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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - New Gaskets

I'm just about to fit a new reconditioned cylinder head and as the carbs etc have been removed just wondered what thoughts are regarding help in replacing the thin gaskets between the heat shield and carbs along with the gasket between the water pump and cylinder head.

One of Edd China's (Wheeler Dealers) tips is to use a sealant to stick the gaskets in the correct position before re fitting parts to save having to juggle with the part and gasket.

Holding the heat shield, gaskets etc in the correct position whilst lining up and tightening up the carbs can be a pain on previous attempts, anyone any thoughts whether this is wise or.

I am expecting responses of it being stupid idea as it will reduce the seal, but hopefully not?



Tim Lynam

Not at all Stupid...only if your close mind to new ideas for or agianst

I always spray gasket sealer on the gaskets ... it makes life so much easier

One thing ive done on my valve cover and sump gasket that seems to work really good, and a trick I learned somewhere

But make a permenate fit on one side of the gasket like the sump pan then on the other side put a slathering smear of white lithium grease and bolt togather, once its heated a few times it seals nicely, and takes a bit of effort to remove but the gasket is removeable over and over just keep re greasing the side with the lithium

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Another little trick

The little split self centering rings that connect between the cly head to the intake manifold

Coat the outside of those rings with spark plug anti siezure compound before installing them into the head, ... when it comes time to remove the intake manifold from the head agian, it wont be rust welded into place agian because of those rings


Also use anti seizure compound on the 3 thermo stat housing bolts to avoid them getting rusted into place

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Cheers Prop, I am all for new ideas on making life easier, especially as I am relatively new to MG's, but wondered what the more experienced minds were.

I used the tip previously and it made life much easier but wondered if there were any negatives.
Tim Lynam

Don't use 'sealant' as it will possibly get places it shouldn't, go hard and cause problems. You want the tool for the job which is Gasket Positioner for example Loctite 534, comes in a small dispenser like a glue stick. Its tacky, non-setting and is easy to dispense a minimum amount to do the job.
David Smith

Exactly what david says... sealer is a differant word over here... no RTV,

Im a growing fan of copper coat sealer...in spray can form... just spray it on wait 30 seconds and stick it. You can also spray it on and leave 24 hours and it will still stick to the parts the next day

As to brands... permatex has my vote more and more.

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Or just some old fashioned grease as should always be applied on paper gaskets.
Alex G Matla

Thanks all for the answers, that's a great help.
Tim Lynam

This thread was discussed between 14/05/2014 and 15/05/2014

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