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MG MGF Technical - White Sludge Oil - Help!

Hello, I was hoping someone might be able to help with this one - I have had my MGF VVC 1.8 - 96 for 10 months now and only done an extra 3K miles. It has had an MOT and services about 3 months ago.....

Anyway, I noticed yesterday when checking the oil and water that the water was near enough empty and the oil had white sludge mixed in the oil dipstick (Before the oil had been so clean and clear). Also, when I dipped my finger into the water the insides appeared to have white sludge too.

I am obviously going to get it booked in too have it checked. Although I am fearing the worst and it will probably be the head gasket.

Does anyone else have any other ideas what it might be?

Thanks.
G Phillips 1

Hi G Phillips

I had the same thing happen in july last year and it was the dreaded HGF, hopefully better luck for you.:(
Luis
Luis Pereira

Thanks Luis,

Do you know how much a HGF normally cost?
G Phillips 1

Think cost will depend upon how much damage has been caused and how quick the HGF has been spotted.

When mine occured I was lucky car stopped and not driven once seen so no skimming of block or any other damage other than 'leak' was needed. I had cam belts replaced at same time as car was coming up to 5 year service so cost was in the region of £700. Belts cost around £100 (VVC) so less the labour for fitting the belt I guess HGF on its own costs around £500 to repair.

Keith
Keith Williams

Cheers Keith, I have in fact just had my 72K services, and the cam belt was replaced on 60K services.
G Phillips 1

G, could it be that it is condensation, as you have not been driving much. Others have had this and were worried about HGF.

I cannot see the amount of sludge from here, but have you lost any coolant?

Good luck,

Johan

Johan Slagter

Johan - I am glad you pointed this out, because like you said, I don't drive the MG that much, in fact, my MG can be sitting there for days without being used. Like I said above, I have had the car 10 months now and only done 3K miles.

I planned to use the car on Saturday, which would be a round journey of 240 miles over two days, but obviously worried by this stuff in the oil.

Yes I have lost coolant today.

I was thinking about replacing the expansion bottle cap, or checking the pipes.
G Phillips 1

>>Does anyone else have any other ideas what it might be?

It is possible that you have some condensation in the oil IF the white sludge you describe on the dipstick is minimal. However, you also talk about deposits in the water, which is a strong indicator of an HGF.

With the symptoms you describe it would be wise not to start the engine at all. It sounds like an HGF and you will cause more damage if you run the engine. Have it trailered to your trusted garage.
Dave Livingstone

I agree with dave's and Luis' pessimistic diagnosis: this is a HGF unless PROVEN otherwise :o( There is too much 'sludge' being described to be condensation. Don't start the engine and get the car transported to a Rover dealer or independent specialist (we can recommend a number of excellent workshops around the country).

Cost in your case is going to be slightly higher by virtue of the clean up job that needs to be performed on the engine - but assuming that the head is undamaged, the bill should be somewhere in the region of 4-700 quid.

Good luck
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 19/01/2004 and 20/01/2004

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