MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGF Technical - Head Gasket Failure

Almost exactly 100,000 miles after the first HGF - it has happened again!! I am a little surprised it has failed if I am honest.

I meticulously check the coolant level and oil level before every journey, I only use the car for long motorway journeys and I always allow the engine oil temperature to warm up before using higher revs and throttle openings. The car has a full service history.

I would have thought that after this many miles the cylinder head would have been very well sealed onto the block, but obviously not.

Oh well it just goes to show that no matter how careful you are, it can still get you!

Oh yes and the festive timing is impeccable!!!!
Ross 1.8i

100,000 miles? that's a fair few miles Ross.

Neil

Ugh! Bad news Ross. :o(

When getting the head gasket replaced, just make sure that the liner heights are still within tolerance.

PS don't forget to fill in the http://www.shame.4mg.com/ database!
Rob Bell

Looks like the HOS could do with some updates to the stats to show the details of post 2001 cars.
David M

Ross

Just like me I have looked after mine, no short runs, alway warm up the engine to oil temp. Mine did not show any signs except losing about half a pint of collant every three weeks. Had it checked for leaks, checked the expansion bottle found cabon monoxide and on stripping found the head needed skimming as well!!! And she has never overheated or shown anything but normal working temp even under high speed motoring. The only saving grace was my local MG Rover garage came up trumps and did a really good job, very reasonable, so I am happy, well as happy as someone who has had his first HGF.
aj harris

Time for some head-work Ross - Silver lining and all that.
Steve Ratledge

Yep, booked mine in for Monday morning. Everday she's lost all her coolant and i don't wanna actually get to the steam bath that marks the end of the gasket! She ran from London to Devon today with a full bottle and didn't loost it today though. Very slow puncture (as it were!)
Hoping it's actually gone though, as MG Rover won't be able to cover me on my warranty if it's gone! The head mechanic thought it was that and saw what he describes as "the beginnings of mayo" in the water.
Oh well, if not it's 500 quid but a better car.
Merry Christmas everyone - good job Santa doesn't run a K-Series.....
S J Knight

The F is now back on the road at a cost of £483 inc VAT, 1 year warranty and skimming the head, which I thought was very reasonable. She is running a treat too.

Rob - I got the garage to check the liner heights and they were within tolerance, thanks for letting me know though, I wouldn't have thought to check this out.

Steve - I was very tempted to do some head work believe me, but i'm already suffering from open wallet surgery with it being Christmas and all, so I resisted the temptation!

Merry Christmas
Ross 1.8i

This thread was discussed between 13/12/2005 and 19/12/2005

MG MGF Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MGF Technical BBS now