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MG MGF Technical - Good or Bad?.

HI everyone.

Could someone give me some advice on a Mgf i am thinking of buying?.

I have owned a Mgf before, so have an idea what to look for, but it was nearly new, and when i sold it the milage was very low.
The one i plan to view is 1996 with 70,000 miles, and full history, but not all Rover.

The car has never had the head gaskit changed, the owner says this is a good thing as it shows its a good engine.
However someone else has said that if the gaskit has not been changed and modified, its bound to go .

Who is Right?.

Many thanks for your help.

Martin.

Martin Ball.

Hi Martin,

welcome on board :o)
Nothing is _right_. mgtf gaskets and earlier from new design failed as well. The main reason isn't the gasket _itself_.

My first advise as 5 years regular reader/writer to this BBS is:
Just forget the gasket rumours.
OK, not to forget complete, but it's a minor point, cause you have not any chance to verify how long it will last.
Of course it may go at any time. We had owners who got one after 5k miles (new car).
But who cares, keep an eye on coolant level and a working front fan. Don't thrash it from cold, but gently warm up the engine and let it cool down in the same manner.
Ahhhm, and change the front fan fuse to 20Amp.

More important at a 70k mls car:

Have the cam belt and spark plugs been changed at the last service (60k)?

How does it steer?
Is it straight going forward as well above 100mls/h ?

How's the look of the front tyres profile ?
Is it equal worn over the whole tyre width, or worn cambered to the inner side ?

I think soon will appear more british friends which diredt you to useful FAQ's :)

Good luck
Dieter
Dieter K.

Thanks Dieter.

Glad you said about the tyres, its just had 2 new front, what is the problem if the front tyres dont wear evenly, or is it just tracking.?.

Thanks, Martin.
Martin Ball

I GOT MINE CHECKED BY THE RAC. I LEFT A DEPOSIT ,ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PURCHASE WOULD GO AHEAD IF THE REPORT WAS OK . THIS WILL GIVE YOU SOME BARGAINING POWER FOR MINOR FAULTS. THE CAM CHANGE IS PRICEY SERVICE .500.00 , OR SO ,MAKE SURE IT HAS BEEN DONE. ABOVE ALL IF YOU DONT KNOW ALOT ABOUT CARS GET THE RAC TO CHECK IT ,THEY WERE VERY GOOD.
m e johnson

PS.......LOOK ON LINE FOR WHAT YOU GET FOR THE RAC FEE,AND THE MEC EVEN PHONES U TO DISCUS IN PERSON.HOPE IT ALL GOES WELL...........MEL..........
m e johnson

RAC check sounds good :)

>its just had 2 new front

Ask the seller why they got changed.
Front uneven tyre wear is of course a problem of tracking.
Toe angle, not camber at the MGF.

Reason for out of spec tracking:

Low ride height.
The ride height can have dropped due to usual loss over the time. MGF Hydragas suspension usual needs to be corrected once per year.
The height drop results in a change of the front toe angles. Direction toe out and if toe out is above 10 minutes then the inner tyre edges wear. Steering gets wobbly as well above 100mls/h.

Worn ball joints. (RAC check will find out)
Or try yourself after having jacked up the front. Rattle the wheels up/down and right/left.
Up/down play means lower ball joint play .. means toe out, means tyre wear ;)
Reght/left play is a more difficult to see, cause you act together with the steering. Will be a kind of knocking noise when existing. This could be worn steering rod ends.
There is a big ball joint on the upper arm. (can't be checked without further bolt works).
Another is the ball joint knuckle below the hydragas displacer. It's most important that the rubber gaiter is in good condition.

So far the front :)

Some more questions to the brave seller get in my mind:

When was the last coolant change.
When was the last brake fluid change.
Is the roof seal or any water ingress known at the door windows upper and front door sill.
See at Kes site for usual service inspection works.
http://www.kcall.free-online.co.uk/mgf/ser0900.html
Dieter K.

Martin

The F is more sensitive to tyre types and changes than most other cars, so give it a good test drive before you buy. If there is any sign of instability, you are probably looking at a bill for at least two replacement tyres, not forgetting a tracking check as Dieter has already pointed out.

Also check for signs of the rain getting in - water stains on the door seal and seats or a wet carpet.

There are a number of companies that were not authorised by MG-Rover in the early days, but easily exceeded their standards of servicing and repair so don't be put off by too few stamps in the service log. However it could also be a sign of more general penny-pinching so haggle over the price.

Chris
Chris

Thanks for all the advice Lads.

Was thinking i could tackle the checks myself, but will go for an AA or RAC check now!.

Thanks again,

Martin.
Martin Ball.

let us no how u go on ..good luck .........................mel.
m e johnson

This thread was discussed between 04/09/2004 and 07/09/2004

MG MGF Technical index

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