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MG MGF Technical - Starting Problems

When its been raining my F doesnt really like to start is this a common thing? Or do i have to get the poor baby looked at by the car doctors?

MK

MK, this is a problem with some cars where the rain is getting to the electrics, if you do not want to try replacing plugs leads, then I would start with spraying the leads with a water repellant from your local car accesory shop.
HTH
Mike
Mike (Mersea Office)

Wet weather starting problem diagnosis: http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/common_problems/wet_starting.htm

Usually something pretty simple :o)
Rob Bell

What age is your car? Any more than 3 years, consider new plugs and leads.
Leigh Reid

.. and/or new distributor cap and finger if it's an older MGF (none VVC)
Dieter K.

It was the dizzy cap shorting out when mine did this last winter.

A good temporary fix is to stuff the little boot vent with a black bin bag overnight. Just make sure she's already cooled down first, and fer chrissakes remember to take it out before you drive away!

Jamie
J Wakeham

Shes VVC 1999 T Reg. I have a look at the leads. Thanks very much for your help.

MK
MK

MK, you'll be due for your 5 year service which should include plugs, if not done already. If you've had the 5 year service (i.e. the biggie that includes cam-belts - get the tensioner done at the same time) then it'll be the leads.

I found mine particularly bad in cold and damp weather. Wet weather and cold but dry weather were fine. Thought it was the plugs originally, but got some new leads from Mike S at the 5 year service and that's done the trick. Also the VVC coils that are under the air vent in the engine bay can have problems, but I'd start by replacing the HT leads.
Leigh Reid

Does anyone know a respectible place to get the BIG service done near West London? I dont want a cowboy to blow up my baby.
MK

I drive up the M40 to Techspeed MK!
Rob Bell

I'll second Rob - Tech-Speed are worth the trip, and are sufficiently cheaper than an MGR dealer that it'll work out less expensive, even with petrol taken into account. You'll have to wait there, but there's a very nice pub up the road. And you could always have some suspension magic worked whilst she was under their knife...

...having said that, they'd run out of stickers when they did mine, and *still* haven't posted one to me!

Jamie
J Wakeham

You mention this suspension magic and im all ears, am i being temped into the dark side? Possibly....

Sounds like a good idea about Techpeed do you have their contact?
MK

Try Tel: 01926 632066, Fax: 01926 632572

Telephone is the best form of contact - chat to Marvin or Roy. I have the email contact if needed :o)
Rob Bell

I think we can safely say damp was my problem. Flattened a battery trying to start it after being out in the rain and mist all night. So I pushed it into the garage (where it should have been in the first place), and let it dry while I charged the battery. I also went around as much of the engine as I could with a hair dryer!

Eventually got it started, but it was missfiring until I had driven it for around 20 minutes. Once I was confident I could start it again, I went to buy some WD40. Got some, canme home and started spraying... only problem is I have no idea where the plugs and distributer are. I have a 97 1.8i.

Any pointers on how to access everything that needs to be sprayed would be much appreciated. I think I'll invest in a manual next time I'm back in the UK.

Thanks... Baz

Baz

OK Folks,

I've taken the time to actually register as a member as it seems I'm checking this BBS on a daily basis now that I'm back in the country and driving the F again. Haven't driven it for 2 years while living in Singapore..

So I have now done some research and know how to get the engine cover off and at the plugs etc.

Seems a few of you have had the stuttering problem in 3rd and 4th trying to accelerate. My car has never done that until now. Although it's a 97 it's only done 34,000 kms, which is a shade over 20k miles, so it could be the plugs I suppose.

I'm going to give everything a good spray with the WD40 and see how that goes.

Next thing is the servicing. It's been serviced as per the book, until we were out of the country. The last service was at 32,375 kms in December 2002, so I have driven around 2,000 kms since the last service. As such I'm a bit loath to have it serviced again now.

We are likely going to keep the car for ever so I'm not concerned about FSH for resale value, but I do want to make sure the car is getting what it needs to stay fit and healthy.

I have seen somewhere on this BB that the cam belts need changing after 5 years. Mine are the original, and now 7 years old. Although I have done relatively few miles, does the belt still need changing due to it's age? In my French service book it just says replace after 160,000kms, and nothing about age...

I am aware of the problems though if the belt "goes" so any advice if welcome here...

All the best, baz.

B Matvichuk

Baz, probably worthwhile you starting a new thread with all those queries!

If you've got a 1.8i, could be the dizzy cap. I seem to recall reading some posts which indicate they are prone to wear, and this is a symptom. As above, for cold wet starting, look at replacing your leads, then plugs (though plugs should have been changed in 97). Belts can wear with time, so I suggest you get that replaced (not as expensive as VVC IIRC), along with the tensioner (can't remember if you have one of these).
Leigh Reid

Baz
I would change cam belts with some urgency in fact make it the 100,000km service and do plugs, plug leads and all fluids as the car has been sitting being idle to long.
Andrew Regens

Andrew, Leigh,

I'm inclined to agree, and just have the big service done now. We will use the car in winter, even though it should soon become the 2nd car, so all the more reason, and at 7 years old it's probably time.......

Not sure what they have here in France regarding decent plug leads. Most probably MGR standard stuff, so I will order from Mike Satur or B&G, and have the garage fit them during the service,.... or I'll just do it myself,... sorry , not having the most decisive morning....
B Matvichuk

Baz, I agree with Leigh: the stuttering under load in 3rd sounds exactly like old distributor head/rotor problem - replacement is pretty easy.

I also agree with Andrew regarding the cam belt: you must replace it at the soonest time: cam belts need to be replaced every 5 years; the rubber perishes...
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 24/11/2004 and 30/11/2004

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