View Full Version : XPG Part 6
mattie007
13-02-17, 06:58 PM
Always wanted a 180, been searching for years for the right one and finally took possession of Kevs/Garys/Jays/Dans/Micks ZS.
http://i66.tinypic.com/10nxsep.jpg
150 mile drive home was good fun, gave it the beans for the first time through the Handheld tunnel :trampoline: What a noise. Can't believe its took me so long to get one, but after losing my 120 last year after 10 years of ownership, I've been itching to get back in one. The performance and noise is spot on and better than I imagined. Feels like driving a racecar!
Car really is stunning for its age, just a few electrical niggles to sort, new battery , paint or wrap the vents and tidy up the small patch of rust on the roof.
Thanks to Mick for picking me up from the station and being a good sport in selling me such a great car. Finally got to see his famous track car aswell :D
stamford
13-02-17, 07:21 PM
Oh I miss it! Glad it found a good home, still looks bloody awesome! Was good to see you, hopefully again at a meet this year.
Well done Matt.you got a cracker there.now it's time for it to settle in the one place again.it's been a nomad for to long now.for the record it's twin is still nestling quite happily in my garage away from the nasty horrible weather.
Dan1971
13-02-17, 07:59 PM
And here's to 10 yrs of 180 ownership ..... :beer2:
Great to hear that you're so happy with it and it was worth the wait. Look forward to the updates.
Lukeus101
14-02-17, 07:21 AM
Another one remaining in good hands :)
And it isn't yellow...
Bloody hell at last!!!!! I remember you looking at getting a 180 about 9 years ago on xpower forums !!!
Welcome to 180 ownership Mattie :) About time too... Slippery slope now though, they get under your skin lol :cylon:
peterzs
14-02-17, 12:39 PM
Is a great looking example and a credit to all the previous owners.
Have fun and dont go too mad!!
I know I would!!
:):):):)
Big-Jay
14-02-17, 03:47 PM
She's still looking great !
Good to see it's gone to another enthusiast, hope you enjoy it !
mattie007
14-02-17, 05:56 PM
Thanks all, yes well chuffed. Want to keep driving it but must remember I'm on a 5k policy!
Redzed, yes it's been a long time in the making! Deals fell through over the years but glad I've got one.
Grimmy, wish I had a garage although hopefully a house move with a drive and garage isn't too far away.
Quick question, will a 120 battery work on the 180? I have a new one in the shed that was ready to go but never got fitted.
And about bloody time to m8 well done
talkingcars
14-02-17, 07:52 PM
......and finally took possession of Kevs/Garys/Jays/Dans/Micks ZS.
150 mile drive home was good fun, gave it the beans for the first time through the Handheld tunnel
And I thought FE54 was the forum bitch....
Hindhead tunnel?
Quick question, will a 120 battery work on the 180? I have a new one in the shed that was ready to go but never got fitted.
It will fit but will be more likely to run too low on juice to start the car.
mattie007
14-02-17, 08:52 PM
And about bloody time to m8 well done
Cheers Al. Good things who come wait.....a decade :D
mattie007
14-02-17, 08:53 PM
And I thought FE54 was the forum bitch....
Hindhead tunnel?
It will fit but will be more likely to run too low on juice to start the car.
Yes, hindhead. I'll get a proper battery put on the weekend.
ian zs180
15-02-17, 10:39 AM
Well done mate enjoy the v6 soundtrack
LukeZS96
15-02-17, 11:00 AM
Quick question, will a 120 battery work on the 180? I have a new one in the shed that was ready to go but never got fitted.
check the cold cranking amps (CCA) and ampere hour (AH) capacities and if they are the same there is no reason why they shouldn't work
mattie007
16-02-17, 12:22 PM
Tried the new battery, but it's not starting, the fan kicks in straight away but no turnover? Any ideas?
Sounds like the battery is flat, strange. Has it been sitting long, usually when the fans come on it signifies a low battery. Have you tried charging it up then fitting it? What's the ratings on it, I think 180's are 160ah???
stamford
16-02-17, 06:02 PM
Sounds like a dud battery. It has been known for new batteries to have a few dead cells. If it was new and unused it can easily be flat and not recover.
