Replacing the head gasket
Forum rules
By using this site, you agree to our rules. Please see: Terms of Use
By using this site, you agree to our rules. Please see: Terms of Use
-
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 1550
- Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2007 8:35 pm
- Location: Northampton
- MMOC Member: No
Replacing the head gasket
Hi.
My engine has started having running problems, lacking in power and very jumpy at higher revs, ive noticed its using a lot of oil and theres a slight bit of yellowy gunk appeared down the side. I assume this means the head gasket has gone?
If so, how hard is it to replace? Ive done a fair bit of work on various minors so I'm not a complete beginner but I've never changed a head gasket, would it be sensible to try changing it on my own? any tips?
btw, its a 1275.
Thanks,
Andy
My engine has started having running problems, lacking in power and very jumpy at higher revs, ive noticed its using a lot of oil and theres a slight bit of yellowy gunk appeared down the side. I assume this means the head gasket has gone?
If so, how hard is it to replace? Ive done a fair bit of work on various minors so I'm not a complete beginner but I've never changed a head gasket, would it be sensible to try changing it on my own? any tips?
btw, its a 1275.
Thanks,
Andy
Andy W____________1961 2-door 948cc (Sidney)_____________1963 2-door 1275cc (Emily)_______
Re: Replacing the head gasket
Do you have (or can you purchase / borrow) a torque wrench and the workshop manual to show the correct sequence for loosening and tightening the bolts? As long as the answer is yes, then it's a straightforward job, just follow the steps in the manual.
You will have to disconnect the exhaust, but whether you leave the manifold in place depends on personal choice and the exact arrangement you have with the 1275 modification.
You will have to disconnect the exhaust, but whether you leave the manifold in place depends on personal choice and the exact arrangement you have with the 1275 modification.
Re: Replacing the head gasket
Easy job - use a copper faced gasket and smear lightly with grease - torque to 44 ft lbf, and retorque after the first heat cycle. Well worth grinding in the valves and fitting new stem seals on the inlets when the head is off.
-
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 1502
- Joined: Fri Apr 28, 2006 10:59 am
- Location: Northern Ireland
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Replacing the head gasket
No problems, just follow the manual. Give the head and block a careful clean before it all goes back together.
-
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 1550
- Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2007 8:35 pm
- Location: Northampton
- MMOC Member: No
Re: Replacing the head gasket
Thanks.
New gaskets ordered, torque wrench borrowed, I'll let you know how I get on
New gaskets ordered, torque wrench borrowed, I'll let you know how I get on
Andy W____________1961 2-door 948cc (Sidney)_____________1963 2-door 1275cc (Emily)_______
Re: Replacing the head gasket
One hint that isn't always in the manual: Lay out a sheet or two of clean newspaper. As you take off each nut and washer, the rocker gear, and pushrods, lay them on the paper in the correct relative positions. That way it's easy to work out what goes where when you come to refit. It would be a good idea to fit a new bypass hose (if fitted to the 1275) whilst the head is off - only a few pennies, and saves a lot of effort later.
-
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 1550
- Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2007 8:35 pm
- Location: Northampton
- MMOC Member: No
Re: Replacing the head gasket
I finally found the time to have a go on the head gasket today.
As is always the case one part is completely stuck. It seems the middle (removal order no1) stud is seized into the head, the head is slightly loose and wiggles around the other studs yet stud 1 wiggles with it. Ive left it to soak but any better tips on removal?
As is always the case one part is completely stuck. It seems the middle (removal order no1) stud is seized into the head, the head is slightly loose and wiggles around the other studs yet stud 1 wiggles with it. Ive left it to soak but any better tips on removal?
Andy W____________1961 2-door 948cc (Sidney)_____________1963 2-door 1275cc (Emily)_______
-
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 1140
- Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2012 4:55 pm
- Location: Le Tronquay, nr Bayeux, en France - Pop in for a cuppa!
- MMOC Member: No
Re: Replacing the head gasket
I had a similar problem. I ended up welding a stud to the top. That didn't work, then the stud snapped, so I ended up taking the engine number tag off and 'unscrewing' the head (this engine was out of a car) then wedging it in a vice for 48 hours. Hope you have better luck than me! Don't forget a dab of oil on them for reassembly.
-
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 2775
- Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2011 7:20 pm
- Location: LANCASHIRE (paradise)
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Replacing the head gasket
For the obstinate nut Plus-gas and much leverage will work. A ring spanner and rubber mallet work equally well.
Note the copper side of the h/g should be facing UP.
Note the copper side of the h/g should be facing UP.
-
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 1092
- Joined: Sat Mar 14, 2009 2:50 am
- Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
- MMOC Member: No
Re: Replacing the head gasket
Have you tried putting 2 nuts on the stud and "locking" them together and then try turning the stud?
Talk slow, think fast!
-
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 1550
- Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2007 8:35 pm
- Location: Northampton
- MMOC Member: No
Re: Replacing the head gasket
The 2 nuts method worked and i eventually got the head free, thanks Katy,
The old gasket seemed to be in reasonable condition but the engine is running a lot smoother with the new one so hopefully its fixed my problems
The old gasket seemed to be in reasonable condition but the engine is running a lot smoother with the new one so hopefully its fixed my problems
Andy W____________1961 2-door 948cc (Sidney)_____________1963 2-door 1275cc (Emily)_______
Re: Replacing the head gasket
Retorqued (44 ft lbf) after the first heat cycle??? And then set the gaps 12 thou inlets and 15 thou exhausts.
-
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 1550
- Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2007 8:35 pm
- Location: Northampton
- MMOC Member: No
Re: Replacing the head gasket
Yes, retorqued and gaps set, thanks.
Andy W____________1961 2-door 948cc (Sidney)_____________1963 2-door 1275cc (Emily)_______