UK Car Repair: rover 216 headgasket, aluminium gaskets, rover 216

Question
i drive a rover 216 si 1998. i may have a problem with the headgasket.what do you think to using a liquid sealant called steel seal.

Answer
It's a good way to turn a £20/£50 oil and £5 coolant into sludge.


The only repair that works is a new gasket and skimmed head, also the block and head must be checked for distortion (distortion is usually the reason for failure, that, or overheating)

-> With this engine the headgasket is a common failure and may (if you can find a garage who can do it), be replaced with an aluminium headgasket... which will last a lifetime in this engine. (the aluminium gaskets are meant for racing)



 --- I have seen the price of a whole engine rebuild be poured in the top and come out the bottom, these liquids do not work --- Waste of time, effort and money.


-- The Thermostat should be changed too when the gasket is replaced --