Head gasket change

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montyvelo
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Head gasket change

Post by montyvelo » Mon Jan 22, 2018 8:01 pm

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. :oops:

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talkingcars
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Re: Head gasket change

Post by talkingcars » Mon Jan 22, 2018 9:41 pm

I agree with the garage, if it ain't broke then don't fix it.
Home to black Alfa 159 3.2 V6 Q4, blue MGZR160, green MGF VVC and grey MGF 1.8i, and red MG Maestro T16.

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Charless
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Re: Head gasket change

Post by Charless » Mon Jan 22, 2018 11:02 pm

If it does go, it can very easily be fixed in situ. I agree with the garage and Mr cars!

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Mykel
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Re: Head gasket change

Post by Mykel » Tue Jan 23, 2018 6:21 am

+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
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daz
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Re: Head gasket change

Post by daz » Tue Jan 23, 2018 6:22 pm

yup, leave well alone.

The old one
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Re: Head gasket change

Post by The old one » Tue Jan 23, 2018 6:30 pm

Leave well alone Monty :thumbsu:

montyvelo
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Re: Head gasket change

Post by montyvelo » Tue Jan 23, 2018 6:49 pm

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.

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Reckless Rat
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Re: Head gasket change

Post by Reckless Rat » Tue Jan 23, 2018 7:53 pm

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!

montyvelo
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MGF Register Region: Scotland

Re: Head gasket change

Post by montyvelo » Wed Jan 24, 2018 10:00 pm

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.

montyvelo
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Re: Head gasket change

Post by montyvelo » Wed Jan 24, 2018 10:02 pm

Its a Wedgewood Millenium edition BTW.

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talkingcars
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Re: Head gasket change

Post by talkingcars » Wed Jan 24, 2018 10:29 pm

montyvelo wrote:......I also let the engine idle and come up to temp before hitting the road...
Best practice is to start and drive away gently. Undue idelling ruins fuel ecconomy and leaves unwanted deposits all around the engine.

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.

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Mykel
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Re: Head gasket change

Post by Mykel » Thu Jan 25, 2018 7:13 am

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 ;)
We may be slightly at odds about locking wheel nuts, James, but this exactly how I warm up my MGs, too. :thumbsu: :lol:
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

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