1500HL Head gasket problems

[Jod Clark]

I was unable to determine the manufacturer of the failed gasket, but it was unlike any other I have seen.<br>
<br>
I refitted the head with a Payen head set, but this contained a Coopers head gasket, a nicely made item similar to that I used when I built the lairy engine in my car.<br>
<br>
Incidentally, the head Payen head set was £35 inc VAT. How does that compare to the Robber Brother's price?<br>
<br>
Jod

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[Guest]

Give Engine line a call on 01928 573000 if your after gaskets(or any other bits) the Payen head set will prob set you back about £20-25 inc VAT and postage!<br>
<br>
Andy.<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :rolleyes --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/eyes.gif ALT=":rolleyes"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->

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[AndyThomas]

After fitting the Rimmers County head gasket to my toledo and reading this topic I have changed the head gasket to a Payen part (AK260) which is actually a Cooper gasket. The difference in quality between the two gaskets is very noticeable as is the fit. The price for the new gasket was only £11 including postage from Canley Classics.

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[Jod Clark]

Sounds like a wise move to me Andy! Was the Rimmer one a kind of dimpled affair?<br>
<br>
I know that the Coopers gasket is the one to have on the 1500, if it has survived my car for 22,000 miles with no problems it has to be good. I'm aware that it isn't too expensive on its own but I got the complete head set for Barry's motor as the work was done on a Sunday and I didn't want to tempt fate! Good value when you see what you get in the kit and superb fit too!<br>
<br>
Jod

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[C Mallock]

What should a 1500 sound like? mine has a abrasive harshness too it. But had good oil pressure (80psi 3000rpm) uses no oil water pulls very strong. Im just a lil worried that it will let go when im miles from home, i believe the engine is quite fresh and having lifted the head off there is no bore wear and only gentle valve burning that was removed with grinding paste.<br>
Many thanks

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[Jod Clark]

A standard, unmodifed 1500 in good nick is should sound quiet and solid. They always tap a little from the top end but this should be a tap, not a rattle. Rattles that adjusting the tappets wont cure usually indicates a worn-out rocker shaft.<br>
<br>
1500s generally do rasp a little through the exhaust, especially later ones as the MG Midget / Spitfire / Dolomite all ended up using the same camshaft, although this is a little documented fact.<br>
<br>
A stainless steel exhaust system will make the exhaust note a little more lively.<br>
<br>
My 1500 on the other hand, sounds like something the devil would drive.<br>
<br>
Jod

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[C Mallock]

Thanks for that, I will hopefully be building up a faster engine soon as i have access to belencing machines and a good deal with a engine machine shop, anything to look out for on this particular model?<br>
Im currently running a 2" free flow exhaust and open <br>
twin 1 1/2 SU with ram pipes. plays a nice tune and goes well.

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[Jod Clark]

Get your machine shop to machine the main bearing cap to allow use of full-circle thrust washers. Use good quality main and big end bearings and use the best big end bolts you can find.<br>
<br>
Don't go wilder than a 285 - 290 cam or it will be a bugger to drive in town and will be continually fouling plugs.<br>
<br>
Don't rev it beyond 5,500 no matter what anyone tells you!<br>
<br>
And use a decent head gasket!<br>
<br>


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[John Skinner]

Sierra/escort cosworth big end bolts are supposed to fit the 1500.

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[C Mallock]

Thank you for that, im imagining the bolts are 3/8 so some arp or cosworth bolts will be an easy find,<br>
I must look into my current cam, i believe the car has always been owned by a elderly gent but i suspect there is something sub-standard in my engine as i can out run lots of modern stuff to an impressive speed and has a healthy exhaust and intake tone.<br>


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[Jod Clark]

Add an oil cooler and external rocker feed kit too. Personally I wouldn't bother lightening the flywheel. Use an electric fan instead of the normal windmill. Uprate to a Sprint radiator.<br>
<br>
Use lightened, tuftrided cam followers on your new camshaft and uprated valve springs without the lower collars. Fit a duplex timing chain set. Uprated the oil pressure relief valve.<br>
<br>
The will be a 1500 engine with all this work done appearing on eBay before too long.<br>
<br>
Jod

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[C Mallock]

The windmill is long gone! i was interested in putting a sprint or 1850 rad on but told that it would not fit, i have the materials and kit to make alu water pipes so if the bigger rad mounts up i will do so, Was hoping to find one at Stoneleigh last weekend but as my clutch went on the way that took a higher priority,

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[IRL1177NI]

I have some new unused go-faster bits for the 1500.<br>
Mail me a tom(dot)lambe(at)heinz(dot)co(dot)uk if you're interested.

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[C Mallock]

Having just done my clutch i have a lightend flywheel maybe there is more to my engine than i thought, it always has has a willingness to rev and pull me along at licence loosing speeds, now looking for a decent set of roller rockers,

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[Barry Worrallo]

Jod,<br>
Thanks for the pics of my blown head gasket, I now have photographic proof as well as the gasket itself.!....As to who fitted it, it may be "unprofessional" to "name names." It could also sound like "sour grapes" on my part. I think I should just put it down to experience, and try not to think about the money I wasted.! (What a WALLY.!!!!).<br>
<br>
Cheers,<br>
Barry.

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