Lancia Beta Forum

Sorry if I have put this in the wrong section!

I am trying to find a complete head gasket set for a 1985 Coupe Volumex - for an engine rebuild. Nothing wrong with it - just been sitiing around for years ;)

I have found this on eBay in Italy. Can anyone with microfiches/parts books (hello Alan!!) please help? Is this the correct set?

 http://www.ebay.it/itm/LANCIA-BETA-VOLUMEX-FIAT-131-RACING-KIT-GUARNIZIONI-MOTORE-ORIGINALI-5881531/221735344472?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D39923%26meid%3D01f016bc8af440c1be77b12ff9d7aa6f%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D191817742673 (http://www.ebay.it/itm/LANCIA-BETA-VOLUMEX-FIAT-131-RACING-KIT-GUARNIZIONI-MOTORE-ORIGINALI-5881531/221735344472?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D39923%26meid%3D01f016bc8af440c1be77b12ff9d7aa6f%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D191817742673)

Many thanks!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9alxjiub4lfnu9v/11engine%20gaskets.JPG?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/9alxjiub4lfnu9v/11engine%20gaskets.JPG?dl=0)

0930 = volumex


That set is for i.e. not for VX, the VX used stretch bolts and astadur type gasket that type of head gasket was always supplied in a sealed packet to only be opened directly prior to fitting.
A few of the VX gaskets are different from 'normal' betas so the standard sets are of limited use, I bought a set from this seller
http://www.emporio-ricambi.de/kataloge/lancia_beta.html (http://www.emporio-ricambi.de/kataloge/lancia_beta.html)
But I didn't use the head gasket as I already had a spesso racing one, I don't know how good the supplied head gasket in this set is tbh but the other gaskets were good although one of the oil seals was the wrong size (I think the ad says without oil seals but mine came with them despite what it said) overall I think it was a good purchase though.

Thanks for that! The eBay listing shouldn't include the VX.

I seem to remember the Astadur gaskets - more of a tacky, Bitumen type gasket, I think?

What was your opinion of the Spesso head gasket? I will certainly get the set you recommended.

Thanks again.

Haven't run the engine yet so difficult to pass comment! I bought the spesso gasket at a good price years ago off eBay at the full price I think of give it a miss ridiculously expensive! In the set from Germany the head gasket doesn't look particularly special as I'm not an engineer I wouldn't know whether it's ultimately good or bad.

My thoughts  exactly on the German set - the actual head gasket looks a "normal" type.

I have been told an Integrale head gasket matches the VX - so I may well buy the German set for the other bits and bobs and use an Integrale head gasket.

Thanks for the link - but even using Google translate I didn't manage to find the VX set you mentioned on the Emporio-Ricambi site? I am probably  just being a bit dense :(

I don't suppose you remember/kept the set number at all? I will have another bash at Google Translate - or maybe email them - if I still can't find it :)

Thanks for your help!

Edit - I emailed them this morning (Google translate!) Very efficient - they emailed straight back with the part no. and cost!

Have you considered buying a head gasket and head bolts from Guy Croft? It will come with very wise advice on how to fit it successfully .
Please be aware Integrale Head gaskets have the coolant metering holes reversed to match the reversed head design. This means the exhaust side is not getting as much cooling water as the head would normally need on the exhaust side. If this were not the case you would buy an MLS gasket from Delta Parts.

I hope this helps.

Eric     

Hi Eric,

On a similar topic, would you advise me to use GC race head gasket and head bolts/washers? The engine is not going to be race spec by any stretch of the imagination, but will be higher compression than OE (around 10:1) and will use your ex-Evo head. I'm always wary of cost-cutting in areas like this.

Regards,

Graham

That does help....thank you! I could not find any information to substantiate the use of an Integrale gasket.....

I think my best option is to buy the German set which Alan recommended for all the other gaskets, seals etc and buy the headgasket ( plus bolts!) from Guy Croft. Stupidly,  I hadn't thought of that. Thanks Eric!

Graham

Yes invest in a high quality head gasket and new bolts, clean the threads in the block and follow the instructions for lubricating the bolts/washers and the torque settings and stages. These engines had head gasket problems from the factory so early pattern and ebay special gaskets with 30 year old bolts is asking for trouble.

BTW the Astradur VX gasket (brown resin item) is excellent but you can no longer buy them.

Eric
PS check any gasket purchased has all the holes it should in the places they should be against the one removed. 

Hi Eric,

Thanks for that - much as I suspected. I only want to do this job once, so...

Graham

Having just trawled through my Beta parts cache for something else, I discovered a Goetze head gasket in its packaging. Is this any good, or standard ebay fare?

Graham

Normally very good. Does it have re-enforcing strips between the cylinders rings and larger red sticky resin areas?

I'll need to check when I'm back in Stafford again. Most of my parts cache is there, as is the motor that failed in France (currently sat on an engine stand waiting for me to strip it). I'll check and post my findings, but it will probably be a week before I get back there.