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MG MGF Technical - Cam belt

Are there any signs of the cam belt going ? I went to Sainsburys yesterday - about 2 miles and the car was jumping like crazy and there was not much power. Engine light (I think) came on yellow but then went off again. Called RAC who followed me home. Initially car seemed O.K. and RAC guy said it may have just been a misfire, but after a mile it all started again. Any comments would be much appreciated before calling out Rover dealership to collect the car - as too nervous to drive it!
Sarah

nope, the cam belt works or it fails with catastrophic consequences - the only time when a cam belt might cause a non-fatal problem would be if if slipped a tooth, but I would only expect this to happen if you suddenly over-reved the engine by (say) forcing it into 3rd at the top of 4th instead of slipping into 5th.

Your failure could be leads(1), plugs(2), cap or/and rotor arm(3), loose sensor/plug(4) to the flywheel amongst other things, but unless you have been shifty with the gears you are probably safe from the belt.

1) £50
2) £50
3) £20
4) £0

prices pulled out of my head to show order of magnitude, do not include diagnosis or fitting
Will Munns

You didn't type the age or your car or where you park it, but it could well be related to wet weather.

Mine does the same thing when it hasn't been used for about a week after rain. I put it down to damp in the HT coils, which on early VVCs are very exposed.
In my case the answer is to give the car a reasonably long run every few days so everything can dry out.

Chris
Chris

Many thanks both of you. Car was registered in Sept. 2000 and I've had her since new. Car sits on street and don't use it at all during the week, only weekends, but haven't experienced this problem before but overdue for a service so I've booked into Rover dealership in Battersea next Monday.
Sarah

Thank you Will, you were spot on. Faulty spark plug & HT Leads.
Sarah

Hi my MGF has just broken down.I suspect the cambelt has snapped.The vehicle has just been towed for repairs
but I am fearing the worst.This did not happen at high speed, infact I had just pulled out of my driveway.I stopped immedialtley after I heard a "flapping " sound coming from the engine, I switched the car off and started it twice before the compression dissapeared.Has anyone had a similar experience ? What kind of damage can I expect ? The authorised dealer will only look at my car in 5 weeks time!


Quentin

If the cam bely had snapped you would not have been able to restart the engine - so I would be surprised if it is that.

The flapping sound could be a gasket blowing so get it towed or trailered to a good repair man to check it out.

Gasket failure is not uncommon and costs vary according to the damage done - UK prices are sort of 500.00 GBP upward.
Ted Newman

Thanks Ted, you were right.I have managed to find a repair man to look at the car.My fan belt is what caused the flapping sound.It was very badly worn and shredded into quite a few pieces.The cam belts were found to be quite slack and the water pump needs replacing.I have all the belts but am waiting for a new water pump ex UK.My only concern now is that when the timing marks are lined up ( TDC) it is about 90 deg out.I am silently praying that the pistons and valves have not touched !with the cam belts still on could this happen?



Quentin

Great thread this; 2 problems and 2 fixes = 100% success.

A
Anthony

the timing marks are not at TDC, they are 90deg from TDC at a position where the pistons are not near any valves to allow safe removal.
Will Munns

Hi, I have a problem with the revs not returning to tickover on my p reg MGF VVC engine. Changed throttle position sensor, cable not sticking and the throttle inlet opening and closing freely. The car has recently developed the occassional single missfire and now I have great trouble in starting after it has been standing a few days. Replaced spark plugs with good quality NGK replacements. Anyone got any suggestions.
Critch

Critch,
might be a problem with the ECT Sensor (Coolant Teperature Sensor). Even there could be also the Inlet Air temp sensor involved.
Check the connection and change the brown one at first if there are daubts.
http://www.mgfcar.de/coolant_sensor_change/index.html
and more on sensor matters
http://www.mgfcar.de/sensor/index.htm

Regards
Dieter
Dieter

This thread was discussed between 19/11/2007 and 26/12/2007

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