Head gasket and skim for 1.8T Connie

oswestryalex · 30th December 2019, 22:53

I know it is not something to be done lightly, as it will likely cost more than the car is worth, but I am starting to consider getting my 2003 1.8T auto R75 Connie sorted and roadworthy. The interior has loads of extra wood fascia fittings done to it so I would love to have it up and running. Main problem will be the hgf - I would have to get the car trailered to wherever it gets done (not being up to doing this sort of job).
Main question - any recommendation as to who to trust with that sort of job? One hears so many scary stories of jobs done by those as don't know the k series engines, and you end with more problems... so any pointers would be very welcome.

thanos.m · 31st December 2019, 09:53

Having worked at a Rover specialist ( I'm no professional mechanic) I wouldn't say that the K-series HG is that big or scary of a Job as long as it's done by a reputable MGR expert you should be fine but unfortunately I dont know any in your area. Before that though I think its important to determine the condition of the head in the car before attempting anything. Although I have no personal experience with them I know a couple of people who had the HGs done at their place by MGR mobile mechanics and they were really happy with their service so you may want to consider them since the car cannot be moved, perhaps other people in club who have experience with their service could have their Imput here.
Regards,
Thanos

Yorkshire GOC · 31st December 2019, 09:59

No expert myself - but the choice of replacement gasket is critically dependant on the liner heights - how proud they are from the engine block will determine whether an elastometer or MLS gasket is used and whether it needs a shim.

oswestryalex · 2nd January 2020, 20:54

are there some decent MGR mobile mechanics around? Ones I find in the search are from 10 years ago so not active as far as I can tell. Any recommendation would be much appreciated - to try and get that hgf sorted if possible. cheers.

coolguy · 2nd January 2020, 21:12

I would recommend Gavin Fairley, who has just been entrusted to sort out my Rover 45 Spirit's head gasket etc. He did a great job on my 2 V6's belts a few years ago, and will have the job again when due. He is based in Coventry, and can arrange for collection as he has done for me. His phone number is 02477 672170, and you are welcome to mention my name (Malcolm Ward). He even recognised my voice on the phone after 5 years!

marinabrian · 2nd January 2020, 21:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolguy

I would recommend Gavin Fairley, who has just been entrusted to sort out my Rover 45 Spirit's head gasket etc. He did a great job on my 2 V6's belts a few years ago, and will have the job again when due. He is based in Coventry, and can arrange for collection as he has done for me. His phone number is 02477 672170, and you are welcome to mention my name (Malcolm Ward). He even recognised my voice on the phone after 5 years!

And HERE you go

Brian

chris75 · 3rd January 2020, 11:20

Not a million miles from Oswestry , these folk are located in North Wales at Penymynydd
https://www.dplautosroverland.co.uk/...et-replacement
No personal experience but have heard good things

victorgte · 3rd January 2020, 12:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by oswestryalex

are there some decent MGR mobile mechanics around? Ones I find in the search are from 10 years ago so not active as far as I can tell. Any recommendation would be much appreciated - to try and get that hgf sorted if possible. cheers.

Not too far from you is Terry Shaw of TS Autos. He’s near Craven Arms. Used to be in Stourbridge but moved recently. I have his number if you PM me. Very knowledgeable and has always fixed my 75’s as required.

30th December 2019, 22:53	#1
oswestryalex Loves to post Rover 75 1.8T connoisseur saloon 2003 in blue , MG ZT 190+ 2003 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oswestry Posts: 308 Thanks: 159 Thanked 99 Times in 57 Posts	Head gasket and skim for 1.8T Connie I know it is not something to be done lightly, as it will likely cost more than the car is worth, but I am starting to consider getting my 2003 1.8T auto R75 Connie sorted and roadworthy. The interior has loads of extra wood fascia fittings done to it so I would love to have it up and running. Main problem will be the hgf - I would have to get the car trailered to wherever it gets done (not being up to doing this sort of job). Main question - any recommendation as to who to trust with that sort of job? One hears so many scary stories of jobs done by those as don't know the k series engines, and you end with more problems... so any pointers would be very welcome.

31st December 2019, 09:53	#2
thanos.m Avid contributor Rover 75 saloon Join Date: May 2019 Location: West Sussex Posts: 220 Thanks: 54 Thanked 41 Times in 26 Posts	Having worked at a Rover specialist ( I'm no professional mechanic) I wouldn't say that the K-series HG is that big or scary of a Job as long as it's done by a reputable MGR expert you should be fine but unfortunately I dont know any in your area. Before that though I think its important to determine the condition of the head in the car before attempting anything. Although I have no personal experience with them I know a couple of people who had the HGs done at their place by MGR mobile mechanics and they were really happy with their service so you may want to consider them since the car cannot be moved, perhaps other people in club who have experience with their service could have their Imput here. Regards, Thanos Last edited by thanos.m; 2nd January 2020 at 10:27..

31st December 2019, 09:59	#3
Yorkshire GOC I really should get out more....... Rover 75 connoisseur se v6 auto Join Date: May 2014 Location: Hull Posts: 2,061 Thanks: 1,842 Thanked 623 Times in 469 Posts	No expert myself - but the choice of replacement gasket is critically dependant on the liner heights - how proud they are from the engine block will determine whether an elastometer or MLS gasket is used and whether it needs a shim. __________________ She came off the Longbridge Line on 20-05-2003 The Silver Machine was the 13th of 160 Rover 75's to come off the production line that day and is the 100th of 527 Starlight Silver Rover 75 2.5 V6 Connoisseur SE Auto saloons listed in the build records produced world wide.

3rd January 2020, 11:20	#7
chris75 same car since 2005 2001 Rover 75 2.0 v6 Connoisseur Saloon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ellesmere Port , Cheshire Posts: 3,811 Thanks: 379 Thanked 549 Times in 466 Posts	Not a million miles from Oswestry , these folk are located in North Wales at Penymynydd https://www.dplautosroverland.co.uk/...et-replacement No personal experience but have heard good things __________________ Who said it was simples ?

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2nd January 2020, 20:54	#4
oswestryalex Loves to post Rover 75 1.8T connoisseur saloon 2003 in blue , MG ZT 190+ 2003 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oswestry Posts: 308 Thanks: 159 Thanked 99 Times in 57 Posts	are there some decent MGR mobile mechanics around? Ones I find in the search are from 10 years ago so not active as far as I can tell. Any recommendation would be much appreciated - to try and get that hgf sorted if possible. cheers.

2nd January 2020, 21:12	#5
coolguy Coolguy Rover 75 CDT Tourer Auto, Rover 75 2.0 Connoisseur Auto, MG ZT 2.5 Auto and MG ZT Cdti Auto (Monogra Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Finedon Posts: 1,896 Thanks: 933 Thanked 638 Times in 430 Posts	I would recommend Gavin Fairley, who has just been entrusted to sort out my Rover 45 Spirit's head gasket etc. He did a great job on my 2 V6's belts a few years ago, and will have the job again when due. He is based in Coventry, and can arrange for collection as he has done for me. His phone number is 02477 672170, and you are welcome to mention my name (Malcolm Ward). He even recognised my voice on the phone after 5 years!