Dan1971
16-02-17, 06:58 PM
Tried the new battery, but it's not starting, the fan kicks in straight away but no turnover? Any ideas?
New battery you had, or a new battery that is 180 spec ?
peterzs
16-02-17, 09:23 PM
I bought a Exide Heavy Duty for the Derv, lasted 3 weeks.
Place checked it all and gave me a new one, so even new batteries can be duff!!
Skillen
16-02-17, 09:42 PM
Got a belter Bosch S5 on offer a couple years back off ECP. Not a faulter!
Can recommend.
mattie007
16-02-17, 09:59 PM
Sorry, I wasn't very clear in my last post. I fully charged up a new battery I had for the 120 but that barely had enough power to lower the window! Admittadly the CCA rating and amps were lower than the one on the car but just wanted to try.
So I went to get a new battery, same CCA and Amps as the one on the car but nothing, not even trying to turn over. Could be a dud or a connection problem. So I'm charging the one that came with the car, it was flat but has fully charged now.
Frustrating as I had another bump in my MG3 this morning and blew two tyres after a cyclist pulled out in front of me. I also had a minor collision on Friday in the 3, not a good week! Will let you all know the results on Saturday when I have time to get it sorted.
I would be checking the earth straps and starter connectors before I do anything else just to cross it off the list.
talkingcars
17-02-17, 05:49 PM
If you're having problems with windows it is probably the earth point on the slam panel or the earth clamp on the battery.
peterzs
18-02-17, 10:17 AM
I kept on blaming my batteries, bought two new ones as they drained and had to jump start the derv after a couple of weeks just sitting.
The starter motor started playing up, corroded + battery lead to starter motor, new connector and it was OK for a bit then started playing up again.
New starter motor and the car has never started so quick, spins the engine up like a mad thing. Not touched the battery and only done a few trips, but its OK.
So dont always assume its a shot battery.
Second a "rule out other things" but I've had a duff battery too from a motorfactors.
Ended up buying a bosche one from ECP for less, and the car still ate it..... had both a duff starter & alternator...
mattie007
18-02-17, 02:53 PM
Not been able to do any checks on the car today but will call out the breakdown tomorrow as I have homestart. Should give me an idea.
mattie007
19-02-17, 12:42 PM
All fixed, many thanks to Jay for all his help and everyone else who has chipped in on the forum. Just cleaned and tightend all the connections, they had gone a bit green! Now for a first proper drive
stamford
19-02-17, 02:42 PM
You back yet? :laugh:
mattie007
19-02-17, 04:04 PM
Afraid not :( Noticed steam coming from the exhaust so pulled over and lifted the bonnet. Steam everywhere and all gone from the tank.My luck!
Dan1971
19-02-17, 04:57 PM
Oh mate ..... coolant tank empty ..... WTF ..... ?
stamford
19-02-17, 05:34 PM
What? I can't believe that. I did Wales and back with no issues plus the test drive that Sunday. Can't be the pump as that was replaced by Jay, hope it is something silly to replace. Check the hoses and the thermostat housing, no idea if or when that was maybe done?
mattie007
19-02-17, 05:53 PM
I'm back home now, recovery is worth its wait in gold owning an MG!
On closer inspection, it could be a pipe to the rear of the engine, quite difficult to tell at night though. I'd planned to get everything checked over by my local garage anyway so it's no problem. Just one of those things :)
I knew something would happen, 2 bumps in the MG3 last week and things come in threes!
Temp gauge didn't rise so hopefully no damage to the engine. Fingers crossed
stamford
19-02-17, 06:22 PM
Well if it's any consolation the T16 temp gauge was climbing whilst on the M4, I was watching the gauges as you would when driving a new car home. I turned the temp to cold as was a little warm in the cabin. Next thing I see is the needle slowly climbing, got to the edge of the red zone. So as you would with any car getting hot, turn it to hot setting. I was looking for the next services which was another 6 miles, but then it dropped back to mid position a few minutes later. So guess there is a 'thing' going on there!
mattie007
19-02-17, 07:01 PM
Not good Mick, hope it turns out to be nothing serious. At least we both have the cars back home. How did the T16 compare to the 180?
stamford
19-02-17, 08:12 PM
Not good Mick, hope it turns out to be nothing serious. At least we both have the cars back home. How did the T16 compare to the 180?
