The MGF Register Forums

My TF (2002) which, apart from the wiper linkage problem a week or so ago, has been faultless for two years has decided to blow its head gasket.

My local mechanic (whose opinion I value) has recommended it's not worth risking a repair as the block/head might be warped and it could be good money after bad, but I'd appreciate the views of the assembled owners here.

I guess in fully working condition I could probably get £1k+ for the car - it's only done 78K miles - but dead and with a major problem I doubt I'd get £400 so on the one hand a £300 or so head gasket (quote from a local specialist) seems a reasonable gamble, but is it?

Jon

At the end of the day.....Your money Your decision.

I'd be inclined to engage one of the mobile mechanics with a proven success rate in replacing K series head gaskets. £300 -£350 is round about what you would pay them for a guaranteed job IIRC. Since they replace them all the time you aren't risking getting someone else involved with little experience and a preconceived opinion.

AS above plus they will be able to tell you if the block/head is duff BUT it shouldn't be

Thanks all, I'm leaning towards a mobile replacement. Not just because I suspect (hope) it'll be fine once fixed, but also because it solves transport issues that are looming...

I've found one local company: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261974831481 that seems to have great feedback, etc. so I've given them a shout.

Jon

They have a good reputation, Jon..I haven't used them myself but many others have..They also have a great Facebook page if you are into that sort of thing...

https://www.facebook.com/MGRoverMobileMechanics

I used Dave for ours, he will travel, been doing them for years, has all the spares on board and does a great job explains everything to you well worth a call 10/10 from me, and a warranty too.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261974831481

Iv'e just used MG Rover Mobile Mechanics. It was for a cambelt, waterpump and tensioner and they were first class.
They definitely seem to know what they are doing.

and of course your local mechanic (who I don't doubt is good) could be wrong about a warped head; until it comes off no-one can really know. But if you went ahead then found and it was warped (which I think the mechanic could determine when it came off) you could always have it skimmed before proceeding. Would cost a bit more (but not a lot) but you could then expect a new gasket to be satisfactory.

Any mechanic worth his salt would check the block and head for being warped as part of the repair.

The K series head has been known to warp so all the mobile mechanics carry a spare, I am yet to hear of a warped K series block.

goody33 wrote:Iv'e just used MG Rover Mobile Mechanics. It was for a cambelt, waterpump and tensioner and they were first class.
They definitely seem to know what they are doing.

I have used them too for cam belts and they know the K series inside out. I would definitely recommend them.

Steve from MG-Rover mobile mechanics (Dave & Kayleigh) came over and did the H/G on "Blue" when it blew just after getting her. Her head was fine and they carry a good inspected spare in case it requires skimming so the job can be completed. That was 7,000 miles ago so yes I would recommend their service .

Well, Steve from MG Rover mobile mechanics has just left and, sadly, she's dead Jim. Signs of the head having overheated before (our ownership) and the liners had dropped so he pronounced at the scene.

So, anyone interested in a BRG for breaking/parts? Has the 160 interior trim, all panels in good nick, no rust, but the engine is in bits with half of it in the boot.

Jon

replacement engine?...mgfntfbitz ?

Don't really want to spend that much on her. It was a 50/50 toss for having the head replaced (hence this thread) so the cost of a new engine would tip it over for us.

However for someone else, it may be an option. The body is all good for the year (02), etc. For us it's more that we're actually looking to change anyway (ironically within a month, if she had held on on for just a few more weeks it would have been someone else's problem, although I don't like to wish that on anyone).

Jon

Lots of mechanics jump to conclusions when they see a modern Rover - "it is a head gasket failure" - and don't necessarily look for other causes of coolant loss.

What are the symptoms that led to you going to the mechanic in the first place Jon?

Hi Rob, sudden overheating, loss of coolant. Got it back home by constant refilling (experience causes me to carry big bottles of water in every car!). Emulsified oil. The coolant wasn't being deposited on the ground so it was being "used" internally, which did suggest a gasket, I think. Had a local mechanic take a quick look and his opinion was a HG failure.

Jon

Well that IS bad luck but good luck with the new car

cobnut wrote:Hi Rob, sudden overheating, loss of coolant. Got it back home by constant refilling (experience causes me to carry big bottles of water in every car!). Emulsified oil. The coolant wasn't being deposited on the ground so it was being "used" internally, which did suggest a gasket, I think. Had a local mechanic take a quick look and his opinion was a HG failure.

Jon

Ah, not much doubt there. The cylinder head *may* be okay, but it really needs a thorough checking over. Certainly a project! Shame you're so far away, otherwise I'd have happily taken it on!

After 2 catastrophic HGF's I took a lot of good advice on this and other forums: new cylinder head, strengthened bottom oil rail, MLS gasket, SS coolant pipes and QED thermostat location mod. Already had steel locating pegs. Expensive, but hopefully (6000 miles later), all's well. Next problem is replacing the hydragas units with the Suplex coil spring kit.

Bog standard 2001 MGF