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 - Overheating

Hi, a quick question for you all. Very recently bought S-Reg VVC and after a good day's driving was slowly making my way thru the London traffic. Suddenly, temp guage went thru the roof and I had clouds of steam pouring out of the engine. Pulled over immediately and when everything had cooled down there didn't seem to be any coolant left in the tank. Filled it up and limped home. Is being looked at by local MG garage today but any thoughts on what news I should expect? Air lock? Head gasket?
Ian

Ian, if you have just bought the car from a dealer then get him to fix it.
The dealer is under obligation by law to sell roadworthy vehicles... HGF within a few weeks is unacceptable.


Ian

Unfortunately, private sale so no dealer to go back to. Any idea how much I'm likely to have to pay if its HGF?
Ian

You'll be looking at £650 inc vat at a main agent for check for fault
head skim
supply and fit new cambelt (essential)

But this can be done in two or three working days... dont be fobbed off.

Sorry for the bad news, but you could very easily take the car to a specialist. The Rover k series engine is not complicated and is often worked on by many garages, this job is now the norm!
I reacon the job would be about £300 at a specialists. But you probably wont get a loan car and job is likely to take a bit longer.
Ian

Thanks for this Ian - luckily have just heard that its an electrical fault with the fan so my wallet may be safe! Thanks for all the info though - much appreciated.

Merry Xmas!
Ian

Ian, not necessarily a HGF - this has happened to me on two separate occasions, and on neither was the head gasket to blame.

First time, it was the resevoir cap that had failed.
Second time, the rad had corroded and caused a leak.

A non-functioning cooling fan could also be responsible. You might also want to check out the MEMS engine water temperature sensor, as these seem to play up after around 4-5 years of use.

Fingers crossed for good news :o)
Rob Bell

Yeah, but if the engine gets this hot then HGF is a significant possibility in the next few 1000 miles.
Ian

11,000 miles and counting... ;o)
Rob Bell

Rob that is good because a friend of mine drove his F without any coolant (after an accident) about 800 metres. Apparently the temperature guage went straight to the red.... hopefully as you point out the engine will be ok.
Ian

>an electrical fault with the fan

Check the wiring conditions to the front fan immidiately if the fan stopped working due to a blown fuse. The wiring is led a bit strange under the bonnet in some cases.
*sharp sheet metal*

Dieter
Dieter K.

Any updates Ian? What does the garage think?
Leigh

Dear all - thanks for the further tips!

Garage have confirmed that its electrical but still waiting for relevant parts. Haven't the faintest what parts - my technical knowledge is woeful. All very frustrating as it means no motoring for me over Xmas!
Ian

This thread was discussed between 20/12/2002 and 23/12/2002

MG MGF Technical index

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