I didn't really open it up if I am honest, prefer to service it and check it over. However I did push the pedal a little and it certainly has a kick to it! I can see it being totally different to a 180 as the power delivery is instant, time will tell once I get to know it. I know one thing, I will need to respect the delivery when pushed as it has quite some torque steer. But yes at least they are home and can be sorted.
talkingcars
19-02-17, 08:17 PM
My T16 maestro has no intercooler so I kept the boost down to about 6psi and it was no quicker to 90 than my ZS, and having driven several turbo and super charged cars over the years I still prefer NASP
mattie007
02-03-17, 05:37 PM
No updates as car is still in the garage, will hopefully find out tomorrow. I've missed driving it!
mattie007
10-03-17, 06:39 PM
Quick update, had the car back for a week but unfortunatly its broken down twice so had to call recovery out :(
The coolant issue was a split pipe, £325 for 4 hours labour over a £18 pipe, ouch :( Then I took it out again and everything was going fine, 20 minutes into the journey, the temp gauge went up to above mid point and the radiator fan was on full blast. Recovery bought me home a second time. So another trip to the garage. Finally, thinking everything was ok, bang, another temp rise on the way home. Put the heater on full pelt and it did maintain a temp below the middle of the gauge. So at least its home.
This post is no disrespect to the previous owners, these things happen and I did expect a few issues.
However, Ive lost faith in the car, 4 journeys, 3 breakdowns. I can't keep going out in it, just hoping it will complete the journey.
If anyone wants to buy it then I am prepared to sell and cut my losses. The car is in great condition, had lots of work completed on the shell, fully loaded and lots of nice mods. Just needs someone to give it a good checkover. My only option is to keep taking it back to the garage down the road but at £300 a time, I can't sustain this. I didn't want to do this as I've wanted a V6 for years, absolutely gutted.
I wil be going back to the garage tomorrow demanding they sort this out though.
stamford
10-03-17, 07:05 PM
I feel really bad about this. During my time it was always well behaved. The miles I drove in it from Dan's and the funeral it was faultless. If I had the money and the room I'd have it back as I miss it, it looks superb. I really don't know what to say.
stamford
10-03-17, 07:10 PM
Just told Kathy (the good lady) and she is shocked. Still says I was daft to sell it as she says I've gone backwards with the recent purchase. She's not wrong, T16 needs some work as nowhere near as good as I envisaged. I don't think it was looked after when stored.
Big-Jay
10-03-17, 07:13 PM
That's unfortunate Matt, £325 for 4 hours labour is criminal !
Sounds to me like you could potentially have an air lock in the system which is stopping the coolant from circulating.
It's a real shame your so far from me otherwise I'd happily take a look for you !
mattie007
10-03-17, 07:20 PM
Hi Mick,
please don't feel bad, its just my bad luck. Ive had a stinker over the last year, Kawasaki engine blew up, then I got my Triumph stolen and crashed my dads bike, ZTT engine blew up on the way home from buying it and 2 non fault crashes in my MG3....
If I could keep the ZS just to look at it every morning I would! Its simply stunning and a credit to former owners. The car is one of the best ZS's I've seen and driven, but its not worked out. Had to stay at work until 7 just so I knew all the rush hour traffic had cleared. Its more than likely something small but I can't sink another £300 into it, its cost me over £600 already. It wasn't bought for commuting, but thought id give it run before a potential track day in a few weeks and to check everything over. The best run was the day I bought it, loved that drive home. I knew there would be ups and downs on a 13 year old, heavily modified car, its just unfortunate that I've had a bad start to 180 ownership. To top it off, the ZT160 has failed the MOT and needs thousands spending. I have to laugh or id cry!
