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MG MGF Technical - Service Leads to Coolant Loss?

Hi All,
After a bit of advice please. I had my 60k service just under two weeks ago and since then it appears that my coolant reservoir has dropped to about an inch above the bottom.

Could this be the consequences of a poor coolant change? I've phoned the garage and they want me to drive over there tomorrow and let them take a look at it (The delightful Jones Of Rayne again!). Admittedly I've been driving it around since then, but only just noticed the coolant level.

The chap on the phone said that the drop in level could be the air in the system coming to the top? What the heck is he on about?

Advice please!

Regards,
Jon.
Jon

When they change the coolant it's inevitable they will get air in the system. You bleed it out using three bleed points after you've refill it. It's nigh on impossible to get all the air out at that time so your supposed to bleed it the best you can then keep an eye on it over the following days as the air in the system should work its way to the expansion tank (in theory)
Bob Millar

Thanks. So, potentially nothing to worry about then? I don't need to go to the hassle of getting a tow-truck to take me there then : H*F?

Jon.
Jon

HGF? Wouldnt like to say but an inch drop in coolant after a change wouldnt be unusual. Just keep a constant eye on the temp on the drive to the dealers.
Bob Millar

An inch above the bottom. I wouldn't drive it without adding some water.
S Laithwaite

Was planning on topping up.. But it's not good to mix anti-freeze though right? Remember reading that MG use a coolant without the anti-corrosion thing added. But don't think Halfrauds do one without it.. Will take the trusty bottle of H2O just in case.

Jon.
Jon

Water will do fine if your adding anything up to a litre or so.
S Laithwaite

I've just had exactly the same following 4 yr service and coolant change. Drove it home (110 miles or so) and HGF happened. The garage reckon that they used the Rover "Evacuation" process, where they suck all the air out, rather than bleeding it. They offered half payment, so it cost me 400 quid extra. Top it up and get them to bleed the system.
Keith

Just got back from the dealer's. They've had a look, checked the system for leaks and topped up the coolant even more so it's about an inch above the seal on the reservoir. Not entirely convinced, so we'll see what's gonna happen.

Thanks for the comments,

Jon,
Jon

Jon,
It is usual after a coolant change , "on any vehicle " the coolant level will drop and will need to be topped up, nothing unusual in this , the usual practice is to get the engine up to temperature , get the rad fan working , let it cool down and then top up . not usually done in a dealership !and when i say "cool down i mean "cold". if you need any more info then feel free to e.mail me.
Robert
R J Hemphill

Thanks for the advice Robert. As previously said, touch wood it's nothing more sinister.
Jon

Ok.. Now it's getting silly. It's now dropped an inch overnight so it's just below the seal. Is it worth me getting this checked out somewhere else or am I being over-concerned?

Ta all,
Jon.
Jon

The level does vary between hot an cold. If it's just some residual air working it's way out then there is nothing to worry about.

Any coolant consumption is a cause of concern, an engine should NEVER *use* coolant. Keep a close eye on it.

Andy
Andy

Jon
I fear you are in for HGF.
Have you smelt the water reservoir with cap off- HGF gives a characteristic exhaust smell. Also check oil for emulsification. If either of these is present - don't run the engine as you DEFINITELY have got HGF and running the engine will warp the head.

Lots and lots about it in the archives.
Good luck
Mike
Mike Armstrong

Jon,

This varying of coolant levels in the expansion bottle could be perfectly normal. After a run, say a few minutes after switching off, VERY carefully SLOWLY remove of the bottle's cap (repeat - be careful - wear stout gloves - just in case). It should show the coolant level noticeably HIGHER than say if it is checked stone cold the next morning. From what you say, provided all those bleeding checks following coolant change have been done correctly, then all should be well.

Assuming that all was fine prior to the 60K service on your car, take things easy, check and be particularly watchful until you're confident that all really is well. If it is not, back to the servicing people because in the latter event, they appear to have got it wrong.... far from unusual with even the best outfits ... of any make of car. Fingers crossed they got it right.

Always difficult to give accurate appraisals remotely, but, from what you have so far written, unless you've experienced serious overheating and coolant loss since the service, it appears they got it right.

Adding a little water to the coolant will not in any way be harmful. Don't overdo it though (above higher level mark)- that could be.

Be lucky ...
John McFeely

*Update*

Following the major service issues, I decided to get the MOT done at another main dealer in Chelmsford. They've picked up the following issues. Anyone out there be able to tell me how many of these should have been highlighted/sorted at the service I've just had:

1. Handbreak needs adjustment as light stays on.
2. headlights need re-alignment.
3. Cam-cover gasket is leaking oil.
4. Suspension low.
5. Twisted break hose @ front offside.
6. Corroded break pipe.

:( This car is becoming more and more expensive to run.

Jon.

Jon

Just a point to note for anyone taking their eapansion tank cap off, NEVER EVER do this on a hot engine, especially a k series.

The level will rise, and flow out of the expansion tank due to localised boiling of the fluid (usually in the head) and can be a very rapid way of initiating head gasket failure.

Andy
Andy

This thread was discussed between 01/04/2004 and 10/04/2004

MG MGF Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGF Technical BBS is active now.