Header Tank Cap Washer - Really Heater Valve!!
Moderator: Committee Members
Forum rules
Not many rules really, this board being aimed at technical issues, it shouldn't fall foul (hopefully) of some of the more personal issues that can affect forums.
Rule 1 - Is that you need to think very carefully before posting anything technical or asking anything technical relating to the security system of the car - See 'Security Issues' sticky for more info.
Rule 2 - We (MGF Register) do not support copyright infringement and therefore references to CD ROM, PDF versions or paper copies of the workshop manual (for instance) should not be posted on the forum. We don't want to get into trouble and we'd rather sell you a genuine hard copy through our Regalia shop anyway!
Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
Not many rules really, this board being aimed at technical issues, it shouldn't fall foul (hopefully) of some of the more personal issues that can affect forums.
Rule 1 - Is that you need to think very carefully before posting anything technical or asking anything technical relating to the security system of the car - See 'Security Issues' sticky for more info.
Rule 2 - We (MGF Register) do not support copyright infringement and therefore references to CD ROM, PDF versions or paper copies of the workshop manual (for instance) should not be posted on the forum. We don't want to get into trouble and we'd rather sell you a genuine hard copy through our Regalia shop anyway!
Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
- Bazzajay
- Posts: 257
- Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 8:29 pm
- MGF Register Region: South Coast
- Model of Car: Wedgwood SE 1800i
- Location: Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Header Tank Cap Washer - Really Heater Valve!!
I hadn't used my F for a few days and when I went to start it the 'Lolarm' went-off. When I went to add water I found that the washer from the cap had stuck to the top of the filler the last time I had filled it; it had then adhered itself to the funnel I use, a plastic bottle with a hole cut into the bottom. I replaced it in the cap and had no trouble on a 20 mile run, with the water level fine when I returned.
I find I have to top-up the water regularly, usually checking when it is cold. The last time I had topped-up I had had to do it hot as the 'Lolarm had gone off, for the first time, while I was driving. This must have been when the washer became displaced. I shall pay extra attention to this when topping-up in future!
I find I have to top-up the water regularly, usually checking when it is cold. The last time I had topped-up I had had to do it hot as the 'Lolarm had gone off, for the first time, while I was driving. This must have been when the washer became displaced. I shall pay extra attention to this when topping-up in future!
Last edited by Bazzajay on Thu Feb 01, 2018 11:53 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Barrie
2000 MGF Wedgwood SE 1800i
2002 Peugeot Partner Quiksilver
2000 MGF Wedgwood SE 1800i
2002 Peugeot Partner Quiksilver
Re: Header Tank Cap Washer
Glue the washer to the cap with a thin smear of silicone rubber or even cheaper, bin the cap and fit a new one.Bazzajay wrote:I hadn't used my F for a few days and when I went to start it the 'Lolarm' went-off. When I went to add water I found that the washer from the cap had stuck to the top of the filler the last time I had filled it; it had then adhered itself to the funnel I use, a plastic bottle with a hole cut into the bottom. I replaced it in the cap and had no trouble on a 20 mile run, with the water level fine when I returned.
I find I have to top-up the water regularly, usually checking when it is cold. The last time I had topped-up I had had to do it hot as the 'Lolarm had gone off, for the first time, while I was driving. This must have been when the washer became displaced. I shall pay extra attention to this when topping-up in future!
Buy 2 then you always have the essential spare. Keep the spare together with a rad bleed plug. Caution. An aftermarket rad may have a different thread size.
Geoff.F
- Bazzajay
- Posts: 257
- Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 8:29 pm
- MGF Register Region: South Coast
- Model of Car: Wedgwood SE 1800i
- Location: Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Re: Header Tank Cap Washer
[quote="Geoff.F")Glue the washer to the cap with a thin smear of silicone rubber or even cheaper, bin the cap and fit a new one.
