Paranoia, whats that??

[KOY 23]

Bob Heritage came over to give the car the once over prior us going to the Le Mans Classic. Plugs etc OK. Thought we would retorque the heads, all fine until gently backing off the first bolt on LH head which sheared with little torque. Bolt was waisted and there were loads of iron filings at the base.

Called Russ, who advised running the engine up to temperature and immediately loosen head studs and bolts, not to bother with manifolds etc. Bob loosened all the studs and bolts. Thanks for that great tip Russ.

There was a build up of iron filings in 2 of the long bolt holes. The remainder of the stud protruded about 1/4" but took a lot of persuasion to loosen.

I do not know if the heads have been off before but they are in good condition.

I need a standard thickness LH head gasket, does anyone know who supplies good ones? as LD parts have the extra thick ones, which may cause inlet manifold seating problems.

Removing heads has always been my worst fear, but sometimes with help, good advice and luck it can work out.

Many thanks again to Bob and Russ.

John.

[Kevin Garrod]

John, next time Bob comes over to "help" tell him to XXXX off!
I bought my gaskets from Paddocks but it was a couple of years ago, didn't I hear that Payen weren't doing Stag gaskets anymore?

[Ian Durrant]

EJ Ward still have a few std Payen in stock according to their website

http://www.ejward.co.uk/cylinder-head-gaskets-c361.html

Hope that helps

[SGN]

EJ Ward still have a few std Payen in stock according to their website

http://www.ejward.co.uk/cylinder-head-gaskets-c361.html

Hope that helps

According to an earlier post "Payen" might not be strictly accurate.I bought a pair of these, and they didn't have the red seal on them.

Steve

[Ian Durrant]

According to an earlier post "Payen" might not be strictly accurate.I bought a pair of these, and they didn't have the red seal on them.

Steve

The red latex seal was only on the the thick gaskets, but having found and read that thread, I see what you mean!

[redstag]

According to an earlier post "Payen" might not be strictly accurate.I bought a pair of these, and they didn't have the red seal on them.

Steve

Hi Steve,
It is only the extra thick gaskets that have the red sealing ring.

Some here but the price !!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRIUMPH-STAG-HEAD-GASKET-PAYEN-STANDARD-THICKNESS-/370613376675?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item564a4756a3

Pete

[SGN]

Thanks for info on red seal, I didn't know that, but I'm still dubious as to whether they are genuine items, they arrived cling filmed to a piece of cardboard. I would have expected Payen printed backing card.

Steve

[Ian Durrant]

Thanks for info on red seal, I didn't know that, but I'm still dubious as to whether they are genuine items, they arrived cling filmed to a piece of cardboard. I would have expected Payen printed backing card.

Steve

I have to agree, on closer inspection they are not like the Payen gaskets I fitted to mine.

[paulbell6]

Hi guys, I have extra thick gaskets made by BGA, and they have the red seal running around the perimeter, I got them from Paddocks. Hope they are okay!

Paul

[alan_thomas]

Just to add to the gasket debate The payen gaskets photographed in this thread

http://www.stag.org.uk/forum/showthread.php?16340-Payen-Head-gasket-or-not-a-Payen-Head-Gasket-That-is-the-question&p=172022#post172022

were the normal thickness not the thick ones and they had the 'Red seal'. Red seal or not these 'Payen' gasket currently available are not the same quality. See pics on attached thread.

- Alan

[grahamb]

That's a bit thorough John
Hope it worked out ok but a bit curious why you would retorque the head bolts for the sake of it?

[KOY 23]

All back together and keeping fluids where they should be, fingers crossed.

Following up Alan Thomas's thread on gaskets, the original gasket had no identifying marks and measured 0.066" at the fire ring. I assume it was thicker when new but cannot say by how much. The standard thickness alledged to be a Payen, again unmarked except for 1.959 measured 0.077" (I measured the 1.959 gasket at 1.96mm). The BGA thick gasket from LD measured 0.080"

I fitted the BGA as it seemed much better made, no problems with the inlet manifold.

According to Peter from LD, the standard gaskets were 0.055" and the thick ones are 0.075"

Seems like some gaskets are neither Payen or standard thickness.

John.

[stagmuffin]

good luck john im sure itl be fine,put some insulating tape over the temp gauge it helps enormously! lol enjoy le mans im deffinately going to do this next time its on my list.
steve