1.9 TD Headgaskets...

KP · Post by KP » 30 Aug 2006, 23:38

Ok looking over the GSF website theres a few options for HG's.

Im thinking of going for the repair one as the head is coming off teh car i bought from fleabay and its going to be skimmed a tiny bit anyway when its pressure checked before refitting and ensure it should have a longer life though it may reduce compression a little, would this reduce performance??

also which gasket would be standard?
Its an M reg, 1994 Xantia, facelifted nose and anti sink as well

f00lzz · Post by **f00lzz** » 31 Aug 2006, 07:35

I think it depends on the 'history' of your new head.... has it been skimmed before, do you have the old gasket that was taken off with the new head? A system of notches on the head gasket tells you which thickness the gasket is.
I suppose if you don't know, then the safest bet is the repair gasket.

acrowot · Post by **acrowot** » 31 Aug 2006, 08:26

The head is flat (no combustion chamber) so skimming it will not affect the compression ratio, the head gasket thickness is determined by the maximum piston protrusion, the proceedure is described in Haynes.

KP · Post by KP » 31 Aug 2006, 09:53

Coll stuff ill ask the guy to have a look on sunday when he strips it off.

Looked thru the entire english and dutch service history and no notes of a headgasket, or a clutch for that matter so im going to get the clutch cable tightened up a little bit as well as i think its stretched more than actual clutch wear.

I may also replace the rear spheres, if i do this im thinking i may as well do the accumulator as well, the 2.1td needs this job done as well and im guessing ill save time in the future, they both seem to be on the original accumulators going thru the history's so i guess its a safe bet to do them? or should i leave them?

mezuk04 · Post by **mezuk04** » 31 Aug 2006, 10:39

Well if they are indeed the originals from 1994 I think its a sensible idea to have them replaced since they are their for safety purposes.

If your unsure about their history then once again replace them for piece of mind and safety purposes.

If however it ticks less than every 30 seconds then get it changed.

Summary:
Just get it changed

f00lzz · Post by **f00lzz** » 31 Aug 2006, 10:42

acrowot wrote:The head is flat (no combustion chamber) so skimming it will not affect the compression ratio, the head gasket thickness is determined by the maximum piston protrusion, the proceedure is described in Haynes.

By all means refer to the BOL for piston protrusion... but I have yet to see one with different dimensions to when it came out of the factory!!!

However. The more you skim off the head... the closer the valves get to the pistons... which is why it is important to use the 'notches' on the gasket as a guide, and if you get it skimmed at a reputable company they can supply a suitable gasket or advise on type/size.

8304 · Post by **8304** » 31 Aug 2006, 11:21

ive just finished replacing my hg (well about a month ago)

i had my head skimed aswell. it i s important to use the notch systsm to stop the valves hitting the pistones when the head has been skimmed. not all engines had the same thickness of gasket from the factory so you will need to check yours when it comes out.

i fitted a five notch steel laminated gasket - looks very tough i dont think i will have trouble wih it again.

i knew i would have to do the gasket at some point so i was glad it went when it did rather than a couple of weeks later whne we were on holidya!!!

its one of those things that when its done its very unlikly you will have to do it again.......

KP · Post by KP » 31 Aug 2006, 11:36

Cheers 8304.

Its kind of why im edging toward the few £ extra for the repair one as it will be a bit thicker and mean that its unlikely to pop again. its the one on GSF's website as well so it hould be good stuff

Post by **Peter.N.** » 31 Aug 2006, 11:49

I fitted a Citroen 'repair' gasket to my 2.1 td XM last year, they are laminted steel and look almost indestructable, but they only come in one thickness!

8304 · Post by **8304** » 31 Aug 2006, 12:27

your right they look really tough.... and they are quite heavy aswell especially compared to the fibrous original ones...

but you cn get thenm in different thicknesses ill try and remember where i got mine from, i think it began with a p if anybody can gues....

Post by **philhoward** » 31 Aug 2006, 12:49

...artco???

Post by **Peter.N.** » 31 Aug 2006, 14:07

Mine was a genuine Citroen, as GSF for some reason didn't do one for the Mk2 XM. It was Citroen that told me they only came in one thickness, but that was for the 2.1. It was expensive, but not half as expensive as having to take the head off again!

f00lzz · Post by **f00lzz** » 31 Aug 2006, 15:56

Just as important..... get it pressure tested and then skimmed. If the head has gone because of overheating or overheated since it went it is almost certainly in need of skimming. Get a 'decent' gasket either from Citroen or a specialist head refurbisher such as Motorcast on 01939 236000, they can also pressure test/skim/supply head bolts/all gaskets etc and work is immaculate.... I have used them several times now and can only say they are the best around. (If you decide to use them.... give them the old gasket with the head, they will determine the correct gasket thickness for you).

KP · Post by KP » 31 Aug 2006, 21:59

Well the head is going to be skimmed and pressure tested by my friend.

£100 for the labour and includes oil and coolant so i just need new oil filter, gasket and belts

f00lzz · Post by **f00lzz** » 31 Aug 2006, 22:28

Don't forget the new head bolts!!