MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGA - Head Gasket

Guy's, i am trying to resolve the problem with my leaking head gasket on my newly rebuilt motor. I am going to remove the head because I think I am leaking water into a cylinder by the evidence of all the white smoke coming out the exaust. My objective is to use copperspray sealent on the head gasket.
Can I re-use the existing head gasket or should I just spring for a new one?
WMR Bill

If it's a copper one, throw it away and get a Payen one (black with orange rings around the holes)

If it's a Payen one, you should also not reuse it, but find the problem and do again with a new Payen
dominic clancy

Dominic, were can you get the "Payen" type and can you still use copperspray sealent on these?
WMR Bill

I believe Moss can supply the Payen head gasket.
G Goeppner

Use Wellseal sealant (Rolls Royce and MGOC recommended) on your MGB Payen head gasket (Pt.No. AK660) Assume the head and block are flat.
Remember to gradually undo the head nuts in the same order as tightening! If not head cracking/distortion can be the result.
Has the head been checked for cracks? Can happen...
Pete
Pete Tipping

As Payen made both the copper gasket and now the later composite gasket it is not possible just to say fit a payen.

For a long time both A series and B series engine builders used the quality copper gasket from Payen. However in the last few years the new Composite gasket (black colour) made also by Payen has become the gasket of choice. IMO it should not be necessary to use any kind of sealer on the cylinder head. If it will not seal in the normal manner both with the copper gasket or the composite then you have a flatness issue or installation procedure was incorrect.
Bob (robert) Midget Turbo

This thread was discussed between 29/05/2008 and 30/05/2008

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.