4 replies to this topic

[Dave H]

Hello everybody.

Im new here and have just got hold of my first mini in 15 years.
Never thought i would be back but petrol prices dictate and i kind of like the rattling .

My first problem ive encountered is the thermostat gaskets bottom and top.

Ive replaced the thermostat but cant stop the gaskets from leaking which i got from Halfords and are
the cardboard crappy type.

Any advice please on what to use instead?

My mini is a Cooper SPI 1996 by the way

[Ethel]

Paper gaskets should be fine. Assemble it without gaskets to make sure it sits flat. You can always resort to some gasket sealant as well.

[pantera2075]

Make sure all of the mating faces are really clean and clear of any old gasket.

Make sure the bolt holes in the head are clear and dry, or if studs, they are clean all the way down.

I've used weetabix packet for these gaskets many times with no leaks, so it sounds like it's something else rather than the gaskets causing the leak.

[dklawson]

My first problem ive encountered is the thermostat gaskets bottom and top.
My mini is a Cooper SPI 1996 by the way

Did the later Minis start using two (2) thermostat gaskets? I have never seen any engine (Mini or otherwise) that uses two gaskets. Typically the head has a recess machined into it and the thermostat sits in that recess. The gasket sits on top of the thermostat followed by the thermostat housing.

As above, make sure the mating surfaces are clean and flat. I like a thin coat of Permatex Aviation-Form-A-Gasket sealant on most engine gaskets. This is a non-hardening goo that seals against oil and water but can easily be removed and cleans up with alcohol. I'm sure you have something similar in the U.K.

[Ethel]

Dave's car will have a sandwich plate under the 'stat housing for the heater take off, so I trust he's using a gasket on each side of that.

It does raise the possibility that the thermostat would not be sat in its groove if the plate was upside down (not sure it would even fit however). Wonder if it could be leaking up a stud hole in the head?