Buy 2 then you always have the essential spare. Keep the spare together with a rad bleed plug. Caution. An aftermarket rad may have a different thread size.Geoff.F[/quote]
Thanks Geoff, I must admit I've been thinking it might be a good idea to replace the cap, even though it's only a couple of years old.
Buy 2 then you always have the essential spare. Keep the spare together with a rad bleed plug. Caution. An aftermarket rad may have a different thread size.Geoff.F[/quote]
Thanks Geoff, I must admit I've been thinking it might be a good idea to replace the cap, even though it's only a couple of years old.
Barrie
2000 MGF Wedgwood SE 1800i
2002 Peugeot Partner Quiksilver
2000 MGF Wedgwood SE 1800i
2002 Peugeot Partner Quiksilver
- talkingcars
- Posts: 5766
- Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:44 pm
- MGF Register Region: South East
- Model of Car: mk1 VVC
- Location: West Sussex
- Contact:
Re: Header Tank Cap Washer
The cap is regarded as a service item.
Home to black Alfa 159 3.2 V6 Q4, blue MGZR160, green MGF VVC and grey MGF 1.8i, and red MG Maestro T16.
MGF chatting on the Register and at http://www.the-t-bar.com
MGF chatting on the Register and at http://www.the-t-bar.com
- c13amb
- Posts: 713
- Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2013 8:19 pm
- MGF Register Region: North West
- Model of Car: MGTF 135
- Location: Wirral
Re: Header Tank Cap Washer
Yep agree mine gets changed every 12 months whether its needed or not!talkingcars wrote:The cap is regarded as a service item.
My cars..MY04 '54 MGTF135 in Yas Marina Blue!!!
MY13'63 AUDI Q7 S-LINE 3Ltr. In ibis white!!!
MY13'63 AUDI Q7 S-LINE 3Ltr. In ibis white!!!
- Bazzajay
- Posts: 257
- Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 8:29 pm
- MGF Register Region: South Coast
- Model of Car: Wedgwood SE 1800i
- Location: Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Re: Header Tank Cap Washer
Thanks for the info., how often should it be replaced?talkingcars wrote:The cap is regarded as a service item.
Barrie
2000 MGF Wedgwood SE 1800i
2002 Peugeot Partner Quiksilver
2000 MGF Wedgwood SE 1800i
2002 Peugeot Partner Quiksilver
- Tipper
- Posts: 720
- Joined: Sat Dec 06, 2008 3:39 pm
- MGF Register Region: Devon & Cornwall
- Model of Car: RV8 + ZS180
- Location: Exeter, Devon, UK
Re: Header Tank Cap Washer
Hi Barrie,
I had a whole string of cap failures during the 10 years I ran my TF, presumably down to some poor manufacture or quality control issues. I could never see any defect in them but failure was a regular occurrence. I always ordered 2 when I needed one and I ended up carrying a bag of 4 spares so I always had one if needed! They were numbered using a waterproof chalk pen so I knew one from another. I also found that the yellow Land Rover (?) type were longer lasting than the usual cheap black MGRover or Honda caps.
As I now have a ZR 160 as a runabout and for track day fun I still have those caps and carry them in that car along with the essential 'K-series' tool kit!
Martin
I had a whole string of cap failures during the 10 years I ran my TF, presumably down to some poor manufacture or quality control issues. I could never see any defect in them but failure was a regular occurrence. I always ordered 2 when I needed one and I ended up carrying a bag of 4 spares so I always had one if needed! They were numbered using a waterproof chalk pen so I knew one from another. I also found that the yellow Land Rover (?) type were longer lasting than the usual cheap black MGRover or Honda caps.
As I now have a ZR 160 as a runabout and for track day fun I still have those caps and carry them in that car along with the essential 'K-series' tool kit!
Martin
- talkingcars
- Posts: 5766
- Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:44 pm
- MGF Register Region: South East
- Model of Car: mk1 VVC
- Location: West Sussex
- Contact:
Re: Header Tank Cap Washer
At around £5 a time annual is affordable.Bazzajay wrote:Thanks for the info., how often should it be replaced?talkingcars wrote:The cap is regarded as a service item.
