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MG MGF Technical - HGF #2

Dropped my R '98VVC in for what I thought was a small oil leak only to be told that my head gasket has gone. I do find this strange as I keep a keen eye on my fluid levels since my first HGF at 24k miles. The oil had dropped due to the oil leak, but the coolant level has been stable. I do not rev over 3k revs until the engine has warmed up properly.

Currently on 50k miles. Paramount have agreed to do it under warranty (thank god I extended it), but I'm suffering from post HGF failure disorder and generally feeling a bit gutted.

I should have it back this afternoon all being well. Fingers crossed.

Jeff
R380ODG 1998VVC
J Newman

>for what I thought was a small oil leak only to be told that my head gasket has gone
Sounds like a 'its an MGF, they have head gasket failures =>head gasket failure' diagnosis still if it's under warrenty then I'd get it (re) done just in case their right.

Will
Will Munns

Please bear with me - this is a bit long...

Things have not gone well. Picked up my F yesterday after having headgasket replaced and drove home at 60. Checked fluid levels this morning and there was a small amount of mayo on the dipstick and the coolant level had dropped by an inch or so. I thought it would be coolant working it's way throught the system so drove in to work (slowly). Before I left work I checked again and the coolant was down again, so I checked the oil and there was more mayo on the dipstick. Garage was not open at this time, so I drove home (slowly). I have only done 80 miles or so all with revs below 3k and at a max of 65 on the motorway. Guages have not shown unusual readings.

My question are :
- how can this happen so fast ?
- is it possible the garage put the old gasket back on ?
- how come there is mayo on the dipstick now when before I took it in there was none ?

I'm going back to the dealer tomorrow at opening time

Cheers

Jeff
J Newman

>- how can this happen so fast ?
They buggered up the job, either by not doing the bolts up in sequence, or not checking the head for warping and skimming appropreatly

>- is it possible the garage put the old gasket back on ?
No but like any seal, if it's done wrong it won't work

>- how come there is mayo on the dipstick now when before I took it in there was none ?
The mayo is water combineing with oil, I would expect this a little after a HGF, but I would expect it to get better not worse as the water boiled off. The fact it is getting worse suggests a leak (backed up by the dissappearing water)
Will Munns

Thanks Will - that helps a lot. So the mayo should get better - interesting. Dropped back in the garage this morning.

Thanks again

Jeff
J Newman

> So the mayo should get better
In normal use yes, I would expect some risidual condensation in the system after a HGF, but it should wear off, you seem to be getting more rather than less, so there is a problem with the repair.

Will Munns

>>but I would expect it to get better not worse as the water boiled off.<<

I wouldn't recommend waiting for the water to be boiled off. Oil is not soluble in water, and when mixed it exists as an emulsion.

As an emulsion, you could get blocking of small water ways, and blocking of the oil filter.

Blocking of small oil ways would be extremely bad news, as it would lead to localised over heating leading to another HGF, or even damaged bearings.

It is therefore essential that after any HGF the oil and coolant systems are both very thoroughly flushed.

Small (ie very small specs on the dip stick) may be acceptable - but any more than this get the oil system flushed and cleaned.
Rob Bell

Supporting Rob's concerns about oil contamination, I was advised to change the oil within 500 miles after my HGF and this was after many hours were spent during the HGF fix cleaning up the oil/water mess.

However, given your situation, with only 80 miles on the clock, I'd suspect, as Will does, that the job has not been done properly.

Good luck and keep us posted,

Dave
Dave

Had the car back - garage have flushed and replaced the oil. Also changed oil filter.

Apparently they left water in around the dipstick. No explanation for the water levels, but the level had magically gone up since I dropped the car off (hmmm)

Have to keep my eye on things.

Thanks for all of the help guys.

Cheers - Jeff
J Newman

Fingers crossed then Jeff!
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 05/03/2003 and 10/03/2003

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