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David Beales Engineering
71 Main St. Shadwell
Leeds, LS17 8HL UK
Full Engineering Service, Engines, PreSelect gearboxes, rear axles, suspension. Parts despatched worldwide
SP250 & V8 250
Composite Head Gaskets
Our composite cylinder head gaskets were first developed as a solution to problems which occur if re-machining work has been performed to the faces of the cylinder heads or cylinder block. Removing material from these faces will cause inlet manifold alignment problems, the best and simplest solution is to replace the standard cylinder head gaskets with thicker alternatives. Through our vast experience of working on these engines this is not the only benefit to using composite head gaskets in place of the original sheet steel gaskets.​​​
For composite material specifications click here
Although the original sheet steel gaskets have proved successful, anybody who has owned and run an SP250 or V8 250 will know that they are prone to an occasional coolant dribble own the sides of the engine block or an odd case of bubbling near the tappet chest. This would indicate that there are inherent problems in achieving a full and consistent seal across the gasket when relying on the narrow ribs pressed into the face of the steel head gasket.
Our composite cylinder head gaskets are made using the highest quality composite material manufactured here in the UK. This material has been used throughout many industries in engine design and for multiple applications from agricultural to race cars and is tried and tested as a reliable and consistent material.
Our V8 head gaskets provide a full and uniform seal across the cylinder head and cylinder block faces. The cylinder holes are banded with a steel firing ring providing the same level of sealing ability to both the cylinder head and cylinder block faces, an improvement when compared with the single rib on the sheet steel gaskets which can suffer from gas leakage. (see photo).
Image shows evidence of gas leakage with associated staining between the cylinder holes of the sheet steel head gasket.
An improved seal is also achieved around the water slots with composite head gaskets, eliminating any possible leaks and ensuring a better seal by sealing right up to the edges of the water slots. The sheet steel gaskets which have a pressed rib much further away from the water slots, always hold a small pool of coolant in that area which over the years has caused problematic corrosion in that area. We have come across this issue on almost every engine we have had in for rebuilding and below are some photos of the associated problems.
This steel head gasket shows excessive corrosion around the water slots due to the rib being located some distance from the slots. Combine this with poor qaulity coolant and this level of corrosion is the outcome.
One of many badly corroded cylinder head slots which has almost corroded beyond the gasket rib location. There is also a residue build up towards the tappet chest evidencing an insufficient seal in this area.
Before beginning the manufacturing process of any of our cylinder head gaskets we scan and digitise an original factory gasket ensuring all dimensions are correct and guaranteeing accuracte alignment and fitment. (see photo).
Photo of a composite gasket in perfect alignment over the cylinder bores when fitted over the locating dowels.
Here's what some of our customers have to say:
"I had these composite head gaskets fitted as no longer were the original Daimler gaskets being made, only what are deemed ‘replacements’ to the original. These, however, have a number of short comings. I then happen on the composite gaskets by David Beales Engineering and without doubt a major improvement in the running of the engine and its idling performance. Not a drop of water has been lost in some two years since fitted.
A major step forward in a replacement that is/has been long overdue".
Laurence Jones,
Daimler & Lanchester Owners Club SP250 Archives & historian.
SP250 Owners Club Official.​
"For the last few years we have seen an increasing number of engines recently rebuilt by us and other garages with head gasket failure. Despite facing of both the heads and the block, and the use of Welseal on both faces of the tin gaskets, we have been having problems with gasket failure. We used to get genuine head sets from Jaguar but these are no longer being made and the pattern sets now available are definitely of inferior quality.Having spoken with David about these problems he suggested we try using the composite gaskets he has developed, which are available in 2 thicknesses. Having the thicker gaskets is a real bonus as you can now use them with heads that have been over skimmed. If you have heads with a depth of 75.5 mm or less the thicker gaskets are required.Another advantage to the composite gaskets is there is no direct steel to aluminium contact with the head face and no pockets around the waterways for corrosion to form.We have found that some engines with failing gaskets have allowed gasses to enter the water system and turn the blue antifreeze brown. This can cause rapid corrosion of the heads and the other alloy parts, so if your antifreeze has turned brown you have a head gasket problem, even if you think your engine still runs Ok.Since using the Composite gaskets we have had no problems with head gasket failure, so I would highly recommend their use".
Robert Grinter,
Robert Grinter Restorations.