Morris Minor Owners Club

Does anyone know about this? When I place a head gasket over the block surface, obviously the bore is round, yet the gasket holes are oliptical and overhang the bore. Particularly between 2 and 3 bore.

I assumed the steel (crush??) rings around the inner diam. of the of the gasket holes were meant to be 'sandwiched' between the block and head.

Your gasket is correct - just make sure all the studs are firmly in the block - everything is spotlessly clean, and a thin smear of grease on both sides of the gasket..... Torque it to 44 ft lbf. Retorque after the first heat cycle - and then don't forget to reset the valve gaps.

the gasket shouldn't 'overhang the bore', if by which you mean that the gasket is covering up the bores.

the holes in the gasket should be eliptical (more like a tear drop really) and bigger than the bore, not covering it at all.

How does it look resting on the head?
There shouldn't be any overhang and it isn't supposed To follow the line of the bore exactly.

It's slightly wider than the bore -I assume that's what you mean by 'overhang' .... ???

If I place the gasket on top of the block, it 'overhangs' the bore (if the piston was at tdc it would make contact).

When I place it on the head, the combustion chambers are within the gasket holes.

However, I have ommited to mention that it is a +30 bore and the gasket overhangs all four bores, BUT it is more prominant either side of the middle bores. Not just a bit, approx. 2mm either side. Way out of reach of the 'crush rings'.

Doesn't sound right at all! +30 oversize should make no difference. The only block with smaller bores than the 1098/998, which it may be intended for is the 848/948cc A-series. What make is it? No way the fire rings, or any portion of head gasket, should infinge upon the bore!

You sure you don't have a 1275 engine there????????? Does the block have removable cam follower covers?? Otherwise - there's NO CHANCE of a 1098 gasket overhanging into the bore - that won't last 2 minutes!

Oh my, I wish this thread would go away now! Yes it is a 1275. I switched it from one corner of the basement to the other, several months ago where my 1098 now lives. This is the 2nd time in a week or so but, Doh!! Yes indeed, no cam follower covers. It has 12v as a s/n number. It's even painted in 'Ital' red.

I only re-checked the block when I measured the head gasket holes at 68(ish)mm. mmmhh I thought, More than plenty! And then saw the 12v staring at me.

I don't do this for your amusement or irritation. Promise.

Oh dear......