Morris Minor Owners Club

Just been through mg third h gasket set in as many months, head has been skimmed ans always been put back as per Haynes manual instructions. Any ideas why this keeps happening ?

How flat is the surface of the block?

What re-torquing regime have you followed each time?

Has the engine overheated since the head was last skimmed?

Kevin

does it always blow in the same place? Which replacement gaskets are you using? recent or old problem?

What engine is it? And as above - where does it blow. Are nyou using a torque wrench - and are you syre the calibration is reasonably correct? Be sure to get a COPPER gasket - local Autoparts place usually has them for a few £s. No need to buy a gasket set!!

In reply to the posts so far:

- The block itself is free from pitting but I have no idea if it's true along the length of its surface
- Head has been skimmed
- Always blows between 2 and 3
- Torqued down to 55 ft lbs, in the order mentioned as per haynes manual

It's totally doing my head (excuse the pun) in now.

I guess the block is erroded then between 2 and 3 - due to being run with blown gasket. It is ESSENTIAL to switch off immediately if/when the gasket blows.. Remove the studs and clean it all thoroughly - then use a steel rule on edge with a light source behind to see if the block is flat. If not - it's a complete engine strip down to bare block - to get it skimmed flat.

do you retighten after first heat cycle ?

55 ft lb is much too high for standard studs - they could be stretching and not clamping properly.

What studs are you using? If they are standard they should be replaced and torqued to standard settings - 40 ft lb or a maximum of 44 ft lb.,