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MG MGF Technical - manifold water leak

My MGF is leaking a small amount of water. I have noticed recently that I am topping up the reservoir at least every 3 to 4 weeks. The other day I was changing the plugs and oil and used my friend's ramp. Underneath I saw antifreeze down the back of the block. I could not determine exactly where the leak was coming from but I guess it must be the manifold.

How difficult is it to fit a new gasket.
How many bolts? or does other things need removing?
Is it possible by simply removing the engine cover and working from above or is it necessary to have access from below
Thanks Bob
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Hi Bob,
Just spent the last couple of weekends trying to find a small leak myself. Thought it was the headgasket as there was coolant under the edge of the inlet manifold, it comes down to just about level with the headgasket position.

To get the manifold off - I took the engine cover off - under the rear of the hood - as it makes it much 'easier' (this is a relative term). No need to go below. 7 nuts hold the manifold on, but you'll also have to remove the return fuel rail, and de-pressurise the fuel system and probably a few more bits and pieces.

My problem seems to have been the manifold gasket at the distributor end, found 'puddles' of coolant on the head mouldings above the manifold so I'm pretty sure not the head gasket.

Problem now is that it won't start - looks like I'll be posting again!

Bob



R Mosedale

Sounds as though the inlet manifold gasket is suspect. Replacement as Bob says is straightforward enough, but the lower three bolts are well hidden under the intake and access is hugely entertaining (not).

If yours is the original black manifold gasket (there's a tab on the lower left corner - pictured here: http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/common_problems/hgf_pages/HGF_images/green_IMG.JPG), then it's done well to last this long, and is a well-known failure point. Replaced by the later green-coloured gasket.

Rob Bell

By the way Bob - in the image you can see a black multi connector plug (one of many you need to unplug) - don't forget to reconnect it or the car won't start! Doaahh.
R Mosedale

Nice one Bob LOL
and thanks for the info Bob and Rob

Bit confusing all these Roberts. :)
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Bob,

Have a look at.....

http://www.apttony.co.uk/Servicing/Manifold.html

Hope this helps

Tony
Tony Thompson

I recently had this replaced on my 2000 F 1.8 by my local garage. Car had trouble starting one day. When I took it out of my garage I noticed a pool of coolant on the floor, I looked under the car to see it dripping out. The gradual lowering of coolant preceded this as a warning. Part cost £8, but labour cost was 3 hours!

That said, it is the only repair I have had to pay for in 14 months and 7,000 miles of owning it. Car hit 45,000 miles today.

Dave
Dave Ellis

Thanks for that Tony, have printed that off ready for the day.

Could someone tell my where hey bough the "uprated?" manifold gasket, Green was it?
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Hi Bob,
Got mine from Windsors in Wallasey, Wirral. Wow all those w's,
Part 01LKJ101110SLP £7.30 incl VAT.

They used to be an MG Rover dealer and still hold parts - plus, more important years of experience. Always helpful.
Bob
R Mosedale

Bob, the 'uprated' gasket is the standard one - it superceeded the earlier version. For the records (from Dieter's excellent EPC - http://www.mgfcar.de/epc) LKG000170 - Gasket-inlet manifold (black coloured), superceeded by
LKJ101110 - Gasket-inlet manifold (green coloured).

It's available from any X-part stockist (Rimmer Bros do mail order, or if you have a local former MG-Rover dealership nearby, they'll be able to get it for you) - and probably from all the usual suspect MGF specialists: Brown and Gammons, MGF Centre, Mike Satur etc.
Rob Bell

Bob Mosedale
Where are you in Merseyside?

Tony
Tony Harrison

Hiding away in Spital
R Mosedale

Thanks will get mine from Rimmers.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Bob, (Robert)

Got one in here today at the Classic Car Clinic with the same symptoms....

Head gasket replaced by Land Rover dealer about 18 months ago (11000 miles) and they did a very comprehensive job.

First one for me, so wish me luck.... lol

Mark.
M T Boldry

Hi Mark

I have got my gasket now mate and it is green rubber, from Rimmer bros, £6:50 Nice one.
Let me know how you get on.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Same gasket here a lot more expensive, but I guess thats to be expected.

Jobs finished and I have to say, I wouldn't hesitate to do another.

Bring 'em on......

Mark.

M T Boldry

Done the job, took me 5 hours including mash up breaks :) you can't beat a good Mash!! Thanks everyone, I had the black gasket fitted and it was split... Now have the green and no leaks to date!!
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

It did well to last this long Bob! Good job, well done :o)
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 31/01/2010 and 01/03/2010

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