1.6 8v head gasket

[duncslow]

Hello folks. The engine I bought for my sj conversion had developed a missfire, after changing plugs and leads I decided to take the head off, head gasket was blown between the middle two cylinders. is this a common fault, someones been in the engine before as theres red sealant here and there not sure if its had a new gasket or not. possibly been glued together. There doesnt seem to be any damage to the head but Im not sure what to do next.
Regards Chris

[Jordi]

As long as everything looks ok pistons/cylinders and valves new gasket and try again.

Check for any distortion to the head, particularly where the gasket had gone.

Jordi

[justaddmud]

you mean a bit like this



my hodge bodge 1.6 did the same, stripped, checked and cleaned rebuilt and has been fine ever since.

ad Jordi says, check everything and if ok, rebuild simple's

[Boyes]

If the headasket has gone, then get the head skimmed/checked for warping usually free to check & £25 to skim if needed.

[-Bradders-]

Bought mine exactly the same. i rebuilt the head to be safe, i skimmed the head old school style with a block and thin paper, put it all back together and all 4 cylinders made 175psi happy days!

[ScottieJ]

All you need is a straight edge and feeler gauges to check for warping.