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MG MGF Technical - small amount coolant loss

At a loss,
About 9 months ago beloved T plate MGF water pump failed, coolant overheated and breakdown service called out. We had water pump replaced everything seemed fine.
However since then coolant needs regular checking and topping up the car has been serviced by same dealer who sold it to us originally and they reckoned at the last service that there was something definately not right but apart from having to top up coolant reseviour every few days no other symptoms.
We decided today to have the car checked out in case it was leaking from a pipe or whatever, and get it sorted but the Garage have now said that they have found a slight leak at the manifold but suspect major engine problems and that the whole engine needs to be relaced. I find this hard to understand, no noises or rattles, plenty power never let us down how can they diagnose this when everything seems fine.
Eddie Grant

Eddie,
It depends on what is causing the 'small' leak at the manifold, if the block it self is cracked the yes a new block might be the answer, a common place for the dreaded HGF is in the manifold area above the Alternator, this would only require the normal replacement of the headgasket, but the leak is usualy very pronounced with steam etc. I believe the manifold gasket could also be at fault check the archives or other web sites for info (deiters or Rob Bells)

I would get a second opinion if possible before spending wads of cash.
Mike
MikeKuala Lumpur)

Thankyou Mike,
This seems to make sense, there is no steam, the ammount of coolant loss varies depending on milage done, but it ammounts to about o.5 litres every week.
Thanks for your input.
EddieG
Eddie Grant

Get it fixed

the K series needs its coolant!!

Neil

Eddie.
As mike says could be inlet manifold gaskit, this was a problem on early Fs, however by 99 they should have been changed to a newer type ( gaskit should be green colour).
One thing worth a check is the manifold itself, the gaskit failed on my 96F causing overheating, but when the new modified gaskit was fitted it still leaked, the manifold must have warped with the excess heat. A new manifold cured the problem!!.

HTH
Mark.L

Thanks Mark another one to think about I will have manifold checked as soon as.
Eddie
Eddie Grant

This thread was discussed between 08/12/2004 and 09/12/2004

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