Head Gasket & 180 Thermostat Preferences

[Swedjen2]

Found the leak on my 2004.
Front of the driver side head. So, I just had the heads pulled and found a few issues.
1) The P.O. used ARP studs but didn't tighten the drivers side head as well as the passenger side, because the nuts were noticeably easier to loosen. Had to use the next size Hex wrench to get several studs out,
2) The guide pins in the block are all nearly 12mm long, The depth of one of the guide pin holes is 13mm and it looks like several of the pistons have been "washed".

So, going back to stock stretch bolts - not going to flog it to 6K ever- it usually lives around 2300 RPMs.

The question is, what's the consensus choice for head gaskets? Elring, Victor Reinz, Eurospare (OEM), LR or ?

While your here, how about the preferred 180 thermostat brand?

Thanks all

 

[Tugela]

Just get the whole shebang from Will Tillery. Good quality, low price, fast service, what more can you want? 180 thermostat is not going to lower your risk of overheating. It just means your coolant will start circulating at a lower temperature. It has no effect on how hot your engine will get. If your HG failed because of overheating and you haven't identified the root cause, then replacing the head gaskets will just be a temporary measure - the root cause will still be there. Fan clutch? Underperforming radiator? Water pump? There are several possible culprits.

 

[Howski]

While I agree a 180 t stat isn’t a cute all it’s a good piece of mind. I went the in-line route but then switched back to a factory LR 180 stat. It would run at low to mid 190’s IIRC. I can’t speak to the RoW providers but don’t skimp on a cheap pair of head gaskets. Obviously get the heads decked too

 

[discostew]

The 180 degree rating means it will start opening at 180. But those stats don't work for shit ever. In the beginning they leaked cold coolant into the area with the sensing bulb. We had to replace them all. There was a small round sticker on the good ones. then later when the plastic got brittle they would crack internally and do similar shit. BMW fucked that all up for you guys. The cooling system is what keeps me from owning a D2.
I would search the threads for the t stat relocate and modify threads. Bump one to the top and ask those guys how it's working.
I really believe the original stats in the Bosch engines don't get themselves open and flowing until the whole system is too hot.

 

[simondewing]

Agree with comments about T stat's and gaskets above.
Overheating Bosch engines generally start with poor maintenance and coolant leaks somewhere, throttle body heater is favorite spot as is the head gasket at the back.
If they overheat you need to be 100% sure the block has not cracked by one of the liners and that the heads are truly flat before you fit new head gaskets.
I always prefer to use new stretch bolts and composite gaskets rather than the stud systems some fit.
A thin smear of Hylomar or similar sealant as per RAVE is also needed.

 

[Frobisher]

I just did the head gaskets on my 95 Disco a few weeks back. To make it simple with less trips to my friend's garage an hour away, I got the gasket kit and refurbed heads from Will Tillery. Composite gaskets, new bolts, basically everything you need to do it in 18 hours. No playing around with cleaning out the gunk then sending the heads out to be machined. It was as plug and play as much possible. Will's prices and shipping were very good as always.

 

[ERover82]

MLS gaskets are the most durable option. Cometic offers them for the Rover V8

 

[Swedjen2]

Thank you all for the great response, so far.

 

[pdogg]

Elring for gaskets... OEM gray 180 Thermostat only.. spend the $$

 

[Swedjen2]

The Eurospare gasket kit box has Elring head gaskets. In they go.