Head gasket change
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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.
Head gasket change
Hi all, My MGF failed its MOT due to subframe rot, I have changed this now and while the engine was out I've changed the clutch, Water pump, Timing belt and tensioner, And also put in polybushes, My dilemma now is should I do the head gasket as well?, My local garage says no if it aint broke don't fix it, But the car has done 65k miles and I would hate to have to take the head off after another few miles, Advice please I'm torn. Many thanks in advance, Keith.
- talkingcars
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Re: Head gasket change
I agree with the garage, if it ain't broke then don't fix it.
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- Charless
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Re: Head gasket change
If it does go, it can very easily be fixed in situ. I agree with the garage and Mr cars!
- Mykel
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Re: Head gasket change
+1 from my side to leave it as it is.
MGTF:
2004 TF 135 in Monogram Spectre, black leather, RHD
MGZR:
2001 ZR 160 in Solar Red, LHD, LPG conv
Classic:
1972 MG Midget MkIII RWA in Blaze Red
MGF Register regional rep for Germany -- germany@mgfregister.org
2004 TF 135 in Monogram Spectre, black leather, RHD
MGZR:
2001 ZR 160 in Solar Red, LHD, LPG conv
Classic:
1972 MG Midget MkIII RWA in Blaze Red
MGF Register regional rep for Germany -- germany@mgfregister.org
- daz
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Re: Head gasket change
yup, leave well alone.
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Re: Head gasket change
Leave well alone Monty
Re: Head gasket change
Thanks guys, Welcome encouragement, I know they don't all blow I will press on, The car does run very sweetly by the way, Kind regards, Keith.
- Reckless Rat
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Re: Head gasket change
It's not rocket science but there are things you can do to avoid an HGF...
Firstly, keep the engine speed down until the motor is thoroughly warmed through and you have movement on the OIL temperature gauge towards 90° - 3000rpm max until then.This is important.
Fit a coolant level alarm if you haven't already got one.
Ensure that the cooling system is properly bled and all hoses are serviceable.
Change the expansion tank cap as a service item.
Check coolant level every time you use the car. If you're having to top up regularly find out where it's going.
Get the roof down whenever you can, and don't forget to smile!
Firstly, keep the engine speed down until the motor is thoroughly warmed through and you have movement on the OIL temperature gauge towards 90° - 3000rpm max until then.This is important.
Fit a coolant level alarm if you haven't already got one.
Ensure that the cooling system is properly bled and all hoses are serviceable.
Change the expansion tank cap as a service item.
Check coolant level every time you use the car. If you're having to top up regularly find out where it's going.
Get the roof down whenever you can, and don't forget to smile!
Re: Head gasket change
Thanks for that Reckless, I'm sure all will be well, I fitted a low level alarm a while back and have just put in a new filler cap too, I also let the engine idle and come up to temp before hitting the road.
Being 70 I'm not the type to go thrashing it around I much prefer cruising our country roads and attending shows, It was just with doing such a lot of work on it I suffered a confidence drop, Lol.
Being 70 I'm not the type to go thrashing it around I much prefer cruising our country roads and attending shows, It was just with doing such a lot of work on it I suffered a confidence drop, Lol.
Re: Head gasket change
Its a Wedgewood Millenium edition BTW.
- talkingcars
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Re: Head gasket change
Best practice is to start and drive away gently. Undue idelling ruins fuel ecconomy and leaves unwanted deposits all around the engine.montyvelo wrote:......I also let the engine idle and come up to temp before hitting the road...
Personally I start up and drive away with a light right foot and keeping the revs low until the tempreture gauge starts to climb, the coolant has reached around 75' by this point, I will drive a bit more keenly. Once the oil temp gauge starts to wake up so does my driving
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
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- Mykel
- Regional Rep
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- Joined: Thu Dec 30, 2010 8:13 pm
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- Location: Schwalmtal, NRW, Germany
Re: Head gasket change
We may be slightly at odds about locking wheel nuts, James, but this exactly how I warm up my MGs, too.talkingcars wrote:Personally I start up and drive away with a light right foot and keeping the revs low until the tempreture gauge starts to climb, the coolant has reached around 75' by this point, I will drive a bit more keenly. Once the oil temp gauge starts to wake up so does my driving
MGTF:
2004 TF 135 in Monogram Spectre, black leather, RHD
MGZR:
2001 ZR 160 in Solar Red, LHD, LPG conv
Classic:
1972 MG Midget MkIII RWA in Blaze Red
MGF Register regional rep for Germany -- germany@mgfregister.org
2004 TF 135 in Monogram Spectre, black leather, RHD
MGZR:
2001 ZR 160 in Solar Red, LHD, LPG conv
Classic:
1972 MG Midget MkIII RWA in Blaze Red
MGF Register regional rep for Germany -- germany@mgfregister.org