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MG MGF Technical - Starting After Rain, Wet Seats!!

Hi, I'm having problems with starting my 1996 MGF VVC after it has been raining, it also doesn't run very well. Is this due to water getting into the engine bay via the vents? If so is there anything I can do about it?
Also my windows do not seal very well and therefore I have a wet seat. Is there any place I can buy a cover that is talyor made to fit an MGF? Or is there a way to adjust the windows to get a better seal?

Thanks in advance,

Lisa
Lisa

The starting problem is almost certainly the HT leads - the ignition coils on the VVC are directly under the vent and get soaked when it rains. As a temporary measure I know people who have covered the vent if the car's being left in the rain. As for the window seal, this is very common and is just down to adjustment. If you join as a member (free) you can search the archive - you will find mountains of stuff about this!

Tim.
Tim Jenner

Hi Tim, thanks for the info. I am a member but forgot to log in!! Was in a bit of a rush. I will have a look for adjusting the windows.

Cheers,
Lisa
Lisa

Hi Lisa, Mike Satur sells a cover called Sunmate, covers all roof and windows and is v.good, starting prob is almost certainly HT leads/ spark plugs. Hope this helps
Andy
Andy Goddard

HT leads
Spark plugs
Water temp sensor (cheap)

those 3 were changed on mine. 100% starting rate since.

And ifyou buy the sunmate Andy mentioned -> it will prevent any leaks even in the heaviest rain.

Good luck.

(window alignment should be done by someone who has done it many times, ask one of the members here to do it for you)
Hanah Kim

What part of the country are you in Lisa? If you're anywhere near me, I'll have a look for you.

Regards, Ian
Ian

Hi Lisa,

I have a VVC with the exactly the same issues;
HT leads and a Coil cost me £300, but got me no where. Be warned, it 'could' be these, but if you go to Rover, they'll have you swap the HT leads, then the Coil if it doesn't fix it.. and you might get no where.

I then went for full service and performance sparks.. more money, same (if slightly reduced) problem.

Water temp sensor? That's an interesting one, but wouldn't the car malfunction at other times if it was this - anyone?
If not, I might try that one myself.

As for the windows; When I get out of my car, I shut the door by pushing the top on the window, this gets the window much further in underneath the rubber.

If you have a hardtop, then in the morning run your finger along the edge of the roof line to brush off droplets before you open the door. Saves a wet ar* .. erm ..bum. ;-)
Neil H

Hi Lisa

I'm still waiting to adjust my windows to close the gap at the top corner but in the mean time I keep a couple of small handtowels in the car. I normally remember to put a towel on each seat, just at the front corner where the water drips onto. I have leather/cloth and just make sure the towel doesn't overlap onto the cloth section.

If it is really wet I hang it in the boot and let the engine dry it off ready for next time.

JohnP

This thread was discussed between 12/11/2003 and 13/11/2003

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