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MG MGF Technical - HGF, now saying engine needs replacing

I had a gasket failure on the M3 a couple of weeks ago. The garage is now telling me that, as a result of this, my "big end has gone" [I am no technical expert] and they are recommending a replacement engine at a cost of some £3,000.

My MGF is an S reg with only 18,000 miles on the clock. Although it is no longer under warranty, has anyone had any experience of trying to get any sort of compensation for such a major problem from MG?

Would be grateful for any advice on options available
Steve Davies

get more info soonest - ask how they arrive at their diagnosis, what have they tested or taken apart so far? If poss take somebody with you who talks their language and understands engines. Consider an independent engineer assessment - AA or RAC possibly? Assuming this is an MG Rover dealer, you can save maybe half the labour cost by having an independent garage doing the work even if it costs a hundred or 2 to trailer it to them. And of course a secondhand engine will save you over a grand... check the archives for HGF additional info, and advertisers here for contacts...
David

Sounds nasty, but how can they tell the big end's gone? this isn't a normal check area for HGF- did they run the engine with HGF? if so then ask them why, they might have caused more damage (depends on how fast you stopped)
Will Munns

Steve

You dont say (or at least I cant see) which car it is - the very early MPis had a different 'bottom end' to the VVC so it is possible that a 'big end' has gone but I have never heard of this in the 7 years I have been reading these pages - even Dirk of Luxemburg (remember him) did not blow a big end.

Personally I would rather suspect a dodgy mechanic rather than dodgy mechanicals!

Ted
Ted Newman

Naturally a plug for MGF centre again. They fitted a new engine to a BBS car just yesterday very good value and a fraction of the new price, I know they have some more with running-in milage, definately worth giving them a call 01902 403045.

Alternatively if you're willing to spend a bit more you could get a whole gas-flowed engine and head from Dave Andrews for the kind of money you're being quoted for a new engine. They are just FANTASTIC I have one. ;0)

tim woolcott

It is possible to destroy an engine as a consequence of a gasket failure: failure of the inlet manifold gasket, for example, can lead to hydraulic locking of No4 cylinder, with rather hideous consequences for the bottom end...

I guess quoting the mechanic out of context like this is little hard on the guy, but it does rather conjure up an image of a dodgy greasy back-street mechanic sharply sucking in an intake of breath, whilst uttering those immortal words: "yer big end's gone mate. It's gunna be expensive..." ;o)

I agree with the chaps, ask some more questions regarding this worrisome diagnosis Steve - and if a new engine IS required, then there are plenty of other sources that'll sell you a new or used engine for significantly less than what you are currently being quoted.

I see that Seth Woolcott has suggested the DVA route... ROFL And why not? For 3k Dave could almost certainly see you safely on the way to 200bhp... ;o)
Rob Bell

Steve - what exactly happened when your head gasket went ?
Were you travelling at speed and the engine went bang - or were you idling in traffic and noticed lots of white steam ?
If your car is an S-reg then it will have the stronger bottom end. Your engine will still have some value - especially if it's a VVC, just for the head alone.
So you need to ask :-
Is the head beyond repair ?
How much of the engine has been dismantled ?
How do they know the big ends are damaged ?

Certainly look at all the options :- a modified engine for the same money sounds nice, but be aware of the insurance problems that would result.

Steve
Steve

This thread was discussed between 12/05/2003 and 13/05/2003

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