Pre-empting Gasket Failure

[JP53]

Originally Posted by pab

i think it was adapted by landrover for the 1.8 k series...
i have the full kit fitted to mine nearly 40k miles ago

I think you are right pab

[pab]

i have an itemised bill from macarghs glasgow,the as was main dealer..makes impressive reading.

[JP53]

Originally Posted by chris75

I think that the MLS gasket is actually the third generation . A previous "improvement" version was introduced when the plastic dowels were changed for steel . It had a thicker bead of slime !!!!

Is that what is meant by the phrase "Reinforcing failure"?????

[timborob]

Originally Posted by chris75

I think that the MLS gasket is actually the third generation . A previous "improvement" version was introduced when the plastic dowels were changed for steel . It had a thicker bead of slime !!!!

Hope I have atleast steel dowels then
LOL!


"you gotta laugh or it will make you cry when it does fail !"

[JP53]

I laughed when I found out ALL the mechanics in the garage that fixed mine were going to Hawaii for 2 weeks on the strength of my bill

[pab]

Originally Posted by JP53

Fingers crossed for you. The 1.8 is great value for money, just put a bit of what you saved aside, compared to the price of a diesel, in case the worst happens Don't let it spoil your enjoyment of the car, if the coolant level does start to drop and you can not find any leeks or there are any signs of 'mayo' on your dip stick, get the gasket changed. There are mobile mechanics who fit them as well as garages. Phone around and get prices first.

the main cause for hgf is a loss in coolant.as i keep saying,check for external leaks and repair straightaway and keep an eye on the coolant level,regularly

[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

[Telferstr]

Hi,
I had 3 1.8 75's and had no engine problems whatsoever with a total mileage of 142500 for the 3 cars. However, some engines do suffer Cylinder Head Gasket failures and if this should happen it is not just a case of fitting the modified Cylinder Head Gasket on it's own. The cause of the failure should also be establised before repairs begin. If water loss, where from etc. Also with the engine stripped ensure the Cylinder Liner height is correct and the surfaces of the Cylinder Block and Head are completely flat and spotlessly clean before reassembly
The highest failure rate for 1.8 K Series engines experiencing Head Gasket failures, was when it was installed in the Land Rover Freelander. This was a totally different environment for the engine, coupled with questions re the quality of the installation, plus the other mechanical stresses this application subjected the engine to. It did show up certain possible weaknesses in the design when used in the Land Rover.
A great deal of engineering work was done to establish the cause of these failures, and it was found that in certain conditions there was a risk of the original Oil Feed Ladder Rail being subject to movement/distortion, which in turn compromised the quality of the clamping effect on the Cylinder Head Gasket and indeed the whole sandwich design of the engine.
Hence the introduction of the Cylinder Head Modification Kit, Part Number ZUA000080. Fitting this Kit along with the Steel Dowels if the plastic type are found to be fitted, greatly improved the situation and therefore this Kit should always be used if and when a Cylinder Head Gasket failure should occur.
The Kit consisits of three items, 1:- New type Multi Layer Steel Head Gasket, 2:- Cylinder Head Shim. The shim should be fitted with the BLACK COATED side to the Cylinder Head Face. 3:- Oil Feed Ladder Rail.(Requires the removal of the engines Oil Sump to fit this item). This new Rail is of a different construction to the original one, and is also made of a much stronger and more solid material, which in turn improves the actual clamping effect on the Cylinder Head Gasket and the overall strength of the engines sandwich design.
This last item i.e. Oil Feed Ladder Rail, must always be fitted, along with the rest of the kit, otherwise Xpart will not cover the MLS Gasket under their terms of warranty.
It is also recommended that the Cylinder Head/Engine Sandwich Bolts, be replaced, as the originals may have been stretched beyond their original tolerance/specification.
So, please note, it is not just a question of a new Head Gasket. To ensure a long term and successful repair, fit the whole Kit.
Regards,
Telfer.
PS The Oil Feed Ladder Rail Fitment is a one off fitment and would not be required to be replaced should, say due to a future water loss situation, a Gasket failure occur again. T.