Pre-empting Gasket Failure

[Stitch626]

I am thinking of getting a Rover 75 to complement my ZT and replace an ageing Laguna I have. I was thinking of a 1.8 but am nervous because of the dreaded HGF.

So, the question is, how prevalent are these failures?

Also, if it so likely why not change the gasket to the MLS type (I am assuming this tends not to fail) as soon as you can? Why not treat the gasket like a cambelt and fit the upgraded one before the failure occurs? Of course, maybe this is something many have done already.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Mark

[StevenWilliams]

I'm not aware of a single uprated Gasket failing.


the main reason it's not done now rather than when it fails is cost.

It may never happen and as long as you check your car properly it shouldn't do any damage. The only damage done is when the car is left to overheat.

You should really be checking at least once a month and most who know about the issue check it more often than that.

[pab]

the main reason for head gasket failure is loss of coolant,keep an eye on the coolant level,weekly or even daily if covering a high mileage and check for external leaks

[Parker]

I have a 1.8T and as Pabs says the coolant levels need to be checked at least weekly, or after long journeys just take a look,
also have a look around the hoses / T joint and a feel for any wetness incase there is a small leak, doesn't take long once a week and well worth it.

Also fit a proper temp gauge you can't rely on the gauge in the car which is next to useless. Buy a Hans gauge, do a search plenty about it on here and not expensive or alternatively go for a Scangauge II with all the other functions that has.

[Stitch626]

So keep the coolant levels up and you greatly reduce the chance of a failure then? I guess it can still happen but it is less likely. Is that correct?

Mark

[T-Cut]

Fit a Schaaper Digital Temperature Guage. It will give early warning of possible cooling issues and is far cheaper to fit than a new head gasket. I reckon it's essential kit for K18 owners.

TC

[timborob]

Originally Posted by Stitch626

I am thinking of getting a Rover 75 to complement my ZT and replace an ageing Laguna I have. I was thinking of a 1.8 but am nervous because of the dreaded HGF.

So, the question is, how prevalent are these failures?

Also, if it so likely why not change the gasket to the MLS type (I am assuming this tends not to fail) as soon as you can? Why not treat the gasket like a cambelt and fit the upgraded one before the failure occurs? Of course, maybe this is something many have done already.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Mark

Best thing would be to buy a good warranty like i did for peace of mind
mine covers claims to £1000 plus with only a £25 excess per claim
it cost me around £325 from warrantyworks who were recommended on this forum

[Stitch626]

Originally Posted by timborob

Best thing would be to buy a good warranty like i did for peace of mind
mine covers claims to £1000 plus with only a £25 excess per claim
it cost me around £325 from warrantyworks who were recommended on this forum

Sounds like it could be a good plan.

So approximately how expensive is it to fix a HGF?


Mark