I never saw a copyright when this was posted back in '96, but here is what
our esteemed Mr. John Twist wrote concerning your problem with the head
gasket: (Did he get chased away from the list or just lose patience with
the repetition of the list? I am sure he has forgotten more about these MGs
that I will ever begin to know.)
MGB WEEPING CYLINDER HEAD: The rule is, all rebuilt B series engines weep
between the block and head, between the 2nd and 3rd spark plug. Some
actually piss. To remedy this problem: That center exposed head stud, RH
side, between #2 and #3 is the guide stud -- the hole in the head is 3/8
whereas the other holes are 7/16. Clean out the stud hole in the head with
a 3/8 drill. Polish that stud, at least. Ensure a chamfer at the threaded
hole in the block. Chase the threads on the stud, nut, and block (3/8-18
and 3/8-24). Ensure the head is planed to 0.001." Ensure that the top of
the block is cleaned to a SMOOTH finish. Fit the studs back into the block
with only about 5 lb-ft torque. Place a THIN film of clear silicone, RTV,
sealant on the RH side of the head gasket. Into that EXTREMELY THIN film,
place two strands of stranded, flexible wire about six inches long, twisted
together, along the outboard side of the gasket, between its edge and the
water jacket holes so that the thickness of the head gasket is effectively
increased by several thousandths. Goodbye leaks.
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