MGF/TF service schedule sheets

[Rob Bell]

I am thinking of making my own service schedule sheets, mostly because I am considering taking on the routine servicing of my MGFs that I used to entrust to Tech-speed motorsports (who sadly are no more )

Looking at the MG Rover service schedule sheets, they are full of somewhat superfluous information- after all, who needs a "first service" check list on a car that is approaching 20 years of age? Other items, such as air bag replacement every 10 years, is no longer possible. As for emissions? I guess that is what taking the car to the MoT test centre is about because most of won't have the equipment to readily check this.

Is anyone else interested in this? In which case I'll put a copy on here to download

[speakmanrp]

Hi Rob,

Yes please; started servicing my TF last weekend and found the service schedule had too much in that wasn't relevant.

[Geoff.F]

I have the Original Dealer Worksheets showing "A" and "B" Services and Periodic Work.
I believe that these are also on Dieters Site.
Geoff F.

[Rob Bell]

I've taken the original service maintenance schedule and have removed what I think is unnecessary - things like the first service check, but also emissions testing and have removed what I think are unnecessary check boxes (like "remove the engine inspection cover" - surely if you are servicing your car, you'd do this anyway?) I have also added the need to change the cam belt tensioner and water pump with the 5yr/60k MGF service.

At this stage, the draft is just for the MGF, but I intend to make one for the TF on the same principles.

Here's where I've got to so far - anything glaring I have missed? Comments welcomed!

[BigA]

That's very handy. Now she is back on the road I can check what I missed.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk

[Rob Bell]

Here's the TF version:

[Mykel]

Looks nice Rob, good piece of work.

But from experience I would definitely recommend to generally switch to a 4 year cam belt/tensioner change interval as suggested for the TF. When I sold Lilibet in March, I performed the usual service as she had covered roughly 50,000 miles since everything had been replaced after HGF three years before. This had been carried out at a local ex MGR specialist with original Xpart bits. While the belts were still looking good, the tensioner (full stell manual -- VVC) had more than noticeable play and the water pump was quite rusty around the gasket. And this was after only three years!

[Rob Bell]

That's an interesting point Mykel. The best practice is usually based on manufacturer recommendation - and the manufacturer recommendation is based on mileage (60k miles). And because the TF had a 15,000 mile annual service interval, this brought the cam belt service from 5 to 4 years - I am not aware of any other reason for the shortening of the durations.

But there is no real risk of shortening the cam belt service change interval - but increasing risk (of belt failure) with time, the resistance to change will be those trying to save the pennies (which is often a false economy!)

An alternative approach may be to recommend an annual timing belt/ tensioner/ water pump inspection: if you find a loose belt, or evidence of leak, then you replace the whole lot irrespective of time and mileage?

What do you think?

[Mykel]

The problem is that both the tensioner and the water pump are quite tough to get at for inspection. I tried to have a look at a suspected leak on a water pump the other week with an endoscopic camera but to no avail with just the cam belt cover off. You simply can't move the thing properly in there, the lower part of the cover has to come off and we all know what that means. Also play in the tensioner will be hard to detect with the belt on. In the end this would lead to so many work to be done just to check that actual replacement is just 8 or 9 bolts away.

[Rob Bell]

Yes, I see what you mean... but I bet MGFs will still keep to a 5 year service schedule (after all, many cars are lucky to get a cam belt service even that frequently!?! )

[austingarages]

There are 3 service sheets for MGF/TF.

MGF early 12k miles 12 months
MGF late with ECD3 15k miles 12 months
MG TF 15k miles 12 months

The late MGF changed to a schedule much like a TF with a four year cam belt change, when ECD3 emissions were introduced - easy to identify - if it's got a second lamda sensor on the exhaust after the catalyst.

I would also add the following points;

A fifth check box for the spare wheel tread and pressure measurements.
Remove and grease spare wheel locking clamp threads.
Check free movement and lube handbrake cable to calliper pivots.
Grease boot hinge counter balance springs.
Check EPAS for involuntary assistance, front wheels jacked up with engine running.
Lube clutch slave cylinder push rod to cross shaft pivot point.
TF service sheet antifreeze was OAT only at that stage of build.
Check alarm, immobiliser and EKAC operation.
Check heater blower works on all speeds, air conditioning operation (if fitted).

[Rob Bell]

Thanks Nick - brilliant suggestions You've given me a new problem: I'll have to resize everything to make all your suggestions fit!

Dieter also suggested the addition of front lower wishbone inspection for corrosion, which I shall also add.

[John Ponting]

Good project Rob. My past 3 TFs have been dealer serviced to schedule although only 1 got to the 4 year cambelt service. I may be about to buy a TF that has past it's 4th birthday and will be subject to home or 3rd party servicing.

[Rich in Vancouver]

Rob,
I like your sheets. They would be very useful as a record of work done, which is something I am not good at doing!
I have another suggestion. It would be very handy if the Register or the MGCC could market Service Stickers that can be placed on
the car as a reminder. The dealers used to do this back in the day. If they could be made to look the part I am sure members would be interested.
I am attaching a photo of an MG oil change sticker I have modified to show when my cam belt service was done. It would be nice to have stickers that say, "Service Carried Out:" rather than "Service Due". The Register could even market a Service Kit with the sheets and stickers, and possibly quick reference diagrams that show sensors, fuses, and details of the A,B, and C services (Like where the grease nipples, oil filter etc. are)
I bought my service stickers from I Say Ding Dong and I am sure that they would be willing to make up Service Carried Out stickers, subject to a minimum order. Unfortunately I have zero computer graphics skills or I would do it myself!

[adrianclifford]

Great idea, easy enough to do and get made.

[Geoff.F]

But who uses Castrol ?? Ask your Mobil 1 supplier for a label
Why Inspect the belt, water pump and tensioner ?? If original parts are fitted on Schedule and apply a 60K ultimate life to the pump and tensioner, then they will be OK.
The only additional items that require attention are the coolant hoses whereby I replace any pipe that is disturbed after 5 years and limit them to 10.
Geoff F.

[Rob Bell]

Great idea Rich!

Perhaps Keith might add this sticker to the regalia list?

[RobboMC]

More suggestions:

Check radiator fan operation
Check driveshaft rubber boots

[Rob Bell]

Great suggestions! I need to service both cars, so other suggestions welcomed!

[Rob Bell]

Updated MGF checklist with wishbone, drive shaft gaiter and radiator fan operation checks now included