bigbo

Hello everyone, my first post despite being a member for 8 years. All my previous issues have been answered by the knowledgeable people on this forum.

I am about to replace the head gasket on my wife's 53 plate TF 1.6 cool blue for the second time, last done in 2010. I took the car off road to do a full service and a cam belt replacement, its only done 10k miles since the head gasket was replaced. However after rotating the engine by hand coolant was pumped out of no4 cylinder which really peed me off!

If my memory serves me right there was less information then than there is now. For instance I didn't then know about liner heights, however I installed, again if I remember right an "upgraded gasket and bolts".

Now I understand which type of gasket to install depending on liner heights. I have not removed the head yet but assuming my liners are 3 thou or more and all the same I can fit an MLS gasket so which to go for?

I would favour the latest N series gasket but does it require the latest oil rail and bolts?
Can I use the 10.5 bolts with the standard rail? I ask because I have read that it is a very fiddly job to replace the rail.

Also if I have to use the Elastomer gasket have these been upgraded to ensure they wont fail again?

Many thanks
David