6 replies to this topic

[Nu2mini]

Cooper SPI
1993:

OK I've got a 93 Cooper SPI which has just done 30K and without tempting fate is running as sweet as nut. Now I'm firmly in the school of if it aint broken don't meddle with it, but I'm suffering a touch of 'worried wellness'. I'm reading all these horror stories about the consequences of a head gasket failure that I'm wondering if I should take some preemptive action and replace the gasket now. Does anyone know if Gaskets have a recommended life. If so is this mileage or age dependent. How good an indicator is a 'Leak Down Test' or given it's now 17 years old do I just change it

[ado15]

I'm with you on the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" front.

It's quite possible that your engine could top 100,000 miles on the same head gasket. Others fail rather earlier, of course. It's down to build tolerances.

In any case, head gasket failure on an A series isn't a major issue, as long as you catch it quickly. If it is left to run like it for any length of time, the head or block faces can get damaged.

[Bungle]

mine did 15 years and only replaced it because i changed the head

[Spitz]

Leave it alone.......

[Jacko-lah]

The consequences of Head gasket failure on an A series ? The engine will overheat. If you stop when you realise that the temp gauge is in the red, it's HIGHLY UNLIKELY that it will be damaged. You could probabally run it for an hour before permanent damage occurs (or maybe not?)

As long as you don't then pour cold water into a hot engine, but let it cool down, and get a tow home, a head gasket can be done in an afternoon by an amateur.

(Change the oil at the same time as coolant could have mixed)

It's NOT a K series in an MGF. Now there's a car with a reputation. Or Every 8V vauxhall I've ever owned that got to 70K and the head gasket went.

[Big_Adam]

20 years and 64,000 miles.

One head gasket.

[Nu2mini]

Thanks guy's I feel re-assured.

I'll divert my attention to upgrading the suspension instead