The final solution - the head gasket

[Dickster665]

Could a resident BX guru please advise what spares I need to acquire before considering a head gasket change?

Are the hexagon headed cylinder head bolts interchangeable with the later ones?

The car is a 1985 Citroen BX19 GT. The reason I ask is that BX spares are not off the shelf items here (Adelaide, Australia) so any oversight in the spares buying process will result in a delay and I am hoping to complete the task over Christmas (Not too many 40°C days I hope!!!)

I am initially overhauling the cooling system as it has difficulties retaining water and flashing lights indicate that the engine is not too happy with this state of affairs. I hope that this will cure the problem. If this proves ineffectual I will change the head gasket.

Thanks for any help.