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MG MGF Technical - MGF sounds like a strimmer

Hi, I hope you can help me with a really really annoying problem,

My 97 R 1.8i MGF sounds like a strimmer, I have had the car for over a year now, and in Apr 03 had a new downpipe fitted. Ever since, under acceleration it sounds like a stimmer (as well as the usual exhaust note), and under deceleration will let out a bit of noise.

I have been back to the garage and they have since fitted three more down pipes, the last one being a fair bit more expensive than the last, and this hasn't rectified the problem, they suggested that it might be the back box, but the noise has only been apparent since the first replaced the downpipe.

I have tried to live with it but it's really getting on my nerves, as it doesn't sound great, especially with the roof down.

Have you ever come across this before or have any idea what might be causing it? I don't seem to have noticed a drop in power.

Thanks for any help/suggestions you might have, I am considering a sports exhaust (the garage have offered to fit for free), but don't want to go to the expense if it doesn't help.

PS Car is booked into MG on 7th June so any expense avoiding suggestions before then would be gratefully received!

Ian (I am in NORFOLK not Merseyside, i keep changing but it doesn't seem to save!)
I J Hamshaw

A strimmer? not sure...

Best bet is to get a length of hose and with the engine running whilst holding one end against your ear walk around the engine bay till you find the noise.
Will Munns

Sounds like the "tizz" problem - there is a bracket which fits between the block and the downpipe to stop vibration. See http://www.lame-delegation.de/mgfcar.de/exhaust_bracket/ for details.

Tim.
Tim Jenner

Wicked thanks Tim, will have to get car up and check it out, I just can't wait to have this problem sorted, as it's one of those niggles!!!!!
I J Hamshaw

Mine does it too - thought it was something else for a while, but it's definitely that. Fitting looks slightly awkard, though!

Tim.
Tim Jenner

Thats the trouble, and I don't have mates with pits or lifts!!!

PS ANYONE GOT A SECONDHAND SPORTS EXHAUST AT THE MOMENT THEY WANNA SELL?
I J Hamshaw

I have a friend with a pit but I still don't think I'd try to fit it myself. Tried to shift a cat>exhaust nut the other day (OK, that one's going to be the worst but still...) and stood no chance whatsoever. Used exhausts turn up on ebay every so often, there was an SP which went for £100 a couple of weeks ago.

Tim.
Tim Jenner

I keep a regular eye on Ebay, I just want a bit of extra volume rather then power!
I J Hamshaw

I bought the SP and awaiting delivery, hopefully have it fitted for Bedford.
Steve Ratledge

Am I being stupid? SP???
I J Hamshaw

SP = Stephen Palmer. Original maker of the Milltek Supersports now sold by Brown & Gammons.

Tim.
Tim Jenner

Cheers Tim, have been offered Tropy exhaust, please see thread....
I J Hamshaw

Yep, saw that. I think they're quiet, if you want noise hold out for an aftermarket. I'm not sure I would recommend a used early SP though - see http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tim.jenner/p996kvx.htm#split_tailpipe . If it's new, go for it (lifetime warranty for original purchaser and they're no longer made by SP).

Tim.
Tim Jenner

Is that the £275.01 jobbie? Might have to get saving then....
Ian Hamshaw HAM 421E

Yup, I agree with Tim - the Trophy exhaust is slightly fruitier than the standard back box - but nothing like as entertaining as the aftermarket systems available.

Hmm- cat nuts. I hate 'em. Mine sheared off the last time I changed my exhaust - arggh!!! :o( Best get an exhaust fitter to do this job for you, unless you happen to have all the right equipment/tools to hand...

Fingers crossed that the anti-tizz bracket will do the job Ian! :o)
Rob Bell

Yep, it's the £275.01 jobbie (the 1p is important!!). I did try to shift the cat nuts on mine but gave up...and exhaust fitter would make easy work of them - I was quoted £40 to change the exhaust, for that sort of money it's not even worth the hassle of trying to do yourself!

Tim
Tim Jenner

Just need to check whether I have a bracket fitted, or is this purely aftermarket?
My exhaust fitter will fit for free as they messed me about so much with downpipe, just dont want to leave too long or they'll forget about me!
Ian Hamshaw HAM 421E

The bracket isn't fitted as standard - but is available from MG Rover to fix this known problem.

I am 99.9% sure your car won't have one fitted!
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 18/05/2004 and 19/05/2004

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