XPart provides Caterham owners with ‘ultimate fix’ for K-series engine

MG Rover parts specialist XPart now offers the best known aftermarket solution for head gasket repairs on K-series engines.

Caterham owners looking to replace head gaskets on MG Rover K-series engines now have access to the new Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) Gasket Kit from XPart, designed to be the most efficient and durable solution to date for MG Rover K-series engine head gasket repairs. XPart has developed the kit utilising the engineering expertise at MG Motor UK and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), which employs many former MG Rover engineers at Longbridge. The company will distribute it via its nationwide network of wholesalers and AutoService centres.
 
“After a period of thorough testing we are convinced that the latest MLS Gasket Kit offers enthusiasts and automotive technicians the ultimate fix for head gasket replacement,” comments Don Lindsay, Service Marketing Manager, XPart. “The kit provides Caterham, Lotus and MG Rover owners using K-series engines with a sophisticated, reliable option for the replacement of head gaskets.”
 
Stronger design
In designing the new kit, XPart and SAIC have used a combination of the revised lower oil rail, originally designed by MG Rover engineers, higher tensile 10.9 grade long stretch bolts and a new single piece multi-layer steel gasket engineered by SAIC for its new N-series engine. The gasket should not be fitted in isolation and it is the kit together with revised torque settings that provides the ultimate repair. The XPart parts warranty only applies when the full kit has been used. XPart will continue to offer all the original K-series components as part of its MG Rover original parts range.
 
Feedback from the trade
In order to make sure its latest MLS head gasket kit would meet customers’ needs, XPart conducted trials with specialist Caterham and MG Rover garages to gain feedback from experienced technicians as to the durability of the kit as well as how straightforward it is to use.
 
Millwood Motor Company, Gloucestershire
“We have just tried the new kit on a 1999 1600 Supersport and found it to be very straightforward to use,” comments Wayne Eric Ball, Caterham specialist, Millwood Motor Company. “The owner first realised there was a problem when the coolant level rose in the expansion tank. Despite testing for airlocks and fitting a new radiator cap, the coolant began seeping out again, eventually resulting in head gasket failure. A prototype of the new kit was supplied to us by XPart to trial and we applied it without delay. The kit can be easily fitted and is noticeably more robust than previous kits due to the quality and durable nature of the materials. It therefore has the potential to stand up to road and competition use much better than kits using rubber compounds. The car in question has been running smoothly since with no reported problems.”
 
Sterling Automotive, Eastbourne
“The Rover 25 we used to trial the latest MLS gasket has now covered many miles as a heavy use courtesy car and I have complete confidence that in line with all of our other MLS gasket equipped cars, it will continue to give reliable service for the remainder of its life”, explains Patrick Warner, Managing Director, Sterling Automotive. “We have been using MLS head gaskets for over two years with a 100 percent success rate. The latest kit from XPart helps make this even more affordable for customers. We would recommend fitting the MLS gasket set which comes with a strengthened lower oil rail and new head bolts, as well as a water pump.”
 
Head gasket failure: reading the signs
Head gasket condition can be investigated by checking the compression pressure with a pressure gauge, and noting any indication of combustion gases in the cooling system. Oil mixed with coolant and excessive coolant loss with no apparent cause, or presence of carbon monoxide or hydrocarbon gases in the expansion tank of the cooling system can also be signs of head gasket problems. Blue exhaust smoke may be indicative of oil-burning, while white exhaust smoke is an indicator of coolant burning, another sign of head gasket wear.
 
Potential damage
If a heat gasket fails, a number of problems can occur, including power reduction, due to compression loss, engine overheating as exhaust gases are forced into the cooling system, and increased engine wear due to the mixing of oil with antifreeze. Additionally, coolant can leak into the cylinders, causing the exhaust to issue steam and the catalytic converter to be damaged. If the quantity of coolant leeked is high, hydrolock can occur, causing extensive engine damage. In some cases, the only noticeable sign of head gasket failure is excessive steam erupting from the exhaust pipe. The engine may act normally until all the coolant is gone before overheating and damaging the engine through overheating or loss of lubrication.
 
For further information on the new MLS head gasket kit or to make an order, please locate your nearerst XPart dealer by visiting www.xpart.com.