WTF is it with thermostat gaskets?
Turbo Mini Forums

I thought about this the other day whilst changing out a thermostat.

Why, after 40+ years of the mini, and 50 years of the A-series, do these gaskets still not seem to fit as well as a small, simple gasket should?

I always end up using a scalpel to elongate the holes such that it sits properly over the studs. I think the best gasket was the 'unipart' one that was a big lump of gasket shapes and you pressed / cut out the mini sized-one - even that seemed to be in need of a trim occasionally.

Ok - rant over. I begrudge paying money for a small, cheap, high-volume gasket, and the bugger isn't a perfect fit LOL!

Ive never had a problem.

You do realise that the holes actaly generate a scalene triangle so the housings and gaskets only fit one way round, its subtle but its there

The ones that you get with the thermostats are shite! there's about ten in the packet and none of them fit properly! grrr

the only one that I've ever been happy with, is the one in the payern Metro Turbo "head set".

In the 13's at last!.. Just

You are right Dave, I always have to do that too.

I know what you mean Dave, many years ago at the kit car show at Stoneleigh I found a guy in the autojumble selling packs of 10 thermostat gaskets, so I bought a pack, they were fab, fitted properly, decent thickness paper etc.
I wish I'd bought all he had as like you say the ones you commonly get are junk.

i've used selant instead of the gasket, cornflake packet home made gaskets, and any old cheap gasket.

never trimed one yet and only ever had it leak once ( 3rd use of the same gasket)

its not that i'm a cheap pikey scum. i just forget to purchase this one and make a fix in order to use the car.

yes agree. iam fed up with wrestling them as well

MMM, im on my own then?

There are six ways these gaskets can go on and only one way fitscorrectly.

That is unless the manufacturer of the gasket assumed the holes spacing is equal?

Please ignore me :(

Edited by Sprocket on 4th Oct, 2007.

The ones with the 'notch' in them only have one theoretical position - and it's never right...

I guess you are a lucky goose. LOL

I'm with you sprocket, I usually get it to slip on on the sixth attempt!

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

RTV it

AlexF

I gave up with them years ago, and use instant gasket these days.

i use Locktight anerobic flange sealant on the gasket. (sorry about the spelling) its not cheap but a large container fell of the back of a lorry.



hang on, i think i see the lorry again.

Ok then clever-cloggs (plural), state exactly where the notch should be. There is only ONE position for the notch afterall
And then everyone can make it work and never have another problem again.

Front right, the very front of the engine and to the right between the two front studs/ bolts

The last time I heard anyone say Scalene was at school, a long time ago!!
Sprocks, Dxf, Headgaskets!!! Sorry
Regards
Dave

whoopsie

some heads seem to be worse than others, but the gaskets also vary a lot. Theres a chap who regularly goes to the shows, private trader sort, who sells them individually made from a thick green/brown gasket material. These fit better than the ones you get from minispares. You can also get cork ones, but they dont last long and distort when tightening down the housing

I've seen the future and tbh its Pie

Here it is you damn Yankee!



Possibly not the best picture quality, but after four Stellas it becomes quite clear.