View Full Version : ZS has nearly gone :(
mattie007
22-08-12, 11:34 PM
After 6 years of ownership, looks like the ZS will be going.
Every part has been changed and even the Ecu has been sent off to be checked but nothing :( Both garages have said they have never seen anything like it.
I can keep chucking money at it or even get a new engine but im losing confidence.
Been thinking of a few replacements, either....
ZT (135 or 160)
ZS 180
TF 160
ZR TD/160
I'm drawn to another MG but would have to be a mint with no issues.
Or just a cheap diesel hatch like the Micra I'm running around in ATM!!
My cousin has a S2000 for sale which is a sorted car but it's still a Honda.
It may be a Honda, but it'll probably be bombproof?
If yours has to go, surely the next step would be a 180?
Dan1971
23-08-12, 06:32 AM
You've got to try a 180 surely !!!!
I think you will struggle to find anything z related without issues given their age now as for the s2000 I would ditch my 180 in a heartbeat for one If I was in the market for a change
stamford
23-08-12, 06:53 AM
S2000 is a totally different car, well worth trying as they are pretty good.
Not much space in an S2000 though. If you need the space, get a 180. I love my MK2 but it has the odd issue. I live with them because I know I spent so little money on the car that it is a bargain regardless.
Whats the problem with the car?
mattie007
23-08-12, 08:29 AM
The S2000 is a riot to drive but the lack of space could be an issue.
Awesome on track though! 180's are ridiculously cheap now so the cost of fuel shouldn't be an issue.
ZRed- it just idles badly and when you press the clutch it dies. Tried new sensors, injectors, throttle bodies, list goes on.
When did it start happening? I heard it had a head gasket?
mattie007
23-08-12, 09:14 AM
It had a hg replaced a few years ago with the mls one.
Was leaking a bit of water but nothing drastic.
how very odd - good luck withthe hunt - seems strange though that hte issue can't be traced!
One question - do you use supermarket fuel all the time?
My folks had exactly the same issue with their car and it was down to the fuel they used - as soon as they bunged a few tanks of super in it - and then switched to garage fuel the misfire/stalling went away.....
the fuel choice may be a cheap way to problem solve?
I'll be honest, whilst forum advice can be brilliant, at times like this it can be very misleading aswell. From what you've said and I've read in your previous posts, my advice is stop changing parts that other folk have said caused them problems. Take it to a garage that has an interest in Mg / rover. As I read "rovers are like that with code readers" from your other post, that's a load of bollocks. Every car is like that if you have no clue to what you are doing. If you were closer idve liked a look. It sounds like something simple but without seeing it or knowing what anyone else has done or "checked" before, it's virtually impossible to guide you. It'd be a stab in the dark.
For the record, common problems listed on here such as ;
Idle control valve issues - I've never had one on any k series.
Poor pump fuel - never one. Heard Jap cars have the odd issue.
Lambda sensors - never had one fail.
Throttle bodies leaking - never.
Blocked injector - never.
Ecu failure or malfunction - never.
Now in no way shape or form am I saying that any of the above won't happen or have issues, but when I read this forum it reads like these happen constantly. In my experience of 12 years and numerous rovers in all models, I've never seen it.
One thing to check that I have touched on before is to check the wiring loom behind the inlet. Where it meets the metal pipe causes chaffing and shorts out the wires. Effecting usually the map sensor, injectors and idle control valve. You can almost bet that it won't have been checked unless by someone who knows these cars.
Hopefully that doesn't sound too high and mighty, but I hate to think a good car would go to waste due to bad advice and shoddy diagnostic skills.
mattie007
23-08-12, 07:31 PM
Really appreciate the advice mate.
The garage is at the bottom of my road so I'll pop down tomorrow.
I do trust the garage though, the chap who owns it has 3 classic (MGA, B and Magnette) and a ZR.
From what you describe that could well be the issue. Will report back ASAP.
Would love to have it back, but it's so frustrating!
mattie007
27-08-12, 08:45 PM
Car is being transported to a specialist in Cambridge tomorrow to hopefully rectify the problem. Just hope it's fixable!
mattie007
10-09-12, 02:11 PM
Finally heard back from the garage. The part that the bottom end of the cambelt sits on has chewed itself inside, damaging the crankshaft in the process. The timing however was spot on.
Changing the part later today to see if that rectifies it.
petet16
10-09-12, 02:14 PM
Hopefully a fix, that's exactly what happened to the guy on RT, it seems weird not to have a Woodruff key to locate the crank sprocket.
stamford
10-09-12, 02:18 PM
Interesting find, quite how it did that is another matter. Fingers crossed it gets sorted and is fit and well.
Common fault mate. I thought the other garage had checked that????????
It shouldn`t effect the crank though. I`ve had them 4 teeth out and only superficial damage.
mattie007
10-09-12, 10:17 PM
To be fair they were just looking at it when they had time, but hope this does the trick. Wish I lived nearer Scotland as all the help is up there lol.
The damage does look superficial on the crankshaft though so not too worried.
Also the inlet manifold gasket needs changing and he said about 2-3 hours labour, is that right?
If he`s doing it with his eyes closed and wearing boxing gloves.
I charged Marcus £36 including the gasket and even talking rubbish for ages it was done in roughly half an hour. An hours labour is more than reasonable.
mattie007
10-09-12, 10:33 PM
Hmmm, thought that was excessive. Would probably be cheaper to pop up and get it done by you!
Just for the record he's charging me £500 for the labour and parts. I know it does sound a lot but he has been going back and forth trying new parts. Should of scrapped it tbh!
**** me sideways. I could've come down and did it for less.
mattie007
11-09-12, 08:30 AM
Yeh I know, does seem excessive but guess a lot of the labour is fault finding.
Fancy coming down to do my inlet gasket ;) Every garage is a rip off around here.
sambomonkee
11-09-12, 08:44 AM
Did you try Martin at http://www.clifton-northampton.co.uk/, he is very good, and the recommended MG specialist for the South Mids Sportsters.
mattie007
11-09-12, 11:08 PM
Used them before but couldn't get the car over to them.
mattie007
14-09-12, 04:34 PM
Finally got her back! Running about as good as they can get it with the worn camshaft so I'm happy for now. Only issues are when you give it some revs below 3k it just revs without gaining as much speed as it uses to.
As long as it works and gets me to work I'm happy :)
vBulletin® v3.8.11, Copyright ©2000-2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.