If the head gasket blows on a Rover K16 engine assuming the engine hasn't overheated then would the cylinder head need to be skimmed or not ? I have read that an updated head gasket was issued in the early 1990s. Is this true or not ? Are there any differences in replacement head gaskets sold by Rover and those sold through motor factors ?
Usually dosen't need skimmed but check for corrosion micro pitting on the head face around the top of the bores. Rover head gaskets are made by Paynes and sold under both these names and also Unipart branded ones are also still in circulation - don't use any other type but these -- latest spec gaskets have stainless steel dowls included.
To be sure it is a gasket failure before stripping check the manifold gasket and water pump for leaks, also if the car done 80kmile+ check the rad very carefully. The work shop manual stripping procedure should be followed exactly. Bigest problem is likely to rounded hex heads on the inlets manifold bolts --- best to use a brand new tight fitting 6 point socket.
Head bolts are safe to use if checked carefully following the procedures in the manual. The inlet manifold gasket and cam roll pins should also be renewed (latter can be hard to find) as a matter of couse. Use Loctite when assembling the cam sprokets on to the cam. When filling with coolant bleed air from the system via the bleed bolt on the raddiator hose below the distributer cap.
just have it checked by a machine shop, if its out of true then have it skimmed..
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