Changing head gasket

[BazEdgar]

Hi, quick question;

my head gasket needs replacing, is it enough to just get the head skimmed or does the block need doing too?
Also, which makes of gasket should I stay away from?

Thanks
Baz

[16v_paddy]

Get the head properly checked & pressure tested to see if it's flat as you never know, it could be fine.

As for gaskets to avoid, BGA are shite & payen is probably the best

[BazEdgar]

Great, thanks

[Wobba]

Block is pretty hardcore, you don't skim them usually.

[BazEdgar]

Besides the timing chain is there anything else I should change whilst its in bits?

[16v_paddy]

Valve stem seals & it'd be very rude to not to re-lap the valves in while the head's off.

[MatBrown]

Are you sure it's gone?
On such low milage.

[BazEdgar]

I'm pretty sure Matt, theres a lovely constant drip of coolant coming from near one of corners of the head/block join when the engines running. What else could it be?

[MatBrown]

Ah yes, build up of silt in the corner due to infrequent coolant changes.

[BazEdgar]

Ah, it sounds like you've come across the problem before! In your opinion, how often should the coolant be changed?