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Re: K-Seal, Steel Seal - Watch the video 11 years 10 months ago #55321
... I also question how well the product would work with the typical MGF gasket track failure where the failure isn't just a pinhole but a detached section of gasket
The photo of the detached section of gasket is slightly misleading, whilst bolted in situ the first signs of this would be a tiny gap which if filled would stop it it detaching.
There are cases where these products will not solve the the problem, but as witnessed by the testimony of the other T-Bar members there are many occasions where it has worked.
... I've now used steel seal on 3 cars for people and Its worked every time.
I like the fact that on the T-Bar you do get considered reviews of products and not just a bunch of people jumping on a bandwagon slagging off things they have no first hand knowledge of or perpetuating urban rumours.
Well done the T-Bar
Re: K-Seal, Steel Seal - Watch the video 11 years 10 months ago #55331
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- Supercover
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Well I would never put any of these products in my car, nor would I buy one that it had been used in.
Its a bodge, not a fix.
Its a bodge, not a fix.
Supercover has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Social hand grenades don't exist.
Re: K-Seal, Steel Seal - Watch the video 11 years 10 months ago #55335
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- Rich in Vancouver
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... I also question how well the product would work with the typical MGF gasket track failure where the failure isn't just a pinhole but a detached section of gasket
What that gasket failure shows is a failure over 10mm long. Sure, under the compression of the head it is only a few thou thick but that is a lot of area for a chemical repair. It's not just a pinhole, and it's not in an all metal assembly which doesn't expand and contract at different rates every time the engine runs.The photo of the detached section of gasket is slightly misleading, whilst bolted in situ the first signs of this would be a tiny gap which if filled would stop it it detaching.
There are cases where these products will not solve the the problem, but as witnessed by the testimony of the other T-Bar members there are many occasions where it has worked.
This product may stop a gasket from leaking more in some cases, but a full fluid change (oil and water) and flush is still required. It would be all too easy to just bung a bottle into the coolant and go on driving with the contaminated oil coursing through the engine with diminished lubricant value. As I mentioned my gasket failure seemed to be quite minimal, until I drained the oil and found just how much contamination there was.
I think that too much is made of the difficulty of changing the head gasket. I am a competant home mechanic and changed mine in a weekend. This gave me the opportunity to do a 60,000 mile service as well (timing belt, tensioner, water pump) In the UK the gasket could have been changed in a morning for as little as 250 quid by a specialist.
I can see using a sealant as a get it home solution but certainly wouldn't consider it a repair.
This stuff may be one of the reasons so many people come on the forums and say "I've only had my MGF/TF a month and the head gasket has failed" Bodges only last so long....Usually only long enough to sell the car!
Re: K-Seal, Steel Seal - Watch the video 11 years 10 months ago #55341
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- Leigh Ping
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Typically I would try and look for signs of coolant staining and leakage. But I would need to access the engine bay for that and, as we all know, that is a mission in itself. I would check the coolant reservoir but if the seller were out to dupe me then it's likely that they've cleaned up, flushed and refilled with the good stuff. Temperatures should be checked. Again, we all know the notoriety of the MG gauges. So, there's no guarantees there. I'd dig around looking for 'mayo' signs in the oil. Perfectly clean oil and coolant might be a sign of a well maintained vehicle or a camouflage job.Just as a matter of interest , how would you know if it has been used in a car you wanted to buy?
With the owners permission and if insured, I'd 'gun it' on a test drive to see if it can take some pressure. I'd let the car run whilst asking questions and ask to see the 'well maintained' servicing receipts and make phone calls in front of the seller whilst gauging their manner and reactions. I'd tell them that I like to look into the history of my cars maintenance and would be chasing it all up thoroughly later if anything went wrong. I'd talk about the MG T-Bar community and how knowledgable they are and that they can't wait to give my new car the 'once over' inspection tomorrow at a meet.
I'd ask them to sign it all over to me on the bill of sale with declarations that they would make good any issues within a certain timeframe and in particular if I should find out they hadn't been reasonable and truthful in disclosing certain facts about the car such as HGF.
I'd ask their neighbour to sign as a witness and question them about how well the seller looks after the car too.That's what I would do.. and I'd be 'nice' about it too. After all, I want to buy the persons car. All else is 'buyer beware' and generally you pays your money and takes your chances on private sales. I maybe missed some stuff. So, over to the rest of you for any other tips I forgot to mention.
Re: K-Seal, Steel Seal - Watch the video 11 years 10 months ago #55362
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- Rich in Vancouver
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True Leigh. I never expect a used car to be perfect, and it's very likely there are some bodges on an older car. You can only do your best to find them, ideally before you buy the car or at least before they cause you problems. You hope that the seller is being honest, and failing that you hope that the problems are minor. If you do your research on the type of car you are buying at least you will have an idea what to look for. The internet is a huge help there!
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