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MG MGF Technical - Engine commissioning

I have a 1.8 K series engine which was manufactured in 2000 but has never been fitted/used. It has been dry stored during this time. I now wish to use it but before commissioning it would appreciate any thoughts anyone might have as to the best way forward. As the engine has not yet been fitted I am considering a cambelt change and fitting a new improved head gasket. Any views or other suggestions would be welcome.
Thanks,
Neil
K series

Definitely all the belts, but also change the plastic dowels locating the head while it is easy, or be prepared to do it within 30k miles. Talk to Dave Andrews at dvapower for expert advice.
Charless

the 2000 engines would have metal dowels.

put a little spray of 3 in 1 in the bores and rotate the engine by spanner to make sure it moves OK

when you first crank it, crank it over without plugs until the oil light goes off
Will Munns

Charles, thank you.

Will, are you saying the metal dowels are better than plastic ones and therefore would not need changing.
Neil
K series

Steel dowels are an improvement as they reduce head movement but, Sorry Will, they were introduced in March 2001. My November 2000 build were still plastic.
I had them swapped out at the 1st cambelt change.
Geoff F.
Geoff Farthing

yup steel dowels are better, I am surprised that 2000 is too early for factory fitments - I thought the dowels were the first thing to be changed!

If you're taking it down to replace the dowels I would slap in a landrover head gasket.

Take care not to rotate the engine at all with the head off.


I must say, with the exception of doing the crank bolt up, disassembling the engine out of the car is /so/ much easier!
Will Munns

This thread was discussed on 18/08/2008

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