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MG MGF Technical - Cam belt and pump

Hi all
I have a 2002 MGF with 47000 miles, its now due for the cam belt change. Should I change the water pump and the Auto tensioner at the same time?
My MGR dealer say that they don’t normally change the pump and tension unless they detect a fault during the cam belt change, what do you guy’s think.
Many thanks
BN Howarth

Why take the chance that the tensioner and water pump will survive until the next service? The most expensive part of the service is labour cost, and the peace of mind knowing that these important items are new are well worth the additional are well worth spending a few bucks on.
Jon F

Hi! BN

I have a 2001 MGf 1.8. My local MG garage did a full
service for plus changing the cambelt and auto tensioner for the sum of £580. The auto tensioner
is meant to be changed, I think at 120k, but my one
was on its last legs, so he caught it just in time.
He said the water pump was fine. Just keep an eye
on the levels each week as I normally do.

Regards - Bill Pearson
W.A. Pearson

I agree with Jon, failure of either the tensioner or the water pump can cause huge problems so it's highly recommended to do the whole lot.
Mike Hankin

Thanks guy's
I shall change the lot, at least I shall have another 4 years of peace and worry free.
I'm doing the job myself anyway so labour cost's arn't the worry, so I shall have great satisfaction in doing the job as i'm doing the full service.

again many thanks
Brian
BN Howarth

> The auto tensioner is meant to be changed, I think
> at 120k, but my one was on its last legs, so he
> caught it just in time.

I had the cambelt only changed at 60k. The belt and tensioner were changed at 107k (same time as HGF repair). I was told at thte time the water pump was fine but I can't help feeling I should've insisted on changing it. Still, I'll need a 3rd belt change in 12 months so I'll get it done then along with another tensioner.

> He said the water pump was fine. Just keep an eye
> on the levels each week as I normally do.

I think the worry is less about leaks and more about if it fails catastrophically and throws the belt.
Trevor Hobden

This thread was discussed between 14/08/2006 and 17/08/2006

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