Yep ive just done one of these and the engine is so easy to work on its untrue, i did get a MLS gasket to start with but the liners were a little low so i went for the elastomer one too in the end, i dont think the gaskets go that often Jim but the manifold gasket can go leaking water into the engine through the inlets, i think the main trouble is poor coolant system design, mine had hoses that airlocked like mad as they came out of the block ran up hill then dropped into the rad, later ones had small bleed pipes fitted to the main hoses to stop air locks, then of course the stat is in the return on the back of the engine to aid a quick warmup, which means if you tyhrash the engine from cold it gets very warm very quick and these engines dont like getting overheated, the liners drop and then its all over.
VERY GOOD ENGINE THOUGH!!! i like it a lot, plenty of go, very light and very compact and easy to work on.
It should run really nicely with the valves re seated and all the other work done Gareth if you need bits let me know as ive got a small pile including a good 1.6/1.8 non vvc head and new auto type tensioner and the wider timing belt to go with it if you can use it? would save me binning them.
The K series has a low water capacity, this makes it more efficient because it warms up quicker, and also reduces weight. The problems start when you load if too much from cold i.e in a Land Rover Freelander, too much stress and thermal shock eventually causes a problem. If you get a water leak, not much has to be lost before it overheats, warps the head, the gasket goes, the liners shift etc... ruins an engine.
The early K series damp liner was stronger because the liners were better supported, when they went to wet liner (to make the engine bigger and to save costs) some of this rigidity was lost, not a lot, but enough to cause a problem with the plastic dowels in the head. The change to metal dowels to an interference fit helped, but the head gasket design was still marginal.
I had a L reg Metro Si once, only ever changed the oil once, thrashed it and it never let go, that engine was bulletproof and was quite quick too, did a 17.3 at Santa Pod and it only had 75bhp! It was the 8 valve version so no guts top end. Was one of the last damp liner engines, i miss that car, so light and nimble, but too small.
I think the 1.6/1.8 suffer more from HGF, they have the bigger 80mm bore and they are noticeabley thinner, which makes the fire ring bite area smaller. 1.4 has really thick liners in comparison.
The build quality on the MG is much better than you would think. The interior doesnt rattle, the chassis feels sharp, its no worse than other cars of its time really, but it was after 2004 when quality dropped, you could fit your thumb in the tailgate shut!
Dean, i would be interested in the bits, where are you?
good work Gareth I was lent an MG metro once just after passing my test.. red sporty little thing.. I dont know much about them, but it was great fun somehow , had to give it back after 2 months as the engine was needed in a customers car
Isle of wight Gareth..............but i can post the small stuff if you want, ive actualy got two heads but one is soft and the head gasket has sunk into it so scrap really. Let me know, you can have whatever for postage.
if you need bits let me know as ive got a small pile including a good 1.6/1.8 non vvc head and new auto type tensioner and the wider timing belt to go with it if you can use it? would save me binning them.
It was happy to rev and sit there at silly revs all day without a murmer of protest and so smooth too. 
Such a shame.