Again, no disrespect to previous owners, its just a post to air my frustration.
sneekyparrot
11-03-17, 07:11 AM
Surely there must be some local enthusiast's over your way that could help take a look??
is rad hot or just the pipe work?
coolant still in tank?
catch 22 when selling a car as your going to get offered peanuts for a 180 with overheating issues :-(
P.
mattie007
11-03-17, 08:09 AM
Coolant is still at the same level it left the garage with, so it's not lost any. It's had a full check over at the garage and all the right tests. I can't get it down until Thursday now so will have to wait and see. Hoping it's something simple. Just strange that the temp gauge went down when I put the heating on, suggesting a different issue.
Gutted, as I wanted to take it to the BTCC media day next week.
It's probably worth more in bits but I couldn't do that with all the work that's been carried out.
talkingcars
11-03-17, 09:43 AM
Frustrating but it sounds simple, like an airlock somewhere.
Dan1971
11-03-17, 12:36 PM
Gutted for you mate.
But .....
Don't be afraid to say it's rubbish. Previous owners have done their best to look after it and modify it, but maybe it's at the time of it's life where it gets a heart transplant - plenty of 180 engines out there. If that's not for you then you'll get pants offers for it selling it with an unknown fault and your experience will be even worse.
You're right to say that it'd be worth more in bits - and it would - by miles. The exhaust and leather interior would likely get you £500+ . Don't be anxious just because previous owners are here, you decide what's right for you mate. If it is strip it to get some money back - do it. If anyone slates you for it, I'm sure you'd listen to offers from them for it.
I don't mean to be harsh but with the luck you've had in terms of your motoring/motorcycling would mean to me that you need to cut your losses and make some tough decisions.
stamford
11-03-17, 03:57 PM
I would have it back, but fear there would be two more ZS's up for sale when the owner was found expired under strange circumstances!
It sounds to me like there is an airlock, or something related to the pressure in the system. (thermostat working correctly?)
If you've paid a garage to sort out the issue, then I'd expect them to sort out the issue. 4 hours to find and change one piece of pipe is quite steep IMO. Allow them the mileage to give the car a good run - that should solve the "we fixed it mate" type comments, and give you the confidence that they've actually sorted it this time round.
I'm so glad the L-series has ZERO issues when bleeding the system, the amount of coolant I've lost over the years, and had to top it up, I'd have got even fewer miles done than I have lol.
As to selling, I'd honestly say don't be too hasty, I think you've had a really **** run of luck, but I don't believe for a second you've bought a lemon... if your garage can't sort it, maybe organise a "come to my house to fix my car day" or look to get a different set of mechanics to look at it?
mattie007
16-03-17, 05:12 PM
Thanks all for the replies and help. Only just got round to it as works been hectic! Took it back to the garage and they can't find a fault. I suspect they just took it round the block....
A few people have suggested the thermostat and new expansion cap. Any ideas how long a thermostat should take to change? I don't want to be mugged off again by the garage!
stamford
16-03-17, 06:34 PM
Time taken depends on if it breaks off flush with the block. 2 hours max I say worst case. £50 ish for the parts, last time I bought them anyway from Rimmer Bros.
talkingcars
16-03-17, 06:46 PM
Always worth noting the mileage when dropping a car off, a mate dropped his almost new RX8 off for an oil change, car did over 100 miles......he was into his technology and had trackers and a camera on the driver to identify the driver if stolen, it made an interesting conversation with the garage.
LukeZS96
16-03-17, 09:28 PM
I'd recommend getting a different garage to look at it or even if it cost the few pound extra get on of the MG specialist mobile mechanics to come out and look at it? Might be a bit more money but worth it for the piece of mind that it's been looked at by someone who knows these cars and doesn't have the "oh it's just an old Rover, they all overheat" mentality
I'd get it booked in with Dave at MG Rover Mobile Mechanics up in Derby
I'd get it booked in with Dave at MG Rover Mobile Mechanics up in Derby
Good shout as they will travel to you M8
LozMachine
19-03-17, 10:53 AM
I would try replacing the thermostat, i've had one fail where it backed the coolant up into the header tank. Just a thought.
mattie007
19-03-17, 01:05 PM
Got in contact with MG Mobile mechanics but there is 4-5 week wait.
Annoyingly the heater is not working now, just an error code on the screen, so can't even run it with the heater on to keep the temp down. Ive washed it for the first time, so at least it looks good!
