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MG MGF Technical - Laminova heat exchanger

Following overheating problems at Donington last year I'm looking to fit a laminova water-oil cooler to my 'F. The reason for choosing this method rather than the air-oil cooler is a) it's thermostatically controlled, b) more effective and c) easier to fit. However having spoken to Matt at ThinkAuto he had no experience at fitting on to a 'F (my thinking behind this was the kit that they make for the Elise might be useable on the 'F???).

Anyone out there tried this approach before?

Cheers,
Michael
Michael Armstrong

Hi Michael,

Rob Bell has been looking at these, but I'm not sure I remember hearing of anyone actually fitting one to an F. I went with the TF160 water/oil cooler and had that retrofitted to my '98 VVC. It certainly prevents the problem you've experienced - presumably with a VVC, as the MPi doesn't seem to suffer. My track oil temp was up into the red >150 before the oil cooler and now doesn't go beyond 130. The additional benefit is quicker oil warm up from the water.

By the way, were you intending to do Donington again this year? We're already booked up for our Oct 7th day! But, the reserve list is open. Also we have an end of season day at Silverstone on Oct 20th, if that's of interest. See http://www.mgs-on-track.com/index.php?pg=54

Regards,

Dave
Dave Livingstone

This happened to me at Bedford last year. However fixing a new TF rad solved the issue. I would suggest that you check that you existing cooling system is working at top effency - just in case like mine, your rad if FUBARed.
Steve Ratledge

The reason why it is running hot is due my 'F using a MS Stage 3 cylinder head. The cooling system was overlooked when this work was done.

It was only when I took the car onto the track that I noticed how ineffective the current system is (that's 5 or 6 laps of pretty hard driving, backing off before the needle hits 130). I do not have any issues with it at any other time, traffic jams and all.

Having spoken to some of the Elise guys they have suggested using the heat exchanger from the diesel 200/400 as it uses the same Laminova core. That may be another avenue to explore.

Dave,

Where did you source the TF160 water/oil cooler from and what the approx. cost? I assume it's a fairly simple fit?
Michael Armstrong

A change of cylinder head wouldn't make the engine run hotter. As Steve has said a change of radiator might be required and then fit the oil/water cooler as Dave suggested.
Blue Pocket Rocket

The parts came from MGF Centre and were fitted by Techspeed. There are two issues with retro-fitting it to an older F.

First, on the VVC the coil packs are in the way. Techspeed moved them out of the way by creating a nice neat adition to the top of the subframe!

Second, the oil temperature sensor wiring is different with the older F harness not fitting the TF160 sensor. Techspeed found a solution using a sensor off the ZR!

I think MGF Centre have also done this job for Neil Stothert's F and resolved the two issues in similar ways.

You'd need to talk to both Techspeed and MGF centre for pricing. I had other parts sourced and other work done at the same time and so can't split out the oil cooler component accurately. It was also almost two years ago and prices of parts and labour may have changed.
Dave Livingstone

>> Having spoken to some of the Elise guys they have suggested using the heat exchanger from the diesel 200/400 as it uses the same Laminova core. That may be another avenue to explore. <<

Glad you mentioned that Michael, as I was going to mention that Carlos had made this interesting discovery. The Laminova was fitted to all 2.0 L-series turbo diesels, although you'll find that the fittings' orientation is a little different to the Laminovas supplied as a kit for Elises by Elisepart.com. No one has attempted this yet on a MGF, although I am keen to look into it! :o)
Rob Bell

I believe the main issue is that on the MGF the cooler should sits where heater circuit branch off is. It may be possible to drop the cooler below the branch but that won't leave much room.

My concern would be whether the oilstat for the Elise would fit onto the MGF? If so then fitting would be a little bit more simple.
Michael Armstrong

Spooky! The SO has a MG-R 25 diesel, and I'm looking at a picture of the oil cooler/ exchanger in my Haynes manual.
I'll be renewing the aux drive belt when the weather cools down, so I'll get a good look at it, record dimensions etc when I drop the undertray In fact I'll look at the remote thermostat more closely!!
I know all the kit on this engine is bullet proof, strange they let the "F" run with Metro spec cooling system for so long. Guess it all came to money?
Jerry Herbert

Look forward to seeing those dimensions and piccies Jerry! :o)
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 11/07/2005 and 12/07/2005

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