Home to black Alfa 159 3.2 V6 Q4, blue MGZR160, green MGF VVC and grey MGF 1.8i, and red MG Maestro T16.
MGF chatting on the Register and at http://www.the-t-bar.com
MGF chatting on the Register and at http://www.the-t-bar.com
- Bazzajay
- Posts: 257
- Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 8:29 pm
- MGF Register Region: South Coast
- Model of Car: Wedgwood SE 1800i
- Location: Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Re: Header Tank Cap Washer
Many Thanks to everyone for the input, a couple of caps now ordered, should arrive in a couple of days.
Barrie
2000 MGF Wedgwood SE 1800i
2002 Peugeot Partner Quiksilver
2000 MGF Wedgwood SE 1800i
2002 Peugeot Partner Quiksilver
- Bazzajay
- Posts: 257
- Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 8:29 pm
- MGF Register Region: South Coast
- Model of Car: Wedgwood SE 1800i
- Location: Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Re: Header Tank Cap Washer - Really Heater Valve!!
Cap duly replaced, but the water loss got worse. Then the windows started misting, driver's side footwell more of a lake under the mat. Using kitchen roll to mop it up I noticed it was pink. Yes, you've guessed? It was the heater control valve. So I thought I'd replace the heater fan resistor while I was about it. All back together again, but still only speeds three and four on the fan, and yes, the original resistor was shot. Any ideas as to what I should look for now?
Barrie
2000 MGF Wedgwood SE 1800i
2002 Peugeot Partner Quiksilver
2000 MGF Wedgwood SE 1800i
2002 Peugeot Partner Quiksilver
Re: Header Tank Cap Washer - Really Heater Valve!!
Can you please advise where you purchased your good quality header tank cap from as i also need to buy a couple.
Nigel
Nigel
- Bazzajay
- Posts: 257
- Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 8:29 pm
- MGF Register Region: South Coast
- Model of Car: Wedgwood SE 1800i
- Location: Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Re: Header Tank Cap Washer - Really Heater Valve!!
£4.80 inc. VAT from Rimmers - MG Rover original part.Countax wrote:Can you please advise where you purchased your good quality header tank cap from as i also need to buy a couple.
Nigel
Barrie
2000 MGF Wedgwood SE 1800i
2002 Peugeot Partner Quiksilver
2000 MGF Wedgwood SE 1800i
2002 Peugeot Partner Quiksilver
-
- Posts: 247
- Joined: Fri Oct 14, 2016 5:00 pm
- MGF Register Region: Cotswolds
- Model of Car: VVC Freestyle
Re: Header Tank Cap Washer - Really Heater Valve!!
and just the £7.95 postage
(edit - sorry £3.25 postage as I've just ordered 3 !)
(edit - sorry £3.25 postage as I've just ordered 3 !)
- mgtfnut
- Posts: 788
- Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:22 pm
- MGF Register Region: South Wales
- Model of Car: TF 135
- Location: Dinas Powys
Re: Header Tank Cap Washer
Funny that. I've had a Land Rover yellow type for 12 years now. I have a test rig and check the pressure and vacuum valves in the cap every year, and also carry a normal black one as spare.Tipper wrote:Hi Barrie,
I had a whole string of cap failures during the 10 years I ran my TF, presumably down to some poor manufacture or quality control issues. I could never see any defect in them but failure was a regular occurrence. I always ordered 2 when I needed one and I ended up carrying a bag of 4 spares so I always had one if needed! They were numbered using a waterproof chalk pen so I knew one from another. I also found that the yellow Land Rover (?) type were longer lasting than the usual cheap black MGRover or Honda caps.
Martin
So far, never had a sign of trouble
Jerry
MG TF 135 - 100k
Suzuki SJ 413 - 309k
Skoda Yeti SE 110 4x4 - 131k
MG TF 135 - 100k
Suzuki SJ 413 - 309k
Skoda Yeti SE 110 4x4 - 131k