TC Head Gasket

[englishmaninwales]

I'm about to lift the cylinder head (to fix a head to front cover oil leak). A friend has given me a Payen head gasket AF880, which lists the twin cam on the cover (Ford Europe, 125E, 3020E, 1.6 DOHC, Escort, Lotus Cortina).
Whilst this may be suitable for a standard engine, are there other makes I should consider as first choice?
Elan S3 1966.

Thanks
Malcolm

[AHM]

That was generous of him!

I'll have it if you don't want it - it has the correct size holes in the right places.

[7skypilot]

I've used Cometic gaskets on my BDA/T/R's, as well as the Twincam.

A close buddy, who builds BD's, the odd twin cam as well as Nissan FJ engines for historic rallying recommended Cometic to me about ten years ago. Wouldn't consider anything else.

One requirement, however, is that the head mating suface really does need to be superbly finished.

[ricarbo]

I recently bought a new head gasket (for the same reason as you), from Miles Wilkins, for my unmodified Sprint. It is a Payen AF880. If it's good enough for him..................
He suggested a little Wellseal on it and silicone on the cork bit. When I said I usually fit cylinder head gaskets without sealants, he said you can if you like.
I remember being told that the gaskets had a varnish on them which acts as a sealant. The Payen appears to have a coating. I leave off the radiator cap for initial start up to avoid water pressure on the gasket until the varnish has made the seal.
regards
Richard

[englishmaninwales]

Ok thanks for the info - very helpful

Malcolm