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MV
Classics Ltd |
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Specialists in Restoration, Maintenance & Care of Classic Vehicles.
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Here at MV Classics we
offer the same service for modern MG's as we do for the older ones, from
servicing and engine tuning to complete mechanical rebuilds. small body
repairs to full re-sprays and colour changes.
We undertake fitting
of after market accessories such as roll over hoops or MGF Body Kits to in
car entertainment.
MGF and
MGTF Head Gasket Replacement
 We
are aware of the problems encountered by owners of the ever popular MG F and TF
sports cars, Head gaskets have always been a weakness at around 60,000 miles
and Head Gasket Failure is common at this stage,
we are familiar with this problem and can offer a Head Gasket
replacement service using only top quality parts as recommended by the MGOC.
MGTF and
MGF spare parts
we also offer a
comprehensive range of new and used spares, although we do not usually hold
these parts in stock, we can easily find most parts for your MG.
Diagnosis
and Prevention of Head Gasket Failure
 | Problem: Steam
is coming from my car or sound of boiling water in expansion tank (these
cars can often boil without showing on the temperature gauge) - what is the cause?
| Action: stop
as soon as it is safe and practical. turn the engine off and open the
boot. While the engine cools, perform the following checks:
Look at the engine coolant
expansion tank. Is there any coolant left? Is it boiling? Is the water red
in colour?
If yes, then the steam is likely
to be due to air in the cooling system. To confirm this, perform the
following checks:
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| Check the coolant. The level
should be above the minimum mark, and the colour red, there should
be no evidence of oil or brown sludge, If there is, the head gasket
has failed.
| Remove oil filler cap and dip
stick, there should be no evidence of a milky residue - just black
oil. If a milky residue is present, the head gasket has failed.
| Check under the car. If there
is a pool of water, remove the engine inspection cover and look at the
front right corner, if you can see water there - the head gasket
has failed. |
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Preventative
Maintenance to avoid Head Gasket Failure
- As per owners handbook instruction,
regularly check the level of the coolant in the expansion tank, top up as
necessary. Any rapid changes in level should arouse suspicion.
- Keep an eye on the oil and water
temperature gauges, any evidence of overheating (or the engine behaving as
though cold), then check the ECU temperature sensor.
- Check the condition of the
waterways under the car- they are made of steel and therefore can rust -
it is not unheard of for coolant to slowly leak away because of corrosion
of these pipes on cars of 3 years old or more.
- For pre -1998 MGF 1.8i, it is
recommended to update the inlet manifold seal with the later type, early
manifold seals are prone to premature deterioration and can be a cause of
water loss and even cause a head gasket failure.
- Ensure that the coolant is
correctly bled and that the auto-bleed valve is working correctly.
- ALWAYS avoid over-revving the
engine from cold, never exceed 3000 rpm until 60 Celsius is showing on the
oil temp gauge.
Home | Projects
| Paint shop | Contact
Us | Links
Unit B, Watton Farm, Watton
Lane, Droxford, Southampton, Hampshire, England. SO32 3HA.
01489 878059
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