What to service when replacing head gaskets.

[chriswilliams]

After putting the engine back in (1.5 Ti GC) and getting MOT/TAX/Insurance I now find I have a head gasket leak (done with a leak test kit). Picture attached.

So, the heads have to come off.
Engine is 30yrs old, so what servicing would people do before re-fitting the heads (assuming I find no mechanical damage).
I have done the carbs, cambelts, water pump etc.

Regards,

Chris.

[LooLooSud33Spider]

Hi Chris. If you’ve got the remove the heads. You should certainly do both sides. Then depending on how far you want to go and the mileage I’d consider striping the heads and do a full decoke including grinding the valves and resetting the valve clearances.
Lou

[Kegsti66]

Don' t forget the valve stem seals

[alfadave]

Two head gaskets.
One leaking.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[StescoG66]

Smart looking car. Same wheels I have on my Sprint too. You have to put specers on there too?

[chriswilliams]

The wheels are from a 145.
I have the original pepper pots and tires, but you cant get replacements.
These wheels have 195 tires with 10mm spacers.
I think they are a bit wide. People recommend 185's, so i might downsize in the future.

Chris.

[StescoG66]

Same as me - 195-50-15” but I used 15mm spacers.

Drove it for the first time yesterday and I too wonder if tyres are too wide. I like the look of the 15’s though