Alright chaps,
I've got a bit of a bother with my Mk1 Sceptre. Seems the dreaded head gasket has gone, and I'm losing coolant at an alarming rate. She's getting a bit hot under the collar, too, which I'm not happy about.
I'm reasonably handy with a spanner, but I've never tackled a head gasket replacement on a Rootes engine before. I've got a few questions for those of you who've been there and done that:
* **Which head gasket is recommended?** Are there any particular brands to avoid, or any that are considered superior for a 1725cc engine?
* **Any tips or tricks for removing the head?** I've heard the exhaust manifold bolts can be a real pain.
* **Torque settings?** Does anyone have the correct torque settings for the head bolts? I want to make sure I get it right.
* **Anything else I should check while I've got the head off?** Valve stem seals, perhaps?
Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. I'm hoping to get her back on the road as soon as possible!