416 head gasket

[raymond22]

Just took the head off my rover, should i replace the new gasket dry as in the manual or should i use jointing compound to smooth out any minor imperfections.bolts look ok and under 97mm when screwed hand tight into the block should i still replace, any feedback welcome. Ta

[Andy Boz]

Definately replace the gasket, they are  designed to seat once and only once. If you don't change it now I gaurentee(?) you'll be doing it again a week or so. As for the head bolts, are they stretch bolts or not? I imagine they will be given the car, and similarly they should be replaced. Get from local motor factors, not main dealer, I imagine less than �25.

[qapmoc]

Hi reymond22,  if the head and block faces are in good condition then you should NOT use jointing compound on a head gasket.  The original bolts are tensioned until they start to stretch so to re-use them is not a good idea as the tension will never be same again. 

[KebabMeister]

If it's a Rover 416 use new bolts.  If it's a Honda 416 then you can reuse the bolts.  What year is the car?

[raymond22]

Thanks for info guys,the car is a416si on a R plate.