Possible HG failure after 4 months?
Discussion
Hello,
A family member purchased a MG TF 03, approximately 4 months ago from a dealer. We were well aware of the some issues with this model of car, and as such went out of our way to find the best example possible.
They paid approximately £2,000 for the car 4 months ago, with years worth of history and receipts, with the HG and bits being replaced at the end of 2014.
The catalytic convertor failed last week, which resulted in the remains ending up in the backbox. Along with a small hole in the downpipe, they have ordered a complete exhaust system, which will cost approx £500 to replace, and put it down to bad luck.
However, a quick inspection shows signs of possible HG failure, with a small amount of coolant being lost and mayo in the oil, I've attached a picture of the dipstick.
I understand it's an old car, and that it's probably just a series of unfortunate events, but is there any comeback at all in this situation against the dealer? The cost of HG replacement along with the exhaust system may not mean it is feasible to repair.
A family member purchased a MG TF 03, approximately 4 months ago from a dealer. We were well aware of the some issues with this model of car, and as such went out of our way to find the best example possible.
They paid approximately £2,000 for the car 4 months ago, with years worth of history and receipts, with the HG and bits being replaced at the end of 2014.
The catalytic convertor failed last week, which resulted in the remains ending up in the backbox. Along with a small hole in the downpipe, they have ordered a complete exhaust system, which will cost approx £500 to replace, and put it down to bad luck.
However, a quick inspection shows signs of possible HG failure, with a small amount of coolant being lost and mayo in the oil, I've attached a picture of the dipstick.
I understand it's an old car, and that it's probably just a series of unfortunate events, but is there any comeback at all in this situation against the dealer? The cost of HG replacement along with the exhaust system may not mean it is feasible to repair.
I would say very little redress against the dealer. It is a 14 year old car with a leaky head gasket so it's not a fault that would be so unusual given the age of the vehicle and the fact that it is a K series too. I seem to recall seeing ads on Ebay and the like for fixed cost HG replacement on K series engines at about £300. Make sure the head is not stuffed though. If the ring seal area is depressed it's pointless putting a new gasket in as it will not last long. Even heads for these are peanuts though. Probably worth a punt with the dealer for maybe a contribution?
xjay1337 said:
I remember reading some guy on here who had an MGF and rebuilt it about 1038039534 times.
The HG seems fairly easy, I'd give it a bash myself TBH.
I was considering it, but it does look far beyond my mechanical expertise. Is a shame, as they haven't even got to drive it in the summer yet.The HG seems fairly easy, I'd give it a bash myself TBH.
xjay1337 said:
Please don't use that or any similar product.
The op said it might be uneconomically repairable. What do you stand to lose, £30 max?These products have come a long way, but hey there's still people out there saying every stag blows a head gasket everytime it goes for a run.
It would be extremely difficult to blame the dealer for the poor design of the engine by Rover. These engines are notoriously bad for this, but this is the answer:-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROVER-25-45-75-MG-1-4-1-...
I have fitted a few of these and had no comebacks, BUT. You must make sure the head is perfect; dead flat and no cracks otherwise the problem will come back. Don't tackle it yourself unless you are wholly confident of your abilities. Find a reliable mechanic that you can trust to do the job properly.
J
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROVER-25-45-75-MG-1-4-1-...
I have fitted a few of these and had no comebacks, BUT. You must make sure the head is perfect; dead flat and no cracks otherwise the problem will come back. Don't tackle it yourself unless you are wholly confident of your abilities. Find a reliable mechanic that you can trust to do the job properly.
J
As a former TF owner and club member...
A TF left to stand can accumulate water in the oil. A good check to confirm if HGF is to look at the coolant header tank. Is the level where it should be? Is there a film of oil or petro-smell in the coolant? If the level is good and no oil in header, replace oil and run good and hot. Replace oil again, then keep an eye on oil and coolant. Get in the habit of looking at coolant level every time you take the car out.
Also HGF fixes are not all the same. Proper job was about £800-1100. That includes skimming head, upgraded oil rail, MLS gasket, should last a lifetime (makes it essentially a US-spec Freelander engine). Many went for the cheap job though...
A TF left to stand can accumulate water in the oil. A good check to confirm if HGF is to look at the coolant header tank. Is the level where it should be? Is there a film of oil or petro-smell in the coolant? If the level is good and no oil in header, replace oil and run good and hot. Replace oil again, then keep an eye on oil and coolant. Get in the habit of looking at coolant level every time you take the car out.
Also HGF fixes are not all the same. Proper job was about £800-1100. That includes skimming head, upgraded oil rail, MLS gasket, should last a lifetime (makes it essentially a US-spec Freelander engine). Many went for the cheap job though...
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