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MG MGF Technical - Advice on Hydo Fluid Subtitute

My 1995 MGF needs some hydro fluid. Rover/MG no longer have a local dealer. I've tried importing some, but most carriers (Fed Ex, UPS) will not transport a fluid containing alcohol! Is there an alternative to this fluid? I've heard suggestions of a mix of water and antifreeze......

Alternatively, is there a dry suspension conversion for the MG? (like the hydro Mini's?)

Any ideas -- however wacky -- would be appreciated. I cannnot drive the car anymore as its sitting so low...

Harin de Silva
hdesilva@aol.com
Harin de Silva


Hi Harin,

As I have been doing a lot of work on my Hydra-gas system on the "F" there might be something here of interest to You...

1. The original fluid is water+alcohol+ rust preventer. IMO the "rust preventer" does just the opposite. (See Dieters page of my fluid container !)

2.So far I know there should be no greater concern to mix oneīs own fluid as long as it contains water +alcohol+some more rust preventer like in ordinary propylene antifreeze coolant. It cant be worse than he original mixture ;)
3. My suggestion (without anny warranty) is:

1 part distilled water (as for steam irons and car batteries). 0,3 part pure 96% alcohol ( like dentists use or from chemistry shop) . 0,3 part non-diluted old type (green or blue ,NOT orange or red ) anti-freeze mixture.
Starting with 1 litre of water this should give You 1,6 litre of filling fluid,enough to raise the car to Freelander heights ! Important is to stay clear of any other fluids (oil-based) as in Citroenīs etc.

As for filling the system there is loads of info and pictures on Dieterīs Tech Site.
Let us know how You get on,

BR, Carl.
Carl Blom

>>Alternatively, is there a dry suspension conversion for the MG? (like the hydro Mini's?)<<

Yes - but an expensive option, as it would involve the fitment of TF suspension (coil springs).

Mike Satur reckoned that it would be possible to hybridise the TF suspension turrets to the F subframes - so that is one option. The other is to buy the TF suspension complete - but that is what would work out to be expensive - especially if you had to get all the parts freighted out to you. :o(

I reckon Carl's option sounds the best course of action, Harin.
Rob Bell

I've always though that the hydragas fluid smelled rather like concentrated screen wash! The concoction I use in the racer is 50/50 antifreeze and water and that seems to work fine.

Mind you, if you want a firmer springing/damping effect you could use something more viscous such as glycerine, 5W/40 oil (though don't blame me if the suspension units burst!)

Al
Alan B

Thanks for the suggestions. The "dry" option sounds like its out of my budget -- so I'm going to go for one of the alternatives. Will let you know how it turns out. Thanks a million (even in rupees thats a lot!) for you help.

Harin
Harin de Silva

75 percent pure coolant and 25 percent alcohol (spirit) is said to get used in Taiwan.

*some* more related stuff to read @ http://www.mgfcar.de/pump/index.htm

Good luck
Dieter
Dieter K.

This thread was discussed between 26/01/2003 and 01/02/2003

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