Also, there are no lights on there dash. The lights/indicators are working though. I doubt all the bulbs have blown overnight?
talkingcars
19-03-17, 03:01 PM
A www.pscan.eu or a T4 will bring up codes not normally shown on OBD readers.
mattie007
19-03-17, 06:34 PM
Just a fuse issue. Lights back on now.
Error code was L9, took it out and cleaned up, now working.
Anyway, she's for sale now if anyone is interested before she goes on eBay :(
Dan1971
19-03-17, 09:16 PM
So is it a loss of trust now or does it have a fault?
mattie007
19-03-17, 10:08 PM
Bit of both Dan. I would have loved to have gone for a blast this weekend, but I couldn't trust it at the moment. Sure once I get the new thermostat in it'll run fine though. I have done my back in aswell so it's a job getting in and out of it. Going for physio next week so hopefully that'll help, don't think I ever recovered properly from the bike crash. I'll be sad to see it go but apart from the drive home I've yet to go for proper drive!
You could try Jon Norris of roughluckracing.co.uk or if you are on the ZS Owners FB page have a word with Sam Tomkins and he would be able to do stat change (just did one on one of his at the weekend)
Dan1971
20-03-17, 05:30 PM
Bit of both Dan. I would have loved to have gone for a blast this weekend, but I couldn't trust it at the moment. Sure once I get the new thermostat in it'll run fine though. I have done my back in aswell so it's a job getting in and out of it. Going for physio next week so hopefully that'll help, don't think I ever recovered properly from the bike crash. I'll be sad to see it go but apart from the drive home I've yet to go for proper drive!
So sorry pal - I don't think there's been someone around on the site for so long and then finally got hold of the car they wanted - ie - for you, a 180.
I hope it's not put you off and when you get some wedge back, you jump right back in again ..... there are a few out there.
mattie007
20-03-17, 11:05 PM
Thanks Dan. I'm going to get the engine running properly and take it from there. I had bought it knowing there would be a few issues and to be fair they aren't major. It's been looked after by all the previous owners, I've just not had the best start with it. Itching to go for a blast but not until its had a full check over by someone who knows these cars. I can see the garage I took it too we're clearly not interested. I'll be phoning a few MG specialists tomorrow and go from there. It's the car I've always wanted, so perhaps on reflection I've been a bit too quick in deciding to sell up.
Hope you do keep hold of it - given how long you've waited for it.
Maybe speak to Rally Matt too - might be an option as well?
Dan1971
21-03-17, 07:03 PM
Thanks Dan. I'm going to get the engine running properly and take it from there. I had bought it knowing there would be a few issues and to be fair they aren't major. It's been looked after by all the previous owners, I've just not had the best start with it. Itching to go for a blast but not until its had a full check over by someone who knows these cars. I can see the garage I took it too we're clearly not interested. I'll be phoning a few MG specialists tomorrow and go from there. It's the car I've always wanted, so perhaps on reflection I've been a bit too quick in deciding to sell up.
That's great news. Take your time. Cars with that provenence dont come up often to be fair. But owning a car like a 180 should be a joy, not a burden.
stamford
21-03-17, 08:22 PM
It is easy to give up when things appear to go against you. Sometimes you need to take a step back, have a think and see the bigger picture, Christ that last sentence was so full of cheese! Anyway good decision, pretty sure it'll work out for the best once you get some expert eyes over it. If I were nearer I would help.
mattie007
22-03-17, 09:14 AM
Cheers Mick, she's at a specialist in Northampton today so fingers crossed :)
Drive over there was fine, so will be good to get it all fully checked over.
I think posting on forums after a few beers doesn't help me sometimes, I look back at some of the drivel I've posted!
mattie007
22-03-17, 11:42 AM
Bad news I'm afraid, head gasket has gone. Annoyed with myself not to have checked that before I bought it over. Gutted as it drove really nice this morning :(
Ooft that's not good Mattie.sorry to hear that.
