Head Gasket

[keltik]

Im not an idiot, but i need a quick bodge fix for my 1981 mirage. Usually i would go to the trouble of fitting a new head gasket when i remove the head but on this engine it really isnt worth it. So.... ive heard stories of bathtub sealant, gastite and all other bodge ups, but what really is an effective cheap head gasket that can be tailor made? Will gasket paper do the job?

[Kev_UK]

Yes, you can use gasket paper. I've made gaskets out of cornflake packets in the past. You will need some gasket sealant, such as Pro Seal, red rtv hi temp instant gasket too. Have you priced up a new gasket, it may work out cheaper than you think, especially if you can get pattern parts.

[keltik]

cheers kev, truth is i just ripped this engine out of my mates banger racer. A new gasket would be more of a hassle than a cost and ive got metres of gasket paper lying around. I have to praise you tho on your inventiveness, a cornflake packet is pretty good thinking. Im guessing your next question is what do i want this engine for? Wel its destined for life in a jetboat so cooling wont be a problem. but i will need reliability, so can anyone vouch for kevs ideas?

[Drewhound]

It'll work, I forget how many bits of cardboard I've cut up to do it. I wouldn't count on it lasting though, I never did

[nealasims]

there is a chemical that you can get that you pour into the radiator( not the header tank) and it sets stopping the head gasket leaking. i used to work for the AA breakdown and we used this, ask an AA patrol for further details, its about �7 AND IT DOES WORK!

[keltik]

is there any serious problem using gasket paper and large wads of gastite? i really need a quick fix because i cant get a new gasket (no cash and no supplier) and i have miles of gasket paper lying around. As i said earlier, i need it to last for a while.

[keltik]

ok well thanks for your replies everyone, ill give this thread 2 more days.