K-Series help please

[olij]

Blatters, any advice to solve the following would be well received:

 

My 1400 supersport K leaks coolant from the inlet manifold gasket - it has been into a specialist on five seperate times over about 2 years to get new gaskets put on and has had a inlet manifold support bracket put on also.

 

However, it still leaks and with an impending summer of touring Italy and track days I want to get it sorted out once and for all. The leak's coming from below the first inlet port, near the dipstick and the (breather?) pipe that come sfrom the top of the expansion tank.

 

Does anyone have experience of this or any suggestions as to how I can stop it happening - reinforced gaskets? sealant brands? anything else?

 

Any help very much appreciated as I am getting increasingly worried about cam belt and coolant coming into contact.......................

 

cheers

Oli

[Bob Corb]

I have a colleague at works who's Rover 416 has the same problem. He's changed the gasket 5 times now. I cant imagine the mating face of the head is warped. His car has a plastic inlet manifold. Is you SS one of the ali manifold types? Would it be possible to skim the mating face of the manifold? If its the plastic type I'd have a hunt around at the breakers for a replacement.

 

BC

2001 Roadsport 160 (?)

[Tony Martyr]

It sounds as if the plastic manifold sealing face must be distorted in some way. While the clamping force is not right rond that hole I haven't seen a leak there myself, unlike the hot header tube which can caused problems.

I assume that you have checked that the tube and fittings to the expansion tank are clear for coolant flow.

I would use Hylomar sealant on both sides of the gasket face in the area of the passageway as my first attempt to effect a seal. I would not be overly concerned about the cam belt being effected by a 50% coolant additive mix but you do need to stop the leak

[olij]

Thanks for your ideas.

 

The manifold is metal, so I guess must be ali as you suggest. Skimming it would seem a logical way forwards if this is possible, thanks. I will try the Hylomar out with the next gasket.

 

What torque should the bolts holding the inlet manifold on be tightened up to - I am conscious of over-tightening them, could someone tell me the torque settings please?

 

Many thanks as usual for your help, any further solutions anyone?

 

cheers

Oli