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MG MGF Technical - HGF - Cost


My garage has told me my 1998 (R) MGF 1.8i VVC has head gasket failure, i have been quoted a figure of �1400 to repair, including skim, with a potential extra cost of �900 if the head has cracked. Can anyone advise if this is reasonable? The engine has not yet been removed.

The coolant was draining straight through and steam bellowing from the back. No oil / water mix was visible on the oil cap.

cheers
M Stoneham

Sounds steep to me, but it is London!

Mine cost c.�600 in 2004 with a main dealer in Aberdeen.

Good luck.

Sam
Sam Murray

Even by London prices thast is a bit OTT.
Ted Newman

The basic parts for a headgasket replacement are somewhere in the order of �290.

This includes:

New Landrover HG
New Bottom rail
Cam belt
10 new bolts
Cam belt tensioner
Water Pump

If going for the old style gasket this would bring the cost of the parts down to about �250.

On top of this you will need to add the cost of coolant and Oil and possible engine flush). say �75.

So this is already totalling about �250 - �365.

To remove the head takes about 2.5 - 3.5 hours, with the occasional use of a second pair of hands.

Re-assembly can take a bit longer. Say 4 hours.

Labour rates �40 - �75 (depending where you are in the country) Total labour �300 - �600

So for a basic HG replacement you could expect to pay somewhere between.

�600 (in the sticks) - �1000 (most expensive central London)

If the head need a skim add �35

If you need a replacement head: second hand �200 - New �480.

Admittedly working on the F is a bit tricky but �1400 does sound ludicrous unless they anticipate spending more than 16 hours working on it at the highest rate.

Prices noted above for parts inc VAT sourced from the MGOC) http://www.mgocaccessories.co.uk/acatalog/MGF_ENGINE_FUEL.html

Some garages may try to save a few pennies by not replacing the water pump, tensioner, cam belt and Stretch bolts, but it's really not worth the saving.

NB. Rates for a VVC will be a little bit different and replacement VVC heads are a lot more expensive.

Tim

Tim

We charge �650 plus VAT for a non-VVC headgasket and �680 plus VAT for a VVC head gasket. This is an all inclusive price. We always skim the head.

A brand new bare VVC cylinder head is �895 plus VAT. Some of the parts (VVC cams, VVC actuator, etc.) from your old head would have to be built up onto it. However, we have access to a few complete VVC heads at bargain prices.
Ralph Gadsby

Thanks all for your comments you've opened my eyes quite a bit, I think its time to find a new garage, I'll keep you posted on the final outcome...

cheers
M Stoneham

Ralph isn't that far out of town - see - http://www.mgr-service.com/
Ted Newman

These people specialise in Headgaskets and Cambelts for MGF's - I think they are mobile ;
Tel 07866 449845 or 07748 758339 (I havnt tried them myself!)
John Bowler

as low as �400, as high as �700 barring unforeseen things when they get inside, but that is based on the below:


Most garages will not replace the bolts, at �6 a pop (x10) if you get a good garage they will measure them to check they are still in tolerance (as specified in the manual) and reuse. Add �60 if you want new bolts (no extra labour for using new bolts)

The belts and tensioner will also probably be left as is unless you ask for them to be replaced, but expect an additional �150 -> �200 for these items. (parts and labour)

The bottom rail does not typically need to be changed (see the archive around the time Rover went under)

Again, most garages will not change the water pump unless you specify, expect this to add �50 if you are getting the belts done.
Will Munns

Mine was around �1000 recently on a 2003 TF135 but that did include tensioner/belts etc and new SS underbody coolant pipes along with getting them to undo/replace the exhaust bolts so I can fit something a little more inspiring ;)
Tony

Our price also includes new head bolts :) We recommend replacing the tensioner at the same time (no additional labour charge), plus the water pump if the car has done more than 80,000 miles on the current pump.

Ralph
Ralph Gadsby

Very good rates Ralph, wish i lived nearer.
I got mine done at my local garage in cheshire.
Not mg experts just two honest guys who know car engines inside out.
I paid just under �500.00 (i supplied the LR gasket )
The cost included cam belt kit which included the pre tensioners and i also got a new water pump put on at the same time. the head was also skimmed.
I was very pleased as the total cost was just under �530.00. The garage by the way is not vat reg as it is owened by two brothers who are self employed and are under the vat thresehold.
I realise i got it done very cheap at a local cheap garage .There overheads are also low (won,t go into detail)
Ralphs prices are very good in my opinion as i had a nightmare even trying to get a garage to have a look at mine never mind give a estimate.
M Soneham..shop about and please let us know how u get on
Mel
m e johnson

just had mine replaced after a HGF and the total cost was �546.00. That included new bolts a new water pump that I got replaced, New cambelt. If you where nearer to southend I would tell you to take it to British Legends(Steve Tyler) What can I say steve Knows his stuff. http://www.britishlegends.co.uk/
M Carr

another good price for a hgf
Thanks for the link mate
Mel
m e johnson

what a shame you are not in north wales my garage charges �425+VAT WHICH includes pressure test and face head set and bolts landrover head gasket&labour
www.cmachester.co.uk
mf sturge

Hi, I've been watching this thread with interest because I have just bought a gasket set for my 1.4 K engined Caterham. I paid 43 pounds sterling including a set of streach bolts via eBay. The company is called Gaskets for Classics in Milton Keynes. Hope it isn't rubbish! They also list 1.8 K for MGF non VVC.
Their phone number is 01908 366435. or look on ebay under Rover K. Cheers, Alan
A.J. Mackew

This thread was discussed between 13/09/2007 and 23/09/2007

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