HGF again and a question.

billh · 16th April 2024, 08:58

The HG has gone again after about 5K miles. Steam out of exhaust , coolant from header , and massive coolant consumption . Took the head off, there's indentation by the fire rings and a strange build up of crystallized(?) pink coolant in the waterways and under parts of the HG.
I have been in contact with a local MG specialist for a re-furbished head but my question is: can I use a 1.8k head and cams intended for an MG TF on the Rover 1.8 Turbo? Can I swap the cams over if they are different? Am I completely off beam with my ideas? Sorry that's three questions. Thanks.

Tim JMGRs · 25th April 2024, 13:47

If it's "gone again" after 5000 miles, it wasn't done properly the last time!

xsport · 26th April 2024, 17:27

People on this club who have 1.8 engines use a specific type of headgasket when repair is required. You can google on the search engine at the top.However judging by the mileage covered since the last change of gasket, you need to find someone who can do the job properly,as obviously it was not. When the head is off you will need to do a complete inspection of the head and block surfaces heights and firewall , and many other aspects. Its not just head off and replace the gasket,as you have now realised,but if you did try yourself 10/10 for effort. Try to find some one competent , there are people on here who can maybe recommend someone competent , as it needs to be done properly , otherwise you will be stripping down again ...

good luck !!

Lagetha · 26th April 2024, 17:41

Robert,

DIscount MG Rover Spares explain the complexity of head gasket failures. On their web site they advise which gasket type is suitable to repair certain types of failures, what other remedial work may be necessary, and any other concerns you may have. Perhaps you could email them...

Sent from my Note 16 Pro using Tapatalk

Tim JMGRs · 27th April 2024, 10:53

Have a word with David Tomlinson at North West Rover Repairs in Atherton, M23. He does these all the time and never had one come back. To be done properly, the head needs to be pressure tested before reassembly and the type of gasket used in the rebuild will also depend on the liner heights in the block. Nine times out of ten, the Elastomer gasket is the best one to use.

16th April 2024, 08:58	#1
billh Regular poster Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: May 2007 Location: Denton, Manchester Posts: 79 Thanks: 14 Thanked 24 Times in 14 Posts	HGF again and a question. The HG has gone again after about 5K miles. Steam out of exhaust , coolant from header , and massive coolant consumption . Took the head off, there's indentation by the fire rings and a strange build up of crystallized(?) pink coolant in the waterways and under parts of the HG. I have been in contact with a local MG specialist for a re-furbished head but my question is: can I use a 1.8k head and cams intended for an MG TF on the Rover 1.8 Turbo? Can I swap the cams over if they are different? Am I completely off beam with my ideas? Sorry that's three questions. Thanks.

26th April 2024, 17:41	#4
Lagetha Loves to post Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Bolton Posts: 310 Thanks: 180 Thanked 42 Times in 34 Posts	Robert, DIscount MG Rover Spares explain the complexity of head gasket failures. On their web site they advise which gasket type is suitable to repair certain types of failures, what other remedial work may be necessary, and any other concerns you may have. Perhaps you could email them... Sent from my Note 16 Pro using Tapatalk __________________ I am Kevin, the car is my Viking shield-maiden, Lagetha! 2000 Rover 75 1.8 Classic SE in Moonstone Green/Black Leather seats and Sandstone Beige Interior (purchased 10 April 2022) 2002 Rover 25 2.0 IL TurboDiesel - gone but not forgotten, you can follow Deric's adventures on YouTube at Boaty's World and Project Nigel. AllegroMan is restoring Deric now. (Owned 25/10/2022-15/05/2023)

25th April 2024, 13:47	#2
Tim JMGRs Avid contributor MG ZT Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Leigh Posts: 120 Thanks: 72 Thanked 32 Times in 29 Posts	If it's "gone again" after 5000 miles, it wasn't done properly the last time!

26th April 2024, 17:27	#3
xsport Posted a thing or two rover 75 club se Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Leicester Posts: 1,666 Thanks: 358 Thanked 419 Times in 310 Posts	People on this club who have 1.8 engines use a specific type of headgasket when repair is required. You can google on the search engine at the top.However judging by the mileage covered since the last change of gasket, you need to find someone who can do the job properly,as obviously it was not. When the head is off you will need to do a complete inspection of the head and block surfaces heights and firewall , and many other aspects. Its not just head off and replace the gasket,as you have now realised,but if you did try yourself 10/10 for effort. Try to find some one competent , there are people on here who can maybe recommend someone competent , as it needs to be done properly , otherwise you will be stripping down again ... good luck !!

27th April 2024, 10:53	#5
Tim JMGRs Avid contributor MG ZT Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Leigh Posts: 120 Thanks: 72 Thanked 32 Times in 29 Posts	Have a word with David Tomlinson at North West Rover Repairs in Atherton, M23. He does these all the time and never had one come back. To be done properly, the head needs to be pressure tested before reassembly and the type of gasket used in the rebuild will also depend on the liner heights in the block. Nine times out of ten, the Elastomer gasket is the best one to use.