Modern MG Forum

What are you guys opinion (I know, bad grammar) on the need for the strengthened oil rail when changing the head gasket to an MLS version and the modified thru-bolt tightening sequence? I believe the strengthened oil rail came on scene once SAIC came along with their version of the MLS.

When I replaced the head gasket on Barney (LR MLS, didn't realise there was a SAIC MLS) , I did install the strengthened oil rail, belt and braces was my thinking, but with it really needed?

Also, if you were to replace a head gasket today, would you use the LR-developed MLS or the SAIC MLS?

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Canadian Modern MG Rover Car Club - www.cmmgrcc.com

MOWOG Garage serving the needs of all Post Abingdon MG owners in Lambton Co. since 2011.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017-12-15 07:33 AM by Mark Jones.

SAIC gasket. Once you have handled a SAIC head gasket you will look at the standard MLS gasket and go Eeeew!
If I was doing the job on a car I plan to keep I would also do the l rail. Like you say, "Belt and Braces"

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Modern MGs aren't just Transportation, They're a Hobby!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017-12-18 06:53 PM by Rich in Vancouver.

Thanks Rich.

Mike, what have you used?

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Canadian Modern MG Rover Car Club - www.cmmgrcc.com

MOWOG Garage serving the needs of all Post Abingdon MG owners in Lambton Co. since 2011.

So far on my top end rebuilds I have only used elastomer gaskets due to inconsistency of liner heights. I also have used a head saver shim to good effect on one engine.
That said, I think I have issues with 2 motors which have symptoms of liner movement (or possibly cracked liners), presumably from earlier rebuilds where the liners were not secured in place.
so they will be getting the full rebuild treatment over coming months including new liners and or spacers etc, with MLS and strengthened oil rails

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Mike, Would that be Gosnay's head saver shim?

Are you thinking of using the LR-developed MLS head gasket or the SAIC MLS head gasket?

It will be interesting the head what you find in terms of the cylinder liners.

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Canadian Modern MG Rover Car Club - www.cmmgrcc.com

MOWOG Garage serving the needs of all Post Abingdon MG owners in Lambton Co. since 2011.

I recently traded a few emails back and for with Roger Parker regarding the different types of MLS gaskets and he tells me that the MG Rover Powertrain developed MLS gasket and the SAIC MLS gasket are actually the same gasket, the difference being that the separate shim is riveted to the MLS gasket, interesting.

"The LR gasket is the MG Rover Powertrain developed gasket, all LR did was continue the progress of what was already developed and introduced by Powertrain in 3000 new K series engines for LR Freelanders along with the uprated lower rail.

SAIC took the MG Rover and Powertrain engineers who developed these Euro IV updates for the K series and reproduced them with manufacturing in China. They are essentially the same spec and I have no issues with either Chinese or European manufactured spec gaskets and lower rails. Where the SAIC uprated spec differs is with the alternative spec through bolts, ones markets 10.9 on the heads rather than the usual KXI. These uprated bolts have a different tightening torque in the third (last) step of tightening as instead of a second 180 degree tightening this is reduced to 135 degrees.

SAIC and Powertrain both use (or at least did the last time I looked which wasn’t that recently) a main shim with two subordinate embossed shims above and two below. The additional 0.012” separate shim is present to assist in protecting the head face from the effects of the vapourising coolant that can occur in the sections between the main gasket and head face that is now largely filled with the subordinate shims and during wide open throttle the much smaller coolant volume in this area can vapourise and erode the head face.

Now you will find that some gasket manufacturers such as the highly respected German Victor Reinz application has for some years come with the additional shim riveted to the main gasket and not separated as a direct response to some fitters taking it on themselves to know better than the engine designed and manufacturers and omit the additional shim, then complain when there is gasket failure because the head face has been eroded. It is a practise that has been adopted by one other as I have seen."

I wonder if some the issues people have is due to a difference in quality of the MLS depending on the manufacture. Rich, you mentioned that you felt that there was quite a difference in quality between the two MLS gaskets that you have installed. Do you happen to know the manufacture of one or both of the gaskets? The three manufactures I know of are:

- Victor Reinz - supposed to be of excellent quality
- RAI - good quality aftermarket I believe - this is the brand name of the one I installed
- BGA - Rimmer has told me that they were an OEM supplier to MG Rover

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Canadian Modern MG Rover Car Club - www.cmmgrcc.com

MOWOG Garage serving the needs of all Post Abingdon MG owners in Lambton Co. since 2011.



Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 2018-01-16 06:39 AM by Mark Jones.

Sorry Mark but I don't know the manufacturer of the poor quality gasket. The good one was was by SAIC though.
The difference in quality was visible.

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Modern MGs aren't just Transportation, They're a Hobby!