Cooper S Head Gasket

[rogerotto66s]

After reading all the topics I opted to purchase the Payen BK450 head gasket for my “S” rebuild (12G940 head).
Now going through my parts bin I find a NOS GEG126 gasket.
What are pros and cons for each?
Which one would you recommend?

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[mk1]

There have been known issues with BK450's. But for most of it's production it has been an excellent gasket.

Personally I prefer Copper Gaskets, but the one illustrated above does look a bit long in the tooth.

[rogerotto66s]

Going with the Payen BK450 gasket.

Another post indicated no sealant is required when using this gasket.
A local MG guy uses Hylomar.
Mini Spares says use Hylomar on all gaskets EXCEPT the head gasket.

Recommendations please re: sealant for the BK450.

[iain1967s]

Genuine BK450 already has a shellac-like sealing layer of varnish on both sides.
It’s heat activated, no additional sealant compound is required.

[croc7]

BK450, especially if you are able to source one made in South Africa. You also might want to try a German made head gasket by Victor Reinz, highly recommended by a very knowledgeable good friend.

[Spider]

Payen have stopped making the BK450 at the beginning of the year.

There's obviously still some on shelves, but once they are gone,,,,,

[rogerotto66s]

Genuine BK450 already has a shellac-like sealing layer of varnish on both sides.
It’s heat activated, no additional sealant compound is required.

How can I tell if I have a “genuine” BK450 gasket and where it was made?

I purchased the gasket from Mini Spares.
You can observe the label above.

[iain1967s]

The black surfaces will have a shiny coating, and be slightly 'grippy' to the touch - for example if you try to drag your fingernail across the surface, you can tell that it's got a coating on there, rather than being bare fiber. Sometimes you can make out diagonal pattern in the coating too - but that is more common on the AF470 I think.

I have no idea about where the gaskets were made. All I can say is that the last two heads I fitted, I used the Minispares supplied BK450 with no sealant, and had no problems at all for road use.

For copper head gaskets I do use additional sealant, but that's more because when the head and block surfaces are not freshly machined the cooper is less accommodating to surface scratches than with the softer black composite gaskets.

[mellowyellow]

Whats the main difference between the BK 450 and the AF 470. Ive used the 450 before and t was fine, however that was one of the old batch. Thanks Tim