MG-Cars.info

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

Recommendations

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 - Nooooooooo :-(

Checked the oil and coolant on the F today. On the expansion tank filler cap - when I unscrewed it, there is a bit of white 'goo' on it and on the neck of the bottle too. On the actual bottle itself, on its 'ceiling' - there is more goo, more of a brownish sludge. I haven't noticed any coolant loss and I syringed some coolant out and it looked good and clear.

The oil is spot on - no oil loss at all and is perfectly clear.

Please I hope this is NOT what I dread it might be. Can anyone give me some further help and advice please?

Thanks
Fiona

P reg VVC
Fiona

Fiona, I have my extremities crossed for you. Let's hope it is just 'short journey, colder weather' condensation.
JohnP

Fiona, I would agree with JohnP on this, it maybe just condensation caused by short jouneys, keep an eye on it, but don't worry too much just yet.
Mike, (digits crossed)
Mike (Mersea Office)

Not condensation in the _Water_ expansion tank I'm afraid :-(

If you are lucky it will be the remenants of a previous HGF that was not flushed correctly. Otherwise it doesn't look good, sorry.
Will Munns

Condensation only really applies to the 'mayo' forming on the dip stick - so sludge in the expansion tank cannot be due to this. It's a worrying sign Fiona. :o(

I'd seek an MoT station, and use the exhaust gas sniffer and place it inside the expansion tank. If hydrocarbons (products of combustion) are detected, then your worst fears are confirmed.

If you're unsure of what is going on and are seriously thinking that this is a prelude for a complete HGF, it is always best to assume the worst: don't drive the car, and get the car towed to somewhere you trust to look the car over. I've had my car "low-loader'ed" to Techspeed before by the AA when the inlet manifold gasket failed on my car...
Rob Bell

I bow to Rob & Will who have probably seen more HGFs than I've had TF rear subframe bolts 'relaxing'.
JohnP

BUT!!!

If you have AA warrenty cover don't do this, or they will not cover any expense.
Will Munns

I would ask about the brown sludge in the expansion tank, is it oily ? is it just stuck to the plastic, or floating on the surface. If it is more like a film of brown dirt as most expansion tanks will have some rusty brown stuff stuck on it.
Mike
Mike (Mersea Office)

<< I would ask about the brown sludge in the expansion tank >>

Its brown and gungy. Doesn't seem to be anything floating on the surface - just on the ceiling of the bottle and around the neck and cap.

Thanks for everyone's advice - really think I ought to go and get this checked out as I'm a bit concerned....although to be honest, now I'm tempted to flog the car and get a runabout for a while until the new SLK arrives.

Oh what a dilemma ;-O

Thanks guys,
Fiona
Fiona

Garage a few miles away had an SLK350 'facelift' 7-auto, unregistered, £39,995 at the weekend.

You were so enthusiastic that I almost went to look at it - then it rained so I stayed at home.

JohnP

John - very lucky to see one for sale like that, I was led to believe theres a huge waiting list. I've been told 12 months officially, but bloke at the Merc dealership said more likely it will be 6 months.

I can't decide which colour to get.

Fiona ;-D
Fiona

Fiona, try to avoid HGF Mayo Cream. Maybe OK in a waterbottle but not great on an SLK. 6 months will fly by.
JohnP

This thread was discussed between 25/10/2004 and 26/10/2004

MG MGF Technical index

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