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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 Replacement

This weekend my head gasket blew between cylinders 2 & 3. (3000 miles on rebuild, 1958 MGA 1500cc) The gasket was the copper type included in the top end gasket kit purchased from Victoria British. Any comments on why it would have blown and what type I should replace it with would be appreciated. I see some have recommended Payen gaskets. Who can supply these?

Thanks for the help.
Scott
SAC Scott Curtis

You can get the Payen gaskets from Moss or LBC among others.
J Heisenfeldt

Scott,
It's quite likely that the block or head has a crack/scratch/damage between the cylinders. Clean the surfaces and check very carefully. It's unlikely for a correctly head gasket to fail otherwise so soon.
Neil McGurk

Scott, make sure both the head and block are flat, esp that the between cylinders region is not a depression.
A Pearse

I've heard a lot of these cheap copper gaskets failing quickly. I won't use them.
dominic clancy

Scott,
There is a lot of information on head gaskets and what to look for in the archives. It is worth your while to check it all out. A point of interest to check is the surface at the head studs. Insure that there is a chamfer on the holes, or the metal may pull up, preventing a good seal. These older engines didn't have all the machining done that newer car engines do.
mike parker

I appreciate everyones comments/suggestions. As part of the rebuild I had the top of the block and the bottom of the head surfaced. I have both cleaned up and I cannot see any cracks or scratches where it blew. Barney Gaylord suggested using a Payan Gasket for the 1975 - 1980 MGB. These are better able to withstand heat and Barney swears by them. So I guess I will assume the old gasket was inferior put it back together using a Payen gasket and hope for the best!!

It is kind of discouraging however, when I rebuilt the motor I essentially replaced or refurbished everything with the hopes of not having this kind of a problem. I guess this is a part of having a cool ass 50 year old car!!!
SAC Scott Curtis

This thread was discussed between 06/10/2008 and 07/10/2008

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