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MG MGF Technical - Heater Controls

Hi Recently purchased a 98 MGF :-) So going through trying to "tidy" it up and noticed the centre heater control keeps turning and I have only hot air, Not good with the summer we are having. Can anyone give me a clue as to where this problem can be fixed ?
Many Thanks
M Johnson

A common cause is the control knob suffering plastic fatigue where it grips the control cable. Replacements can be hard to source, but if you carefully remove the knob you may find that all the plastic is still there, maybe just split. Wrapping some wire around it can often strengthen it enough to do its job again.

The other two are identical, so if repair isn't possible then you can at least choose which function you can live without by swapping them around.
Mike Hankin

Thanks for that Mike.
Just received a manual on CD, will see what that says about removal of the heater controls

Mike J
M Johnson

I forgot to welcome you to the BBS community - very remiss of me.

Pliers padded with some cloth usually does the job, they're just a friction fit. If you decide it's not repairable, breakers are your best bet - production ceased years ago and all stocks are long gone. The roaring trade the Darkside suppliers do in alloy replacements is set to continue... ;o)
Mike Hankin

If a new knob is all that is required, then great - and you'll find that the heater controls are identical to those found on Rover 200s - so loads out there to choose from.

However, I wonder whether the control cable to the heater control valve has come adrift - or perhaps the control cog has stripped a tooth? Check the easy things first before taking a closer look at the heater control box.
Rob Bell

Many Thanks Mike you were correct the plastic had indeed split. I repaired it with the top from a metal female coax aerial connector and a bit of pvc tape. Seems to be a glove fit and still allow clearance for the hole.
Interesting to hear the rover 200 are the same will keep a look out for some for spares.
M Johnson

Just be on the look out for the model year, as the design does change - but then, you could just replace all three.

The BEST version to get IMO are those fitted to the Rover 200 BRM special edition. Beautiful alloy. I have these in my F - absolutely delighted with them. Mike Satur does something fairly similar though.
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 11/06/2006 and 14/06/2006

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