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MG MGF Technical - Signs of HGF doom?

I've noticed a slight drop in coolant level over the last week and now there are a few small blobs of oil floating on the coolant surface after it's been standing idle for 4 days. No signs of mayo in the oil, and no drips or evidence of external leeking around the gasket (as far as I can see!) or pipes. May well be internal oil to water break in gasket.

Car's done 80,200+ and when I bought it at 45,000 there was no evidence / report of it having a previous HGF.

How reliable are checks for combustion fumes etc in the expansion tank?

I guess it's time to talk to the dealers tomorrow. :-(

Not a very happy bunny. :-((
Tony

Tony Thompson

>How reliable are checks for combustion fumes etc in the expansion tank?

The head gasket keeps five diffrent things from each other, this test will only telly you if you have a combustion/water failure, where it sounds like you have an high pressure oil to water failure (unusual one)

oil in the water is a sure sign :-(
Will Munns

>How reliable are checks for combustion fumes etc in the expansion tank?

Just prior to an HGF I had a chemical test on the coolant, which didn't show combustion gasses, and an emissions sniffer (from an MOT), which found traces. Sadly, the emissions sniffer proved to be the more reliable. After the event I realised that I had noticed some oily smears around the expansion bottle wall, but at that time I didn't pay much attention to them - ignorance was bliss - for a while!
Dave Livingstone

Tony, this is bad news if you are right.
However, 80k miles isn't that bad if the new gasket lasts the same.
Mind you on changing the waterpump when they are just on there.
Dieter K.

Drops of coolant can be due to a whole host of problems, rad leaks, corroded underbody pipes, weaping hoses and failing inlet manifold gaskets... Let's hope it's one of these causes Tony.

The oil in the coolant is very worrying though - although an oil-like film can form in the expansion tank, and actually doesn't seem to mean anything (apart, perhaps, that you need to replace the coolant some time soon).

Fingers crossed...
Rob Bell

This morning I checked the expansion tank before leaving for work. I was intending to take a photo for my website of the half dozen or so blobs of oil ( and for posterity or something!) but not a sign of oil or contamination at all !

This could be very misleading. The car had stood idle for 4 days, the longest it has done so in the 3 years I have had it, so I guess there had been more time for the oil contamination to rise through the system to the surface. In which case, regular use could hide the true situation and then......wham...it's all over.!

Never the less I will speak to my dealer later today, even just to get a quote. I need to be very focused about this since this sort of expenditure is the last thing I need at present - we are in the throws of refitting the kitchen - new central heating, new kitchen units, washing machine, dishwasher, oven, hob, fridge, microwave....etc.... £££££££££££££££ !!!!!

Just checked it again at lunch time - no visible contamination.

Tony
Tony Thompson


I would be surprised if oil had got back into the engine after visiting the expansion tank. Keep an eye on the dipstick and the water level.

Don't go to MGR and say 'I think I have HGF' unless you are sure (pound signs in the eyes cloud vision for the real problem!)
Will Munns

Tony, Having just re-furbished our kitchen I know what the costs are like, well at least I can say it's my turn to get something I want now :-))

Mike
Mike (Mersea Office)

Tony,
If the worst diagnosis is confirmed, you may be interested to know that William's Engineering of Portchester completed the HGF replacement and head skim on my Wife's F this year to our satisfaction for under £500. I have no connection with this company except as a customer of 10 + years.

Ask for Malcolm.
Paul

Keep a close eye on things Tony - I am not sure that this is a herald to impending gasket diaster, but the dealer may be tempted to make that diagnosis to get some lucrative replacement work!
Rob Bell

Thanks Gents,

Will,
<I would be surprised if oil had got back into the engine after visiting the expansion tank. Keep an eye on the dipstick and the water level.

Once the pump started circulating, any oil may have simply transfered to the sides of the expansion tank. The inside walls are clean except for a small oily residue on the water line.

I guess it's a case of 'watch this space' - I'm not sure at this stage if I have a problem.

I'm already in the habit of checking the coolant regularly - now it will be everytime I open the boot!


Paul,
I can't say I know William's Engineering of Portchester but its 'just down the road' so I'll check it out. Why did yoiu chose them and have you used them for anything else?

Tony

Tony

Paul,

The only William's I can find is.....

Williams Vehicle Repairs
Unit 1a, Hamilton Rd Cosham Portsmouth Hampshire PO6 4QE.
Tel: 023 9237 3193

Is this the one?

Tony
Tony

Tony,

Yes, this is the Williams garage I referred to. I and work colleages have used them for MOTs and major rebuilds.

Paul
Paul

Hello,

Mine just got the HGF as well : MKII year 2000, about 40 000km.
There was absolutely no sign it would happen : i only got a clue when the water sensor went up and felt a bad smell. Then i stopped the car and called the dealer.
Except these nothing : no mayo in the oil, same level of water in the tank, no leaks whatsoever etc...

Arnaud
Arnaud

Hi Tony,

I had the EXACT same symtoms as you a week ago... Unfortunately it was HGF... It was only a small area where the sealant had come loose on the gasket, but it would just get worse over time.
Holster

Well, I've closely watched it all week - no coolant loss, no oil in coolant, no mayo in oil! Hmmmm?

Tony
Tony

Tony, beginning to sound like the car had a moment of petulance after being 'home alone' for 4 days.

Hope that's all it was.
JohnP

Don't forget to register ;)

http://shame.4mg.com/
Dieter K.

Dieter,

How did your cable change go ??
Mark

JohnP,
Yes, I hope it was sulking! But that's not a very technical explanation !

Dieter,
If, due to current lack of eveidence, I refuse to accept it could be a HGF and therefore refuse to register at present, will it go away? :-)

Tony
Tony Thompson

I think that I also have suffered HGF if I order a new gasket set from rover or wherever do they now come with the steel location dowels? Shouls I order the gaskets else where?
Martin Chappell

The Rover gasket set should come complete with metal dowels Martin :o)
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 10/10/2004 and 18/10/2004

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