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Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - BGA cylinder head gasket

Are BGA (BG Automotive) cylinder head gaskets any good?
Any better options.
Thanks
Les
Les Robinson

Hi Les.
I do not have any info on BGA head gaskets, but I have used a Payen head gasket on my MGA, which I believe is a good product.
I am sure they would do a Sprite/midget gasket to suit your car.
Good luck
Brian
Brian Paddon

I'd also go for the Payen gasket, maybe a bit more difficult to get hold of but seem to last a long long time.
Tim Lynam

Never had an issue with Payen gaskets.
Gold standard is Cometic but the downside is they only come into their own if the head and block have both been machined dead flat and true.
Payen are a bit more forgiving.
Greybeard

A problem arose with Payen gasket as we went into Covid lockdown.
Built a half engine as recipient wanted to isolate and finish it himself.
He apparently fitted the HG and filled the engine with water after first torquing the head down.
He retired for the night intent on running up to temp in the morn. Next day the sump was full of water.
I used to put mileage on an engine before a retorque although there is a practise these days of running up to temp, retorque, and the introduce water into the engine.


Alan Anstead

Alan, any thoughts on what is the best make of head gasket.
Which type is better, composite or copper?
Payen don’t seem to be available but Minispares make their own ‘superior’ version - it’s a copper one.
Thanks
Les
Les Robinson

Cannot help with a recommendation. Like many things these days it seems to be ‘pot luck’.
Alan Anstead

I bought my 1098 gasket set from EMS Morris Spares.
https://www.morrisminorspares.com/engine-c14
Been absolutely fine. No issues.
They carry a lot of quality original parts and rare second hand parts too.
Worth a look
James Paul

Les

Assuming your engine isn't a 1275, I have a NOS genuine Rover (Coopers) gasket from the early '90s, to fit 948/1098 engines.

It does have an asbestos warning on the packet, so it ought to work.

If you're interested, drop me a mail - daveo138 at yahoo co uk





Dave O'Neill 2

Dave
Thank you very much.
I have a gasket now so that is this weeks job. Hopefully head and block are ok
Les
Les Robinson

Having finally got the Sprite on the road, I was running it in for the first 500 miles - with a Payen ( old stock ) from Peter Burgess and the engine started to make a noise that reminded me of the head gasket failing on my B powered kit.

Thats when I remembered my dad telling me to do about 50 miles and then re-torque the head - bugger !!

So I have chucked the Sprite in the carcoon of "I hate you so much" while researching A Series head gaskets - found an article on Payen's not compressing correctly here -

https://www.mgexp.com/forum/mg-midget-forum.3/payen-black-head-gasket-virgin-engine.4531817/#msg-4531817

I am looking at getting another head gasket in cass I have buggered mine - I will simply retorque it and compression test it ( just in case )
, but lost to chose what to buy
Malc Gilliver

https://www.minisport.com/head-gasket-1275cc-mini-engines-victor-reinz-composite.html

https://www.victorreinz.com/EN/Products/Cylinder-Head-Gaskets.aspx

Reviews online seem positive.


anamnesis

When Sussex were still alive and selling spares, I used to use their cheap hg on my 1275 Sprite. Never had a problem.

Don't know it's origins, but maybe the same as this cheapy. Wouldn't be surprised if it's just as good as the Payen.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/198370274837



anamnesis

Thanks Anam,

I am hoping to finally have access to the ramp in my unit next week, so will tackle the Sprite then I am tempted by the MLS Victor Reinz gasket - back when I worked at Ford in 2005 they supplied some stuff back then, very German - for good and bad reasons, might also grab a cheap one as next time ( I hope ) in 10 years just getting one might be difficult

Malc
Malc Gilliver

in 10 years just getting one might be difficult.


Yep, very good point.
anamnesis

Not that I expect to still be driving in 10 years time. Lol.

anamnesis

This thread was discussed between 31/05/2026 and 22/06/2026

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.