Phil C Posted June 21, 2019 Report Share Posted June 21, 2019 Firstly, apologies for raising a question that has probably been discussed many many times! I have reviewed previous discussions but would like some reassurance before spending my hard earned money. I was about purchase a full gasket set to commence rebuilding my 1970 Vitesse Mk2 engine when I was asked the question recessed block or not. From previous posts I understand it is unlikely any Vitesse had the the recessed block but of course engines can be changed. My car has its original engine with the prefix HC, again, suggesting non-recessed. I am not sure how apparent the recess is but simply running my fingers across the block it does not appear to be recessed. All this convinced me I have a non-recessed engine. However the head gasket I removed from the engine has a tab at the bulkhead end - recessed?. I am thinking perhaps the wrong gasket has been fitted at some time and my engine is actually non-recessed but would greatly appreciate the views of the forum. Thanks in anticipation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted June 21, 2019 Report Share Posted June 21, 2019 Phil, Yes, a recessed head gasket has a tab to identify it. The recess on the bores is obvious and can be seen and felt, if you have it. So it looks like you are right, wrong gasket! How did it ever run?!! Here's a recessed block, not a Triumph but you get the idea. Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil C Posted June 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2019 Doug, many thanks for the quick reply (14 mins!) Looking at that photo I am pretty sure I have a non recessed block and will proceed on that basis. Quote 18 minutes ago, dougbgt6 said: How did it ever run?!! The car had been laid up for 30 years when I bought it so have not driven it. The previous owner did start it up and it sounded pretty good given the circumstances and there was no evidence of head gasket failure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Flinn Posted June 21, 2019 Report Share Posted June 21, 2019 If you have the Original HC Reference Vitesse Engine it should be non-recess with flat top pistons? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil C Posted June 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2019 Gary, flat top pistons? Yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NonMember Posted June 21, 2019 Report Share Posted June 21, 2019 53 minutes ago, dougbgt6 said: So it looks like you are right, wrong gasket! How did it ever run?!! That way round - recessed gasket on non-recessed engine - will normally run OK because the reinforced compression rings still sit flat and do their job. However, it's likely to suffer oil and water leaks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trigolf Posted June 22, 2019 Report Share Posted June 22, 2019 On 21/06/2019 at 11:23, Phil C said: Gary, flat top pistons? Yes. Confirmed. Should be flat top for original Vitesse engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil C Posted June 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2019 Thanks all for the guidance. Correct gaskets now ordered. Spent today cleaning the block, oilways, con rods etc in readiness for commencing assembly! Quite excited 😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted June 23, 2019 Report Share Posted June 23, 2019 Getting the head off can be difficult, but fitting the new gasket is quite an easy job. And, very satisfying! Enjoy. Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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