VHPD not used for 10 years.....new head gasket ?

The Oily Bits S1 Specific Topics
1

I’m in the (slow) process of rebuilding my S1. I’m now planning what I do to “re-commission” the engine. To summarise the car has done 7000 miles but not been used for the last 10 years. Before I took the car apart last year to refurbish it all, I did briefly start the engine and it ran ok. Good amount of smoke on the ancient fuel :smiley: surprised it started actually.

Now I am working out what to change on the engine while it’s out of the car. I’m changing the normal service items eg fitting a new cambelt, (vernier pulleys), water pump, tensioner. And a few sensors. (And new fuel!).

Should I change the head gasket? Not sure how these things age if the engine isn’t used. Or should I just let sleeping dogs lie as there is no indication of a problem.

Also if I premptively change the head gasket, is there a recommended upgrade?

2

I would have a chat with someone like Dave Andrews or John Shorrocks, or someone else that is familiar with building K series engines.

3

I would think that all will be dependant on how/where you stored the engine and if you prepped it for that…? Liners may have rusted, rings seized etc etc. Not sure how a head gasket would suffer…

Will be interested to hear a response from Dave :slight_smile:

4

I’d have someone bore scope it properly as a minimum to check inside but to be honest if budget permits I’d replace all the gaskets

5

Hi

I would imagine most of the seals have dried out. I would say the head needs removing and also it would be prudent to replace the camshaft and crankshaft seals. These can be done and a new camber fitted - far easier to be done out of the vehicle than when installed.

You can check the bores with the necessary kit but I would lift the head off and physically check and put a new head gasket on. You can then also check all the waterways etc…

Tom

6

Dear Mr
If you want my opinion, of course, you must change the head gasket, because with the time, the elastomer seal has lost his propieties and it increase the risk of damage or breakage engine.
Many thanks
Vicente