Head Gasket Size ?

[amusingadam 6 1 Cars]

It's starting to get annoying I have been sent the wrong head gasket when comparing it to mine. I call them up told them the difference worked out which one I need but now there offering me a 1.3mm or a 1.5mm thickness will it make any difference which I use. 1987 1.9 thanks

[welshpug 1,622]

depends if your head has had a skim or not, though a touch extra compression wont hurt anyway with the ignition adjusted properly.

[amusingadam 6 1 Cars]

The head has been sent away for skimming should see it back next week go for the 1.5mm then.

[lagonda 41]

Safest option is the thicker gasket, especially if you don't know if the head has been skimmed previously. My own head was skimmed prior to fitting, I used a standard gasket and there have been no problems.

 

Ideally you should measure the head to see how it compares with factory standard, then assess if you need a thicker gasket. With a skim and standard gasket, the result is increased compression ratio, which, within reason, is an improvement.