Topic

Gasket was not leaking but did complete strip down. Skimmed head checked liner heights and fitted MLS gasket. It has had a minor leak ever since. Visual on exhaust side. Should I replace it with an elastomer one or try again with another MLS. Is it possible to do this without removing the inlet and exhaust manifolds from the head.

you did renew the headbolts?

I had the same problem with a MLS, fitted new bolts, head skim, etc. And it leaked were you describe. I later read that there is a bad batch of MLS. Fitted one from these guys http://www.victorreinz.com/EN/Home.aspx and had no problems.

Did it by the book. New everything. Loosing patience. I'll try another supplier. I was not sure how the MLS gasket was supposed to work as it did not look very compliant. As I will be doing this in the car it looks possible to lift the head without removing the manifolds. has anyone done this.

Definitely doable just removing the exhaust manifold. To do it without removing the exhaust manifold, I doubt it. Anyway it's easier to take off the manifold/ head nuts rather than take off the downpipe/ manifold bolts.

If the liners are proud, the MLS is the one to fit.

I had a similar experience which i solved by using the elastomer gasket!

I am not sure why it leaked but in retrospect i suspect one of the following (or both)

When I had the head skimmed (it needed doing as it had damage where the old gasket let go) the "specialist" who did this, left lots of small marks in the head caused by the "fly cutter". Large radius marks where each cut was taken. Resembled a very fine washboard. If you scratched the surface with a finger nail you could definitely feel a very fine ripple effect, every 0.5mm or so across the head.
This might be fine for a normal head gasket, but i feel a MLS would not seal against these.

Liner heights were checked and suitable for an MLS.

However if it is leaking water from the side i doubt liner heights would cause this issue!

The other concern was I bought a cheapo gasket from E-Bay , and from what is said here in other posts this is definitely a NO-NO!

Replaced it with a Payen elastomer and fine ever since.

Once you have done the head gasket, the second time is easy

Peter

Thanks for the advice. Did the job today. Left inlet manifold, aux pulley and alternator in place. All working now but a real pain to have to do it all again.

No leaks, I hope.