Q We hope you can clarify what we originally thought was an easy question, our 2004 MG TF 135 is a lowmileage car that does not, as far as we know, have a head gasket fault. Rather than experience a breakdown we thought we would get the gasket changed as a precaution. This is where the query started.
After speaking to a fairly local repairer he asked us what type of gasket we wanted. He said you can have a standard Payne one, an MLS layer one or the China-developed N-series one. He said it was up to us to decide.
Since this information we have spoken to several different repairers who all have a different view. Apart from the three different type of gaskets offered, some say they should all be fitted dry. Others say they should be coated with Well-seal gasket lacquer and others say no gasket should be fitted without a head skim. What we originally thought was a straightforward task has turned out to be far more complicated.
We appreciate that engine condition when dismantled might necessitate a change of view but any advice on what would be considered to be a normal change would be very much appreciated. I am sure there must be more up to date thinking on the subject other than what we have been told.
Joyce and Paul Woodham
There is an awful lot of information and opinion out there related to the Rover K series engine, much of it unsound and some plain wrong, so it is no surprise you have received varied information. History, and the events that finally over took MG Rover in 2005, can be
