head gasket

[foshi]

need to replace the head gasket on my 1600 vitesse ,workshop manual states apply a suitable sealant  to top of block before fitting gasket thoughts please paul.

[PeteStupps]

If you use a Payen gasket, they have a sealant layer built in. Otherwise, there is a broad range of opinions about pros and cons of gasket sealant. Personally I have used Payen gaskets with no additional sealant and had no failures so far, touch wood.

Pete

[RobPearce]

I'm not sure that's true for the 1600 as it's a steel shim gasket rather than the later composite type.

[foshi]

Quoted from RobPearce-

I'm not sure that's true for the 1600 as it's a steel shim gasket rather than the later composite type.

correct steel. do i seal or not workshop manual states you do my feeling is no paul.

[RobPearce]

Well, having never owned a 1600 I don't have any directly relevant experience. Like Pete, I would not use any on a composite gasket (e.g. Mk3 GT6 or 1500 Spitfire). On my Mk1 Vitesse, with the copper-asbestos(subtitute) type, I have used a thin smear of Hylomar on occasion, but not always. I can't say I've really noticed any difference (the old engine had a persistent problem with blowing the gasket, the current one hasn't ever needed replacement).

[nang]

For more years that I care to remember I've always used a smear of grease on head gaskets. Not sure that it's necessary but followed my late fathers advice and never had any failures.

Tony.

[PeteStupps]

Quoted from RobPearce-

I'm not sure that's true for the 1600 as it's a steel shim gasket rather than the later composite type.

Apologies! I'll wind my neck in...