Cylinder head

[pheelay]

So I have the ZS now at an independant garage to replace the head gasket (1.4 16v K-series). I've sourced the parts for them and agreed their price for the labour. Sent them MLS head gasket kit, head bolts, new oil rail, sump gasket, thermostat, oil filter.

They called me yesterday suggesting the head should be verified for warpage by an external company (presumably a machinist?) at a cost of 140?. Maybe a daft question, but what should this typically involve and is it worth getting it done? They indicated that opting not to do it would risk another HGF but at that price (+ an extra 80? to fit the oil rail), it seems worth the risk.

Thoughts?

[jamesc777]

sorry if i am behind with info but did ur head gasket fail or are you just having it done. if it has not failed then no need to have it done, generally they want doing if it has had a big failure.

[stamford]

Is that the cost for doing it or checking it? If just checking then are taken the pi$$ as it is only a case of laying a straight edge over the face in various positions. Even if layed on a surface plate and 'clocked' with a dti is not that hard to do. I think a head skim on a 4 pot is minimal before it is considered scrap, so no room for taking a large amount off. Not sure on the actual figure as I have read conflicting reports. Just make sure an MLS gasket is used as a skimmed k-series head needs it as a mechanical barrier as the 'hardened' surface has been machined off.

[pheelay]

cheers for the replies

@jamesc777
Yes, head gasket failed and I was running a nice mayo production facility under the bonnet for about 10 minutes until I realised from the temp guage rising.

@stamford
I believe the price is for checking it, and skimming if necessary. Either way, it struck me as expensive which is why I'm questionning it. Refusing the check would be a perfect opportunity for the garage not to stand over/guarantee the work. But at that price, i may well refuse and put the saved cash towards another head gasket change by a proper mg/rover specialist, should it fail again.

[stamford]

I fear you will get charged even if they do not skim it. If the head is okay then it is best left well alone. The guarantee may be worthless, so yes find a trusted garage if you can.

[jamesc777]

to be honest i know it is hard to find a garage i can always trust but u can check it yourself once it is off by using a stright edge of any sort really. did the temp gauge hit the top do you know?

[pheelay]

The problem is the car is 450km away and it's 70€ by train one-way to get to it :) If the car was here I'd have had a go at the HG change myself and checked it with a straight edge.

The temp gauge reached about 3/4 but never hit the red.

[jamesc777]

i think it should be ok, im sure someone else will have a bit more knowledge advise for you. im not a k series expert, i learnt on vauxhall and nissan!

[Alan.F]

what would you rather have pay 140 euro now and it be ok or dont py then hve to fork out ?300-400 later when it fails again

[Ritchy]

i would get it sent to the machine shop for them to check it and a skim, they will only skim the amount off they need anyway, it does sound steep thats the only thing id say, its ?26 for a skim here and ?20 for a pressure test