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MG MGF Technical - Coolant level sensor

Hi...sorry everyone, but another question... I have noticed that a lot of owners on this site have a coolant level sensor fitted. What is the reason? Apart from the very obvios of course! I mean do these engines suddenly develop a leak, and overheat, thus leading to the dreaded HGF, or does it develop a HGF and then lose coolant? Any advice on availability and fitting etc greatly appreciated. Thanks, Russell
R Jupp

Hi Russell,

Any car can split a hose, or develop a leak from a myriad of other places, it's just that the water jacket on the K engine is so slim that it's more sensitive to drops in coolant level than most engines - losing a pint will leave more of the cylinder head un-cooled, so the level warning is a good solution.

Another reason is that the coolant temperature gauge on the dashboard is hardly quick off the mark to show an overheat, and the coolant level has to have dropped significantly before it will climb into the red (possibly into head-warping territory); thus, an audible/visible warning is very good protection.

HTH
Mike Hankin

As Mike said the K series has little coolant in the water jacket - it was desifgned to reach optimum temp quickly in an effort to reduce emissions.

Thus, if you get a water leak (and there are plenty of places on the F/TF where this can occur given the extended coolant runs), you get close to the HGF line VERY quickly.

Hence a water level sensor, while it will not prevent HGF, os a GOOD idea because it will warn you of water loss PRIOR to the point where HGF occurs.

With respect to the coolant gauge - it's about as much use as a chocolate fireguard since it is in the inlet side to the head.
Deborah Evans

"chocolate fireguard"... good one Deborah, just had a couple from Sherwood Forest, or there abouts ,to visit, and on spying a twiggy type, quoted, "Ive seen more meat on a butcher,s pencil" send more... Cheers Bob. Hi Ted..
rb wadwsorth

Hi Guys,

as i have just had the dreaded HGF where could i get one of these and how much are they..?

Many Thanks

Jeff
Jeff Wilson

Jeff,
Brown & Gammons - Google it.
Charles

> since it is in the inlet side to the head.

on the outlet side of the head, the confectionery properties are due to the gauge itself not moving when the temp changes.

Jeff, B&G do a kit
Will Munns

I have a B&G kit and it works to. I only use the buzer and it's loud enough to be heard at speed with a helmet on. When the water pump went it reacted to the loss off water very quickly, faster than the temp gauge so preventing any extra repairs.
Andrew W Regens

The B&G kit is quite expensive, but is excellent. The fitting instructions were tops and it went in dead easy, including the wiring. It reacts really fast to a small drop in coolant and is really worthwhile I reckon.
Their address is http://www.ukmgparts.com/
Mike Howlett

This thread was discussed between 19/02/2007 and 20/02/2007

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