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MG MGF Technical - 1st HGF?

Hi all,

after almost 4 years of trouble free & happy motoring, it looks like bad news...

I'm just back from checking the oil level in my 2002 TF135 with 26k miles and suspect that it was the dreaded HGF!

The clues are brown/yellow goo on the dip stick and loss of ~1.25 pints of coolant. No signs of leakage on the garage floor.

I guess that this occurred very recently, maybe Fri PM on way home from work. But there were no indications that I recall.

So, I've read about the latest Land Rover HG design and wonder if anyone can recommend anywhere local (Preston, Lancs) for investigations/repair.

Since I bought the car Brown's of Longridge are no more and the only option that I'm aware of is 'Signature' near to Preston.

Any suggestions on how I should handle this?

Cheers,
Andy
Andy Wellington

Hi Andy,

sorry to hear about your possible HGF.

Vantage Motors (Toyota Dealer) on the Riversway Motor Park (The Docks at Preston)took over what was Phoenix Rover dealers. They retained most of their MG/Rover mechanics / techicians and their equipment etc. They reckon they still specialise in the servicing and repair of MG Rovers so you might wish to try them.
Katrew

Or take it to Mike Satur - just over in Yorkshire - there you will know that you will EXPERT care.
Ted Newman

Andy, has Phoenix ceased trading at Preston Docks?
roy bridge

SORRY, just noticed I'd skipped the previous thread.
roy bridge

Katrew, yes the old Phoenix site now has the Toyota dealership and they are an option. Signature are another local option - also ex-Phoenix employees. But I suppose that I'm really looking for recommendations for this kind of investigation. I want to make sure that the cause of the HGF is found, if that's what the problem turns out to be.

Ted, I'm sure that Mike Satur would be provide excellent service. I've just checked their website and they have some interesting cylinder head mods that are another (more expensive!) option. Only problem is that Mike is 100 miles away and I'm not sure of the transportation costs. I guess that it’s considered unwise to drive with the car in its current state?

Thanks for the pointers.

Andy
Andy Wellington

Unfortunately it sound’s like what is becoming a typical 02 TF HGF, it seems for some reason the (MK2) head gaskets on 02 TF will go on there own at around 20K and 30K miles. Fortunately the MK3 gaskets seem to be better suited to the post Project Dive K-Series engines used in TF’s.

Also make sure you offset the hefty 4th service costs by having the belts changed (they probably will as a mater of course).
C Tideswell

Just to let you know, I spoke to the guys at Signature and they seemed very know all about the new HG so I left the car with them. They found that the only damage was to the gasket - head and liners OK - so it was just a straight replacement. As I asked them to carry out the 4th year service at the same time (cam belt etc), the price was brought down to a reasonable £550 inc.

Just back from a run up the A6 and all seems well again. Great stuff!
Andy Wellington

This thread was discussed between 19/02/2006 and 25/02/2006

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