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MG MGB Technical - Tappet Chest Gaskets

Beware of the new rubber gaskets! We had a problem at the Silverstone International meeting when one of the red rubber gaskets popped out, leaked oil onto the exhaust and caught fire on a warm up lap. Fortunately no damage. On examination, the gasket had "grown", presumably as a result of being in contact with hot oil, and popped out at the bottom. I am now fitting old style cork ones.
Richard Tinkler

We are using 100 percent R.T.V. only. The cork has a problen with high heat. We A.M.A. vintage road raced a Triumph T 100 M/C from 86 to 93 & we had NO GASKETS at all, on the motor, trans. ONLY R.T.V. & NEVER had a oil leak!!!!!! Have been R.T.V.ing the B tappet covers for 3 years & no leaks. Rover, around 94 or so was using R.T.V on the oil pan & no gasket.
Glenn Towery

You can use the rubber gaskets in the late rear chest cover that has a groove to contain it. For front covers and early rear covers always use the thin cork gasket and Hylomar.

I HATE RTV - yes it may well seal but it is a real pain to clean up!
Chris at Octarine Services

I always heard with RTV you have to be very careful you don't get blobs of it falling off and floating about the engine.

I did exactly what Chris suggested and used one rubber and one cork gasket with Blue Hylomar on it.

Simon
Simon Jansen

I am using molded silicone gaskets on my blown 1500. So far almost 2 years with absolutely no problems.
Got them off E-bay from an outfit called Roadster Gaskets.

Rich
Rich McKIe

I used Permatex 'Right Stuff' with NO gaskets and I have no leaks on my rebuilds. Also the oil pan.
It's elastomeric rubber, not silicone and I wouldn't use anything else.
Samuel Sullivan

I use Fel-Pro gaskets and Permatex "Aviation Form-A-Gasket". No leaks. I haven't tried Permatex "Right Stuff" yet, though. Elastomeric rubber, eh? Hmmmmm....... Hey, Steve, how does it compare to Permatex "Ultra Black RTV Gasket Maker"? It's able to withstand temperatures of up to 500° Fahrenheit.
Steve S.

On my supercharged B I use 3M's Hondabond between the gaskets, covers and block. Absolutly no leaks after 7 years of heat and pressure. RAY
RAY

I always use cork. Glue them onto the covers with contact cement and grease the face that contacts the engine. They don't leak' come off clean and can be reused if you want.
Gary
Gary

I used a center punch to create "dimples" all
along the tappet cover gasket surface (spcaed
every 3/8" or so).

The dimples grip onto the rubber gaskets
so that they do not slip out of place.
Daniel

+1 on the Roadster Gaskets pieces. Have them on my B and my TD.
Rob Edwards

This thread was discussed between 02/07/2008 and 06/07/2008

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