how much to replace a head gasket?
Discussion
There are several specialists in K series rebuilds on Ebay. The keenest price I have seen is around £250.
You should be aware that the original head failure can be caused by other components. The Thermostat is known to stick, the Water Pump is know to fail both of which can blow the gasket.
The garage I use Wildmoor Engineering (a racing engine builder) recommend replacing both these and all the hoses on the engine. There is also the question of a new cambelt whilst the head is off.
The latest specialist multi layered modified Head Gasket is much better and should ALWAYS be used.
My 1.8 K series had a new Head Gasket by Wildmoor some 30,000 miles ago and has been absolutely fine.
Similarly the K series MGF Engine Wildmoor put in my Mini (high output engine) need a new gasket after Track days and this has been absolutely fine too.
On each occasion they replaced the Water Pump, Cambelt, Tensioner, Hoses and Water Pump. Belts and braces worked for me.
Good Luck
You should be aware that the original head failure can be caused by other components. The Thermostat is known to stick, the Water Pump is know to fail both of which can blow the gasket.
The garage I use Wildmoor Engineering (a racing engine builder) recommend replacing both these and all the hoses on the engine. There is also the question of a new cambelt whilst the head is off.
The latest specialist multi layered modified Head Gasket is much better and should ALWAYS be used.
My 1.8 K series had a new Head Gasket by Wildmoor some 30,000 miles ago and has been absolutely fine.
Similarly the K series MGF Engine Wildmoor put in my Mini (high output engine) need a new gasket after Track days and this has been absolutely fine too.
On each occasion they replaced the Water Pump, Cambelt, Tensioner, Hoses and Water Pump. Belts and braces worked for me.
Good Luck
MGZRod said:
If you're using a garage, prices have gone up in the past couple years. Expect around £750~
I was getting quotes from £600-1200 on my 1.4k series about 1-2 months ago.
For that sort on money a transplant would be cheaper. I was getting quotes from £600-1200 on my 1.4k series about 1-2 months ago.
Head gasket sets are between £60-£100, streach bolts and a head skim should be about another £60 and a day for a D.I.Y mechanic with a decent tool set and a Haynes manual (to ignore). While you've got the head off no harm in cleming (polishing) the ports and checking all the valves are ok.

Liquid Knight said:
For that sort on money a transplant would be cheaper.
Head gasket sets are between £60-£100, streach bolts and a head skim should be about another £60 and a day for a D.I.Y mechanic with a decent tool set and a Haynes manual (to ignore). While you've got the head off no harm in cleming (polishing) the ports and checking all the valves are ok.
Depends if you're keeping other parts such as water pump and such, which can lead to further problems down the line.Head gasket sets are between £60-£100, streach bolts and a head skim should be about another £60 and a day for a D.I.Y mechanic with a decent tool set and a Haynes manual (to ignore). While you've got the head off no harm in cleming (polishing) the ports and checking all the valves are ok.

Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff




