1.6K Series Water Leak....check yours!
 

Hi all,

Noticed a few weeks ago after the car was parked up in the garage for 24hrs a 10p sized blob of coolant on the floor under the engine!

AARRGHHH - Head Gasket!

I reckoned the worst, but then thought about it sensibly.

Compression check = good
Plugs = look fine
Misfire = no
Oil in water = no
Mayo on oil filler = no
Performance = still smiling!

....so started looking through web forums for a clue.

Turns out that early 1.6K series units with the plastic inlet manifolds had an inferior inlet manifold gasket material (black)....the gasket seeps and allows water to pass by it.

I checked the engine again and the water that I had seen tracking round the head joint was infact running down from the inlet manifold...and it has a black gasket!

...so I reckon Head Gasket fine (fortunately)...and £25 later I've bought a new Rover inlet manifold gasket (you need the green one) and new studs and locking nuts to fit it (instead of the set screws used originally)

All being well I should be doing the job this Saturday....so I'll let you know how I get on.

Rich

Ah these things are sent to try us.

Bit far for you maybe but looking at pod and Bruntingthorpe this year with the car. Also Detling. Weather permitting.

Problem solved!

Changed the gasket on Sunday for the new green one and changed set screws out for proper studs....looks like a previous owner of the engine had tried to seal it before as the gasket was covered in silicone sealant too!

Now doesn't leak!

(But I'd forgotten what a pig the car is to bleed air from when you fill the coolant!)

Rich