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Head gasket set
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2026 4:38 pm
by Nax
Getting a head gasket set from ESM, is there any advantage in getting the spring type valve stem seals?
Re: Head gasket set
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2026 5:37 pm
by svenedin
Unfortunately, you can only use the "top hat" type valve stem oil seals if you also have the later valve guides that have a groove to retain the seal.
Stephen
Re: Head gasket set
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2026 6:19 pm
by philthehill
It is relatively easy to replace the original valve guides with the grooved type. The grooved valve guides are available from ESM,
You only need to fit 'top hat' guides/seals to the four inlet valves guides. The so called oil 'O' ring seals on the exhaust valve guides can be discarded as they are totally ineffective and the exhaust valve stem needs all the lubricant it can get when using unleaded fuel.
https://www.morrisminorspares.com/engin ... l-p1238958
Single valve guides/seals are available from Mini Spares
https://www.minispares.com/12g1963-valv ... -cast-iron
Re: Head gasket set
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2026 7:42 pm
by Nax
Thanks, I will see what we have when I get the head off it will probably have standard valve guides
So I will use the O rings that come with the decoke set.