K-Seal, Steel Seal - Watch the video

Rich in Vancouver wrote: ... I also question how well the product would work with the typical MGF gasket track failure where the failure isn't just a pinhole but a detached section of gasket

The photo of the detached section of gasket is slightly misleading, whilst bolted in situ the first signs of this would be a tiny gap which if filled would stop it it detaching.

There are cases where these products will not solve the the problem, but as witnessed by the testimony of the other T-Bar members there are many occasions where it has worked.

Daniel-Cook wrote: ... I've now used steel seal on 3 cars for people and Its worked every time.

I like the fact that on the T-Bar you do get considered reviews of products and not just a bunch of people jumping on a bandwagon slagging off things they have no first hand knowledge of or perpetuating urban rumours.

Well done the T-Bar

Well I would never put any of these products in my car, nor would I buy one that it had been used in.
Its a bodge, not a fix.

Just as a matter of interest , how would you know if it has been used in a car you wanted to buy?

Rich in Vancouver wrote: ... I also question how well the product would work with the typical MGF gasket track failure where the failure isn't just a pinhole but a detached section of gasket

PQD44 wrote: The photo of the detached section of gasket is slightly misleading, whilst bolted in situ the first signs of this would be a tiny gap which if filled would stop it it detaching.

There are cases where these products will not solve the the problem, but as witnessed by the testimony of the other T-Bar members there are many occasions where it has worked.

What that gasket failure shows is a failure over 10mm long. Sure, under the compression of the head it is only a few thou thick but that is a lot of area for a chemical repair. It's not just a pinhole, and it's not in an all metal assembly which doesn't expand and contract at different rates every time the engine runs.

This product may stop a gasket from leaking more in some cases, but a full fluid change (oil and water) and flush is still required. It would be all too easy to just bung a bottle into the coolant and go on driving with the contaminated oil coursing through the engine with diminished lubricant value. As I mentioned my gasket failure seemed to be quite minimal, until I drained the oil and found just how much contamination there was.

I think that too much is made of the difficulty of changing the head gasket. I am a competant home mechanic and changed mine in a weekend. This gave me the opportunity to do a 60,000 mile service as well (timing belt, tensioner, water pump) In the UK the gasket could have been changed in a morning for as little as 250 quid by a specialist.

I can see using a sealant as a get it home solution but certainly wouldn't consider it a repair.
This stuff may be one of the reasons so many people come on the forums and say "I've only had my MGF/TF a month and the head gasket has failed" Bodges only last so long....Usually only long enough to sell the car!

True Leigh. I never expect a used car to be perfect, and it's very likely there are some bodges on an older car. You can only do your best to find them, ideally before you buy the car or at least before they cause you problems. You hope that the seller is being honest, and failing that you hope that the problems are minor. If you do your research on the type of car you are buying at least you will have an idea what to look for. The internet is a huge help there!