Stag DVD and Head Gaskets

[Ian Durrant]

I noticed when watching my copy of "Codename Stag, Michelotti's Masterpiece" (Yes a Christmas Pressie) that Triumph engineers originally specified a different head gasket but were overridden by the bean counters. A caption at the bottom says that a stag specialist has had the original spec ones remanufactured.

Does anybody have any information about this or know which stag specialist it is referring to?

[John Clancy]

imported post

It's the Payen head gasket which I believe is generally available from Stag specialists. I'd recommend fitting this to all slant 4 and V8 Triumph engines.I doubt it's exactly the same as the type Harry Colley, Tony Lee et al were working with back in the late 60's but then things have moved on a bit since then so hopefully they're even better.

Attached photo taken at Robsport International who only fit Payen gaskets to Stag engine rebuilds.

[alan_thomas]

imported post

This subject is very relevant to me at the moment as I will be putting the heads back on (Payen gaskets) after a full engine rebuild.

I was always of the belief that these types of gaskets with firerings should be assembled dry without any other sealant. Have build up several TR7 and Sprint engines this way and never had a HG problem. Have recently heard of people using 'Wellseal' on Head gaskets.

What is peoples experience, with or without a sealant?

- Alan

[John Clancy]

imported post

On a TR7 it is definitely without sealant and I can't imagine why any other variation of the same engine would be any different.

[Kevin Garrod]

imported post

I used Payen gaskets with Wellseal, I know now it is not advised but it seems to work OK.

[Ian Durrant]

imported post

Ah I did wonder if it was the Payen gasket. The one in the video, like the one in John's photo has a red seal around the outside, but the payen gaskets I last used were new old stock from South Cerney engineering and did not have that red band, which made me think maybe there was yet another type of gasket.

I think i read somewhere today though, that the red band is only on the thicker "head saver" gaskets, can anyone confirm if that's correct?

[John Clancy]

imported post

I think the photo is the one I used in the video Ian. I used a Payen gasket in my TR7 two years ago after a bog standard one failed almost immediately and I don't think that had the red band around it. It was this that caused me to learn about the availability of the Payen gasket - Simon at Robsport wasn't surprised that another Triumph supplier had sold me a 'cheap sh!t' gasket (as he called it) and suggested that I invest a few extra quid in one that is likely to last, namely the Payen gasket. It did cost twice the price of an ordinary gasket but I don't care when it comes to the Triumph slant engine.

And make sure you coppa grease the angled head studs and bolts upon reassembly too. The fact that I did this when last assembling the cylinder head 20 years previously meant the thing came off all those years later.

[alan_thomas]

imported post

John Clancy wrote:

I think the photo is the one I used in the video Ian. I used a Payen gasket in my TR7 two years ago after a bog standard one failed almost immediately and I don't think that had the red band around it. It was this that caused me to learn about the availability of the Payen gasket - Simon at Robsport wasn't surprised that another Triumph supplier had sold me a 'cheap sh!t' gasket (as he called it) and suggested that I invest a few extra quid in one that is likely to last, namely the Payen gasket. It did cost twice the price of an ordinary gasket but I don't care when it comes to the Triumph slant engine.

And make sure you coppa grease the angled head studs and bolts upon reassembly too. The fact that I did this when last assembling the cylinder head 20 years previously meant the thing came off all those years later.

Looking at the picture of the gasket again I am suprised the 'red' band does not ring around each waterway. This red stuff is pressure sensitive sealant that 'flows when the head is bolted up. I did a Renault Head gasket last year andit had the stuff around each oil / water hole. I am sure it would have made more sense for the Stag gasket to do the same. - Alan

[Giles]

imported post

That is worrying - is that why people are using wellseal as well??