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MG MGF Technical - Dead Engine!

Hi, looking for your comments on our sad events! My husband has had mgf's since 1997, taking a new VVC in July 2000 (on lease). Very happy up until Sept of last year when at just under 30,000 miles the head gasket went. I can see that we are not alone in that! MG Rover finally paid half that bill and we had 6000 further happy miles. However my husband drove to work (20 miles) parked the car and returned at the end of the day, started the engine and with no warning while still in the carpark, had the car fail. Rac were called and said the engine had seized but with no apparent cause. Taken to our local delearship where finally they spent 4 labour hours looking at the engine but likewise found no obvious reason. We had to have a new engine at the cost of £3900, and less than 36000 miles on the clock! I spoke to customer service and Rover last Wed who said they would get back within 48 hours, phoned them again yesterday. Said they would get back to me in the near future, notes had been put on the complaint ie from the garage that no obvious cause and not related to hgf, but I dont think they would have been in touch if I hadnt phoned them. Rac are putting in writing their findings at the time of call out, but anyone have any ideas about how I shoud proceed? Anyone else know of similar problems? Have cancelled lease and car being picked up on Friday, dear husband has ordered a new 160 (with maintenance agreement!)
S Johnson 1

Sorry to hear your sad tale.

I'm not convinced there is any relationship between mileage covered and engine failure, but you might try comparing incidents with servicing, because there is some circumstantial evidence that points to iffy servicing as being part of the problem.

It might be helpful to the engineers picking up this thread if you gave some more details about the seizure, ie any clues to what is stopping the engine from turning over, could it be overheated main bearings or maybe the valves dropped onto the pistons?

My first thought was lack of lubrication caused by water in the oil or simply an oil leak, but there are easy to spot. Rest assured the more knowledgeable folks will be along shortly.

Chris
Christopher Marshall

Difficult to know what to suggest really. Unexplained engine seizure? Sounds odd. There's always going to be a cause.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Difficult to say - I can't recall many instances of engine seizure reported on this BBS, period.

Hope you enjoy the new 160 for many more trouble-free miles. :o)
Rob Bell

Very strange!

You'll get 3 yrs warranty on the new 160 though.

Of course for some of us a blown engine is an excuse to delve deep into the darkside with impunity!
Neil

>>from the garage that no obvious cause and not related to hgf<<
So it's not hydraulic lock.

>>started the engine and with no warning while still in the carpark, had the car fail<<
So not yet warm, and the engine seizes ?
Seizure requires heat, lack of oil sounds dreadful and should give plenty of warning.

This is all very strange - I would ask for a full description of why the engine failed - after 4 hours labour they should have a very clear view of what has failed; though the cause may not be obvious.
Start with asking for a full description of failed components.

Good luck with the 160 (I assume a TF160!)
Steve

Thanks for all the comments. You can tell I am not technical but this is what the SMC MG-Rover repair shophas put on the invoice. 'Remove cylinder head assy and sump. check for engine seizure. could not establish precise defect.' The service manager has also said he will give me a letter to same effect if I need it. Car was cold, no problems with oil or water. The engine had just seized! Because of the nature of the problem he agreed to check the engine out as he couldnt understand it either, but the answer to us was 'new engine needed'. Any further help on how to proceed with MG rover would be appreciated. I am not prepared to just give up.

Car goes to auction tomorrow, new TF160 arrives Friday. Thanks for any help
S Johnson 1

Now in possession of new TF160 and husband very pleased. Still no call from Rover MGF (what a surprise) so will hassle them again tomorrow. However when the old car went back my husband removed the windstop but didnt take the brackets. Now discovered that MGF wont sell bracket separately - anybody know where we might be able to get these , or any alternatives.
S Johnson 1

Once had a newish F with the head of the starter drop off and wedge itself into the flywheel causing a 'seized' engine.
Mike.
mike

Mike was there any noise from the engine prior to this happening,or as it happened, as my husband had no indication of any problem?
S Johnson 1

<Now discovered that MGF wont sell bracket separately - anybody know where we might be able to get these , or any alternatives.
Try MGF Centre in Wolverhampton..Victoria may have brackets available from a scrappie...?
Blue Max

This thread was discussed between 21/04/2004 and 26/04/2004

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