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K-Series and gaskets

I wish to avoid a the common head gasket failure on my MG TF

I have approached my local garage who quote £430+vat to replace the cylinder head gasket, however they tell me that MG Rover fitted the upgraded gasket from 2004?

My car is an 04 model. Is this true and if so do you know how I can check whether my car has the 'old' gasket or the modified one?

Asked on 27 April 2011 by Brian25

Answered by Honest John
The gaskets that fail are the O ring gaskets between the cylinder head and the water heated inlet manifold. The resultant leak can rapidly lead to overheating and cylinder head gasket failure. If you have no leak, then leave well alone. But keep a careful check on the coolant reservoir. And preferably fit a bigger expansion tank with a low level warning system. Details here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mg/mg-tf-2002/?secti...d

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