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MG MGF Technical - top up of header tank ??

Ive owned my '98 1.8mpi for 18 months and its always been fully dealer serviced. Last year, I noticed the header tank level drop to just below the lip, but it was ready for service so coolant was replaced. It was filled nearly full by the mechanic, but soon the level dropped to near the lip.
I now have had to top up twice in the last few months because the level was about one quarter of the header tank. I cant see any leaks, and havent had any problems with the car or performance.
Am I being paranoid or does everyone top up their coolant every couple of months ? Is it just the warmer weather ?
Si

No your not parinoid, but
1: Don't ever fill the header tank, the correct level is about halfway- if you look down into the tank then the level shold be between the two steps visable, most people use the seam in the tank as a guide
2: Don't open the tank if the engine is even slightly warm, a let off of pressure could boil the coolant and leave you with airlocks
3: you have and old 1.8, has the inlet manifold gasket been changed - shold be green if it's black then it's probebly perishing (cost £200)
4: have you looked around the coolant pipes for signes of a leak (usually green water) the clips are known to be 'sub optimal'
5: check the coolant tank cap is OK, it might be leaking, but I would expect more than this
6: occasional topups are OK, I was topping up every week when I had a failing IMG

Will
Will Munns

I agree with you Will - there is a possibility that the inlet manifold gasket is leaking. Something to keep an eye on. Not sure at what VIN/ year this item was upgraded?

Si, has your expansion tank cap got a white spot on it or not? If not, it is of the older type, and probably ought to be replaced. This could cure the problem.

Keep a close eye on the levels Si - but the tank shouldn't require frequent topping up. I think that the handbook has guidelines on this?
Rob Bell

Be sure to top up with the correct coolant. There are two types which mustn't be mixed. Super 3Plus (green) and OAT and get the dilution right.

Tim
Tim

I would top up with water- it doesn't sound like your loosing much and a little extra water in a five litre 50/50 mix sholdn't dilute the mix ver much at all

Will
Will Munns

So you're not interested in footy Will?

Bruce
Bruce Caldwell

Si,

Had a similar problem in March, when I got my car back from Garage after and accident.

The previous year, my coolant level hadn't changed at all.

Then when I got the car back, within a week the level had dropped by about 1.5 inches, topped up with water.
Another week later, dropped by 1 inch, topped up with water.

However since then there hasn't been any change in the coolant level.

All you can do is keep an eye on it.

paul weatherill

Well not usually, and todays match wasn't one to inspire!

Will
Will Munns

Paul, sounds to me like an air lock - who were the garage?
Will Munns

yep, I topped up with clean water feeling it wouldnt dilute too much. I know the level should be around the rim, but when it was returned from Priests in Chesham, the header was nearly full with coolant, so its dropped nearly the full capacity of the header in three months.
My cap has a white dot in the center. the car is registered March '98.

Where do I look for the inlet manifold gasket and can you see its colour without removing anything?
I suspect a small leak but have seen nothing on the clean concrete of my garage...
thanks for the reply.
Si

errm
http://www.lame-delegation.de/mgf-net.de/data/inmanga1.jpg
is the bet I could get from dieters site - this is the gasket as viewed from the engine block looking towards the back of the car, note the extra tags, I beleive thay can be seen with the inlet manifold in place (will search for better pics)

Will
Will Munns

Will,

it was morrison's in falkirk.

so you reckon it wasn't bled properly.
great news as i guess they may have to bleed the system again (for 5 year service!!!).
(Hopefully that's all the air out of the system now,
without weakening the gasket)

they've been ok on other matters, and they seem the best of a bad bunch. (in the Glasgow area anyway)

Although they couldn't find the fault with the heater control. Covered it with grease and charge me a tenner.

However, praise to the BBS Archive, got it fixed myself.

paul weatherill

This thread was discussed between 11/06/2002 and 12/06/2002

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