hey
just wondering if theres any preferred head gasket types out there>?
would it be wise to increase the torque setting on the head bolts.. or not needed??
or would stretch the bolts n cause greif?
my mini suffered the bhg disease
booooost didn't help
bigger radiator on its way......
thanks
lucas

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My rides-74 fj40
74 clubman hopefully rego'd soon....
and 76 clubbie van!! - Ratschite after what i found what it was covered in when i found her...
http://photobucket.com/albums/b44/minimechanic/?sc=1

what size donk?

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No offence intended here but--> anyone writing a book about minis 30 years ago may not have experienced such worn or stuffed-with components as we are finding these days.

You should put your heart & soul into everything you do.

If you have head bolts, and are taking the head off, bin the bolts.

Get some good quality head STUDS instead.

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No more Minis!......For now.

I would also agree with replacing Bolts to Studs..plus your not sure how many times they have already been torqued down before and could break (and this can be a rite pain in the arse) Trust me

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Stop Licking the Dog...I Don't Care Who Started It

re the original question- head gasket types.
IMO the best ones available here now are the ACL Monotorque- p/no CP250MT is VRS set (850-998-1098), and the Payen BK450 (1275).

I'd forget the so-called `copper' ones, they have nothing inside them since they got rid of the asbestos years ago (before that, they were good).

My 2c,

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Payen BK450 (1275) aka the BLACK METRO TURBO HEAD GASKET is the one most high-end A-series engines use. Will cost you $22 from karcraft (as quoted from last month).

I think those copper ones are overrated.

the BK450 is called MPi gasket over here as it was the first engine with this type of gasket. its the best i've ever used but its not related to turbo or something, the turbo used to use the same gasket as the NA engines

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Rover 214 atm ....

You can get a triple layered stainless steel head gasket...For $230.00...Which is a bit out of my depth for a gasket...I use the black turbo ones.

whilst we're on topic, supercheap sell the acl gaskets, if anyones interested drop me a pm.

but, as said above, forget the copper ones.

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'73 clubby s "cryo" - sold
Operation Evil Sesame Street!

the black monotorque one about 40 bucks for a VRS kit, so you get all the bonus gaskets you will need (maifold, thermostat housing...) you also get o rings for valves but they are useless you need top hat seals.

you get the torque settings with the kit, but i think its 25lb/ft, then 30, then 40??? its importnat to do it in the right order, so your head goes down straight. directions are on the packet

retorque after driving, to be sure

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78 Leyland Mini - Prince

This is the ACL one I mentioned above, ACL Monotorque.
For 850-998-1098. NOT 1275.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

The bolts actually have more thread, and protrude into the block further sometimes good if your block has been striped. pros and cons for each.

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*Reasonable pricing
*I come to you..
Jay: 0431404607

Sorry when this happens to you

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Stop Licking the Dog...I Don't Care Who Started It

These bolts (only used on Oz motors BTW) are all over 35 years old now. If you MUST use bolts, go buy some new Grade 8 ones.
I flung all mine, went to studs. No more problems.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

ditto

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Stop Licking the Dog...I Don't Care Who Started It