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MG MGF Technical - HT Leads & Spark Plugs

Although my F is 6 years old it's only done 27,000 miles.

Therefore I was wondering if I need to change my HT leads and spark plugs as they are still the originals.

Dont know if it's the same as the timing belt which will naturally perish over time regardless of amount of use or whether the leads and plugs will still be ok.

If they have to be replaced then any suggestions for replacements. Obviously platinum tipped plugs but is there any benefits to be had from "performance" plugs and leads.

Any advice appreciated as always
Bob Millar

Leads will degrade over time, the insulation breaks down, this may be hastened by temp cycles, but if you don't have a problem, then don't fix it!
Plugs are a 5 year item, and they are more mileage dependant (wear on surfaces due to arcing) so I wouldn't change them more than the standard service interval*

Replacement leads I recommend the Magnacore leads, but only because they have a lifetime gaurntee(sp?) and shouldn't need replacing again.

Will
* I was surprised at the amount of rust on the threads of the plugs in a p reg 80k mile 1.6 k-series, after taking them out and there were distinct piles on each of the pistons, I am not sure if there is anything you can do to reduce this, but I assume that there will be nasty engine wear untill the remenents are blown out.
Will Munns

A very slight shudder at idle speed from the engine which makes me suspect they may be on the way out.
Bob Millar

If yours is a 1.8MPi then look to replace the distributor cap and rotor arm as well: chances are that if the plugs and sparkers are original, so are the distributor parts.
Rob Bell

I cleaned the points on the dizzy up as they had crusty deposits all over them and that helped things.
Bob Millar

>I cleaned the points on the dizzy up

BZZST. This is the wrong answer! assuming you dont mean the points (as the F is electronic ignition) cleaning off the deposits actually moves the faces further away, which is why they say replace not clean!
Will Munns

Changed my leads (and plugs) at 19k miles when the car was 3 years old and noticed the difference!
Patrick Beet

This thread was discussed on 24/09/2003

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