, it could also have knackered the engine. But don't despair - plenty out there in fair condition and not expensive.

[Multiphonikks]

Got any good - all round photos? of course, (oh no, I'm agreeing with BMC! !!! ) it's the chassis and wood which count. I've seen some really bad sheds for £1800 (I was looking at buying a Traveller when we thought Hebe had been written off)

If you're not sure, get a local moggie person to come and look with you

If the head gasket has blown then do you know the reason why? If the owner can tell you what the car was doing when it blew it may give an indication to how the car was treated and what other nasties will lie in store.

If the bodywork is all structurally sound (even if the car looks a bit ropey) then it does sound good. Perhaps you could pick up a new 1275 engine to give it an extra push

[bmcecosse]

Heh heh Multi - you're coming round !! You know it makes sense - sometimes !

[rayofleamington]

you're coming round !!

I don't think Nikki has changed...

[bmcecosse]

Just noticed way back at the start it says 'recon engine' - if the gasket has blown you have to wonder about the quality of the 'recon'. Sounds more like 'con' rather than recon ! Assume the engine is scrap and price it accordingly.