Austin Ten Drivers Club

Hi just bought a 1934 Austin York 18 that's been stood 30+ years. One of the valves is stuck so I will likely pull the head. Does anyone know where i can obtain a new gasket? Also its possible it could be a York 16 in disguise, does anyone know how I can distinguish between the two. Its a LWB car by the way. I am new to these cars so your advise would be appreciated.

Thanks

Hey Michael,
I am sure someone will pop up here with the definitive answer you need, but in the interim you might find the information you seek on the late John Baker's website <www (dot) austinmemories (dot) com> he has a listing of the chassis numbers (among other interesting things) so at least you can determine what your car started out as...

I've had to put the website up in longhand, so substitute (.) for (dot) because I'm unsure if this site allows links from random non-members.

So far as a headgasket goes, there are some listed (for several models) in the ATDC parts catalogue. It is possible to have then made to pattern where I live (NZ), so I would be surprised if someone doesn't offer the same service in the UK

Thanks Rod,
I appreciate your advice and will check out the website.
Regards Michael

There is a link from this site to the Homepage of Austin memories - list of models here http://www.austinmemories.com/styled-73/index.html There 18 said to have bore of 2.73 ins and 16 said to be 2.58 ins. Both monobloc.

Like the Lt12/6 Ascot the Eighteen came with a choice of engines in the UK - 16 or 18 - to provide choice of annual road tax to suit what could be afforded by the the buyer / user. Export models were usually 18. I don't know about the larger Austins but the Lt12/6 chassis Nos included a suffix that indicated the hp of the engine fitted (13.9 or 15.9) when new.

Thanks Peter,
The chassis number and engine No for the paperwork on my car (haven't checked actual yet)both finish with /16, so i wonder if this would indicate 16 HP? I will likely be lifting the head, so I imagine I can measure down onto the piston crown using a straight edge to measure the stroke.

Regards Michael

Sorry Peter,
Meant bore diameter not stroke.
Regards Michael

If you find the correct gasket buy 2 if you can. Always have one in stock!
If you can remove the head without damaging the gasket (low probability) you may be able to re-use it.
Let us know how things pan out

Forgot there was a link on the site, thanks Peter.
Might have to visit SpecSavers...
If you are buying two head gaskets Michael, resist the temptation to hang the spare one on a nail like the stereotypic movie/TV/Video workshop does.
Store it carefully, preferably sandwiched between two sheets of light plywood. Especially if it turns out to be one of the more pricey ones you need.

Thanks Rod,
As it turns out there was an old gasket buried in all the rubbish in the rear of the car, looks unused , but is delaminating hence your comments.
Regards Michael