MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Head gasket

My TF-1500 developed a serious misfire and then dropped to 2 cylinders. Oil pressure was steady at 55 and temp steady at 85 C at the time. All the valve train is present and looks normal, nothing visibly bent or broken. I adjusted the valves and did a compression test. Numbers 1 and 2 were exactly 125 psi. Numbers 3 and 4 are exactly Zero.

I suspect the head gasket has blown between 3 and 4. What is the best brand of head gasket and best for this engine? Does anyone suspect it might be something else?
Jack Long

Yep....Textbook blown head gasket....

Try these guys:

http://www.cometic.com/

Call and find out what they can provide you.

Just my 2 cents
Steven Devine

Yes, blown gasket ---
Hopefully your engine has a matching 1500 head and block with round water holes. The stock TF 1500 copper head gasket is unique to the 1500 engine and worked very well for many years. It should be available through Abingdon or Moss.

Check the engine block and head carefully for damage and flatness, use Tom Lange ARP head studs for a good even incremental torque. (They really are far better strength than the original ones, and you can tell the difference when you torque the head nuts and get a solid click). I've always sprayed both sides of gasket with copper coat. After running the engine for 45 min. or so, let the engine cool, and re-torque the head nuts using sequence shown in manual.

Richard Cameron

Does anyone know if the Payen brand head gasket is available for this engine? I have not had any luck searching on line for one.
Jack Long

Last year I was in search of a thicker head gasket to control my compression ratio. I tried many sources including a solid copper but was not happy with it.
I believe it was LaVerne who suggested this company.

http://www.gasketstogo.com/

It was a little strange that they are in Thailand but the fellow I dealt with was extremely helpful and competent. The gasket is copper lined and flexible and if I remember right about .100" thick(plus or minus). he will make it to your specs.

Just have to make sure it is the correct layout. He probably has your template or you could mail him your old one.

I have no problem recommending him.
Good Luck,
Mort
Mort 50 TD

Most probable to have an old stock gasket would be Abingdon. Give them a call. or this looks OK too.
http://www.bpnorthwest.com/head-gasket-mg-tf-1500.html
Richard Cameron

This thread was discussed between 27/11/2015 and 01/12/2015

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG TD TF 1500 BBS now