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MG MGF Technical - overheating

Have had the car (1.8 MGF convertible - W reg) back just over a week from the Garage and the same thing has happened again. Was driving for around an hour when suddenly I noticed a sudden cloud of steam coming from the engine, the temperature gauge began to rise rapidly. I stopped the car for around 20 minutes to let it cool down and made my way home, I was 5 minutes from my home. I noticed on the ground quite a large wet patch under the passenger side. Anyway car is back in the garage. I have already had the water pump changed, a fuse and a new cooling fan fitted. Does anyone have any ideas? I've only had the car around 10 weeks and I'm beginning to think i've made a mistake!

Jackie Gentles

Jackie, have you read the associated thread "Overheating in traffic: radiator fan not working"?

Had a similar problem - turned out to be that ECU temperature sensor that I mentioned to you last time. Clean up the contacts with a contact-cleaner spray, and normal service should be restored.
Rob Bell

If there is coolant under the passenger side it would indicated something to do with the long coolant pipe which run from the engine to the Radiator in the front. If the coolant was drained recently then it is probable that a clip has not ben tightened correctly. This can be checked. Jack and prop the car safely and find the jubilee clips at the engine end of the pair of metal coolant pipe, and ensure these are tight.

If the car has already overheated it is very likely that you need a new coolant cap for the expansion tank, these are only 3.50 from MGR but it is essential that this is replaced after overheating.

Also, if the car has lost coolant it is important to ensure that the system is Bled correctly, there are threed bleed nipples, One on the radiator, one on the front bulkhead under the wiper Mech and another on a major waterway adjacent to the air filter.

I would recommend that you get a pressure test of the coolant system as a sanity check, this will show any leaks in the system.

I would recommend that if the car looses coolant in the way you say, not to drive the car but have it towed to a garage, The engine in the MGF is all alloy and doesn't take kindly to overheating.

Tim
tim woolcott

Ah,but Rob, you forgot about the coolant under the car...
tim woolcott

Checks of the coolant pipe runs would indeed be prudent Tim. But if the coolant was boiling, then it can be difficult to predict exactly where the condensing water will land...

On such a new car, I'd suspect the temp sensor (common things occur commonly) - but at the same time as this is checked, the condition of the pipes should also be checked. I assume that these checks have already been performed, if a competent mechanic were checking over the cooling system...

Bear with it Jackie. You've not made a mistake - but you have got a gremilin that should be easy to sort out :o)
Rob Bell

Thanks to everyone for their help. I love the car and definately don't want to get rid of it. I'm awaiting the verdict from the garage and will let you know.
I've also been on to Trading Standards and know exactly where I stand, I thought the garage were repairing it out of goodwill.
Jackie G

I have been in contact with the garage who still have the car with them. Apparently they have vacumed the cooling system and done a pressure test, the foreman asked if he could keep the car for another day or two just to make sure. I am also due to have the 3rd service done, can anyone tell me what I might be expected to pay?
J Gentles

<<Apparently they have vacumed the cooling system and done a pressure test>>

McHarg's in Glasgow apparently pressure tested my cooling system and it passed.

Funny how it was still leaking coolant from the the rear coolant pipe>hose connection.

Proably worth letting them keep it to test thoroughly, seems the pressure test doesn't always find the leak.

paul weatherill

This thread was discussed between 01/07/2003 and 03/07/2003

MG MGF Technical index

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