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MG MGF Technical - engine overheating problem

Hi all, need expert advice. Bought my first mgf in April.(boyhood dream) Luvin' it, luvin' it, luvin' it. BUT! Had several problems with it and major problems with car dealer I bought it from. In short, they have just replaced the underbody coolant pipes but didn't bleed the system properly. 3 miles later major overheating and boiling coolant in expansion tank which eventually dissappeared. RAC tow home but informs me head gasket and/or engine could be damaged might not become evident for some months, but still attributable to this overheat. Is this possible, because I am rejecting the car on the basis of unsatisfactory? Hope to succeed and buy another MGF.
j highdale

As i'm sure you are aware, there can be head gasket problems with the MGF. Poor servicing, including incorrect bleeding, can lead to a failure. Several people on here have reported HGf shortly after a service.

My advice - return it to the seller, give them the chance to confirm that there is a problem and then get your money back.

There are many MGFs on the market, you do not need a duff one.

Keep going - it is worth the wait. I got one 3 years ago, 26 years after selling my MG BGT.
JohnP

Argh! What a shame! Sorry to hear that.

Not bleeding the cooling system is a serious issue - as the RAC chaps say, it can cause head gasket failure (HGF) - there is plenty on this subject in the archives.

On the one hand, hopefully everything is now fixed - I've had a couple of overheats in my F - but thankfully, the gasket hasn't been compromised as yet. But on the other, the risk is there - and would you kick yourself if the gasket failured at a later date?

Although you are in the RAC, AA offer a very good parts and labour warranty that a number of folks here use and have found to be superb: it offers sizeable peace of mind. It is certainly an alternative to your present options.
Rob Bell

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. As John P says, search out a good one. At this time of year the prices soften and there are some great value cars about with dealers willing to haggle.

When you do get one, I will put you in touch with my garage (owner works on your car) excellent man in Birkenhead. Dealt with cooling and cam belts on my F.

HTH

Tony
Tony Harrison

Are you dealing with an "MGR Dealer" or a "Parking Lot Dealer" ??
An MGR Dealer should have known the need to effectively bleed the system and would be expected to do the correct thing and put it right.
If you have another Dealer, then I would go to an MGR Dealer for a quote to repair your car including an examination of the HG to present your Dealer.
Geoff F.
G. Farthing

Thanks to all. Much appreciated
j highdale

J, You didn't buy the car from Carshaft did you ?

Cheers

Sally
Sally

This thread was discussed between 01/10/2004 and 07/10/2004

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