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 - hydragas fluid mixture

G'day,

Can anyone tell me the correct mix of hydagas fluid
that is used to top up the suspension.

Been reading the threads with many different choices:

50/50 distilled water/ anti freeze soln.

50/50 methylated spirits/ anti freeze soln.

and of course the overpriced $$$$$$ Rover hydragas hydrolastic fluid readily available for anyone in Australia for a small price of $115 - $140 or more per 4 litres.

Any other solutions/mixtures available and what would be the best mix for a very hot climate.

Also could I get it readily mixed from a Mini suppliers?

Got the pump... just need the fluid.

Thanks in advance
Sue
Sue Wilson

75 percent pure coolant (anti freeze) and 25 percent alcohol (methylated spirit) gets used in Taiwan
as hydragas fluid mixture :)

http://www.mgfcar.de/pump/index.htm

The mixture for the MINI is the same as for MGF.
And, never store it in metal cans. Use plastic cans to prevent from rust.

Dieter

Hi Sue, just pumped my F up with 50/50 antifreeze and distilled water which seems to be a common choice.
Jim McLeod

Sue,

I mix 50/50 of antifreeze and methylated spirits.
And as Dieter said, only store in plastic not metal.


cheers,
Branko


Branko

How much fluid did you rekon I need to use for pump up?

Just wondering also What is the capacity(ml)of each fluid sphere in each hydragas unit?

Thanks in advance
Sue
Sue Wilson

Hi Branko,

50/50 not 75/25?
Would it make a big difference which solution you use.

Sue
Sue Wilson

Sue
Where in NSW are you?
You can buy Hydragas fluid from Mini Kingdom in Revesby, $10-$12 per litre. You wont use much, so a couple of litres will give you some in reserve.

http://www.hotfrog.com.au/Companies/Mini-Kingdom
Eric Martin

Sue,

here is some info I found about hydragas (hyrdalastic) fluid.
**************************************
Official Recipe for Hydrolastic Fluid:
The liquid is a solution of 49% alcohol, 49% distilled water, 1 % triethanolamine phosphate and 1% sodium mercaptobenzthiazole, which is of constant viscosity and has a freezing temperature of 31 degrees C. According to BMC, the particular reason this fluid is used instead of distilled water with an antifreeze is that this fluid IS an antifreeze solution of constant viscosity containing a rust inhibitor with an agent added to make the fluid distasteful. (This last was a legal requirement.)
A 50-50 mixture of methylated spirit and antifreeze (with a little radiator anti-corrosion added) can be used successfully with no adverse effects.
There were variations in the formula for Hydrolastic fluid between the UK and Australia. The firm of H.C. Sleigh (Golden Fleece) marketed a fluid to the following specification: Alcohol 50%, Water 24.45%, Bentmazol 0.05%, Ethylene Glycol 3%, (Bomar)? 0.50%, Union Carbide HB5100 22% (this is a viscosity improver).
***************************************
If you are only topping it up then you will not use much fluid at all. maybe a cup full.

But it is better to have more on hand.

Mixing up a litre should do you for a long time.

Cheers,
Branko
Branko

Hi Eric,
Thanks for the info on Mini Kingdom.
We are on the same wavelength.

Just an update:...Mini Kingdom owned by John Smidt is actually "Mini King" now after reopening due to demand from Mini owners after his retirement in the late 90's (that's dedication) and he has his shop "Mini King" on Graham Hill Rd Narellan. I'm not too far from Narellan. I went there today and saw John about fluid and got 2 litres off him. I only used 500ml. Cost $11 per litre. So I got heaps in reserve for many many years to come.

How easy is it to pump your suspension up on a MGF when you've got your own gear, instructions and thanks to the info. found on the web from many dedicated MGF owners.
Also rediculously inexpensive compared to MGF workshops.

I think one pays through the nose in Australia for the mechanics time. I got quoted for a recharge over $280 from one well known MG workshop out my way - Yes, I laughed.....

$120 was my best quote and I was going to go there but waited and got my pump instead as I was worried about driving a long distance in my car with the suspension at 300mm to get there in Sydney.

MGF home pump up Job too easy!
Me, happy little vegemite.....
Sue Wilson

Thanks everyone for all the info...all your help has been highly appreciated.
Now I'm off for a warm spring night's drive before it rains again tommorrow...Yipee!
Sue Wilson

Please post a photo of your MGF home pump.
I will be making my own using an oil hand pressure pump.
Just bought the proper Schrader High Pressure connector from the USA.

cheers,
Branko
Branko

Hi Branko,
Check out this one on Ebay:
NEW Hydragas,Hydrolastic MGF Metro 1100 Suspension Pump (#170554538135) from ebay seller ID: littletool.
Its similar to the one I have and works just fine. I didn't make it personally I just pumped the MGF suspension at home.
Sue
Sue Wilson

Hi all,

I've followed this thread and it seems littletool's pump is fine until the Hydragas units finally run out of nitrogen, then you would be running on fluid alone. However has anyone any updated info on the availability of the proposed Suplex replacement spheres containing a spring system instead of the fluid - gas system?
P.J. Cornell

I'm in touch with Clive at Suplex and don't have any updates on the new system... I'm sure I'll be the very first to know when it's ready to market over here...

Oh, I managed to find and buy one more NEW rear unit today...! getting very expensive though... this one was close to $1000.00...!

Mark.
M T Boldry

Hi Mark,

We're very close to you at North Tamborine - maybe we could swap notes sometime.

Pete
P.J. Cornell

Hydragas units with re-fill valves on the nitrogen chamber are available - http://www.mgf2tf.co.uk/MGF_Hydragas.htm
Not sure what $1000 equates to in Sterling, but might be a cheaper option even with cross-planet shipping...
bandit

Does anyone have experience using the mgf2tf.co units described by bandit?
P.J. Cornell

Following this thread it's not clear to me if a 50/50 antifreeze - metho solution is made up of a pre-mixed antifreeze or pure ethylene glycol. Commercial antifreeze solutions vary considerably in the percentage of ethylene glycol to water, depending largely on the climate zone in which they are sold. I have seen as little as 25% up to 100% ethylene glycol sold in automotive stores. Is anyone able to clarify this for me please?
Pete Cornell

I have been using a solution mixed at home
-50/50: antifreeze/methylated spirits- for years now with a very good result.
JM Vega-P.

Its not the "ready to use" pre-mix type.
(That has water in it and is ready to use in your car)

You must use the concentrated version.

Branko

Thanks Branko, it's clear to me now. I have one of Tony's pumps so will raise the car up today. Much cheaper than the $125 I have been paying up until now!
Pete Cornell

This thread was discussed between 12/11/2010 and 11/12/2010

MG MGF Technical index

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