MGF Head Gaskets

Any MGF/TF owner will be aware of the head gasket problems relating to these models.

For more information on this service, please fill in the form (right), or go to our booking enquiry page...

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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 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 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.

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:

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.

Preventative Maintenance to avoid Head Gasket Failure

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Ensure that the coolant is correctly bled and that the auto-bleed valve is working correctly.

6. ALWAYS avoid over-revving the engine from cold, never exceed 3000 rpm until 60 Celsius is showing on the oil temp gauge.

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.