Freelander 1 BGA aftermarket K series head gasket, quality issue - AVOID

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Northern Irelander

Northern Irelander

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Fitted a BGA aftermarket gasket (BGA 1406 140620) in May 2018, within 12 months there were tell tale signs of head gasket failure, mayo in coolant reservoir and mayo in oil (dipstick)

once the head was off, it was clear to see premature head gasket failure due to the red elastomeric compound, this was the worst I have seen. Head bolts were well within tolerance.

Disappointing for a company (BGAutomotive) that claim to have 90 years manufacturing
 

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I'm astounded that in this day and age anyone is still selling head gaskets of that construction.
The modern (but been around for 20 years plus) Multilayer steel gaskets are much better. In my line of work I can probably count on the fingers of one hand the intances of failure and they are usually down to a problem with the head itself or poor cleanliness in assembly.
 
I was one of the first home mechanics to fit the LR MLS gasket (LVB 500190) in July 2006, after it's launch in March 2006, the extra shim give less compression and the MLS weeps oil intra steel layers, out along the outer block. The black sealant layer de-laminates.
There has been a newer black gasket since but like everything time will tell. One tech youtuber claims that this is the ultimate fix, yet quotes the fail rate in K series at 5%, LOL where has he been

I have a lot of experience with k series engines, collating a lot of technical info for upload to this and other forums

the head and block were all checked and clinically clean before assembly.
Sooner or later the head gasket will fail, they are designed to fail.

For some reason BGautomotive have got their polymer mix wrong, whether in-house or out sourced,
 
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Also note the Patent number on the OEM gasket,

A patent protection only lasts 20 years, after such time every manufacturer can jump on the band wagon, copying the design and modifying.

Who supplied Rover with the gaskets for production lines at Longbridge (cue Nodge), could it have been BGA ??!!
 
websun said:
Payen bw750 is not available anymore, unfortunately.
Click to expand...
It can still be found, if you search for it.;)
websun said:
Only MLS which sucks if you don't have even liners.
Click to expand...

The MLS sucks on the 4 pot K series. The gasket faces are too large, which seriously reduces clamping loads.

However on the KV6, with its thin gasket faces, the MLS was all that was available. The factory gasket came from Clinger IIRC.
 
I did some search a few days ago and either there was no stock or not to be found. Then we ordered it from croatia or something and they refunded us as not available.
Used to be easy I guess they don't make rhe bw750 anymore just need to scrap old stocks for it.
I would not trust any other gasket mls or elastomer.
 
To be honest. It's been about 3 years since I last fitted the BW750 gasket. They weren't difficult to get then, but things in the automotive supply industry move very quickly.
 
Did last one in February there were plenty around. Now disappeared like most 1.8k I suppose.
Question is what would be the next best thing? Might have to do one for a friend can't back up now...
 
websun said:
Did last one in February there were plenty around. Now disappeared like most 1.8k I suppose.
Question is what would be the next best thing? Might have to do one for a friend can't back up now...
Click to expand...
Don't they do an N Series kit? At least they used to.
 
I doubt they make it themselves and if that is the case bga would be the best option. Perhaps a call with them should clarify.
Federal mogul catalogue says there is a goetze version but not sure if elastomer or mls.
I wish I could of predicted this and stock a few :) I would be like one eye man king on land of blinds.
 
Well they did fix it. And the N series will all be made im China but that as still products there does not mean it's Chinese.
 
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