MG ZS STE
22-03-17, 12:23 PM
how did they diagnose it? did they do a proper sniff test with the die? you can get these kts yourself from amazon for less than £25. Think they call them block testers, by dr headgasket.
i thought id got HGF but it turned out to be the oil cooler gasket was letting coolant contaminate the oil. Still havent gotten around to sorting it yet as cant seem to find the gaskets. will probably end up getting one of those make you own gasket kits.
mattie007
22-03-17, 12:38 PM
Thanks mate, at least I've give it a go! Would have been nice for the first garage to have told me that before I spent hundreds on it but there we go.
Quoted £1800 to fix (head gaskets, cambelt etc) so I'm in 2 minds now. I'd feel like I'll let the previous owners down if I break it but on the flip side I could spend thousands and it potentially fails the next MOT. Balls :(
mattie007
22-03-17, 12:47 PM
how did they diagnose it? did they do a proper sniff test with the die? you can get these kts yourself from amazon for less than £25. Think they call them block testers, by dr headgasket.
i thought id got HGF but it turned out to be the oil cooler gasket was letting coolant contaminate the oil. Still havent gotten around to sorting it yet as cant seem to find the gaskets. will probably end up getting one of those make you own gasket kits.
I left it with him but he said there was a huge amount of pressure in the coolant system and mayo in the engine, you could see it on the dipstick and where you put the oil in. Very think and gungy. He used to run the MGR garage in Northampton for 25 years so knows the cars I'd like for think.
MG ZS STE
22-03-17, 01:37 PM
That Kayleigh and Dave will do the same job for less than half what he's asking.
Ouch - that seems a lot for that job tbh.
It makes sense to do the belts while the head is off, but it seems that he is billing for the two jobs as separate quotes.
While no engine is immune it is typically unusual for the KV6 to go that way, you've had a really bad run of luck if that is the case!
mattie007
22-03-17, 02:17 PM
Tell me about it! I've enquired with Mg mobile but there's a month waiting list, same with lates
Dan1971
22-03-17, 08:56 PM
Thanks mate, at least I've give it a go! Would have been nice for the first garage to have told me that before I spent hundreds on it but there we go.
Quoted £1800 to fix (head gaskets, cambelt etc) so I'm in 2 minds now. I'd feel like I'll let the previous owners down if I break it but on the flip side I could spend thousands and it potentially fails the next MOT. Balls :(
Get another engine .... ?
Big-Jay
23-03-17, 07:37 AM
Damn Matt, You've not had a good start to 180 ownership at all !
Has an issue with the oil cooler been ruled out completely ?
If it has been ruled out then I'd have to agree with Dan, you'd be better off sourcing a good used engine and swapping it out. There's a lad called Sam Tomkins on the MG ZS Owners Club on Facebook. He's quite well known within the MG community and he may be able to help you with an engine and possibly fitting of it, definitely worth getting in touch with him.
Will be a damn sight cheaper then £1800 too.
Would be a real shame to break her up but it's your car and your decision to make regardless of what the previous owners may think.
mattie007
24-03-17, 05:08 PM
Well she's booked in with MG Mobile mechanics at the end of April so will go from there. Won't be able to go POL in her but at least it's getting a proper diagnosis. Gives me a month to get the radio and bodywork sorted :) Seems to point more towards an oil cooler fault than HGF so fingers crossed. If that is the case then I will be quite annoyed with the chap at the second garage assuming it's HGF.
stamford
24-03-17, 05:49 PM
HGF on a late KV6 isn't something I have come across to be fair. It does point to something less worrying.
ZS Phil
24-03-17, 07:16 PM
£1800??? A good used kv6 can be had for peanuts and most garages will not charge anywhere near that amount to swop an engine.
Dan1971
24-03-17, 09:40 PM
HGF on a late KV6 isn't something I have come across to be fair. It does point to something less worrying.
My "Bittersweet" ZT-T had HGF.
Get another engine in there mate .... belts done when out of the car.
If it is hgf get another engine chucked in it.like the other guys have said new belts before it goes in and it wil be miles cheaper than that quote having said that every garage I ever went to with my 180 pretty much blamed any fault as hgf .it's like a default response because of the 4pot engines. they always were taken by surprised when you tell them the v6 doesn't normally suffer it.hey you could always t16 it.��
talkingcars
25-03-17, 07:30 AM
HGF on the KV6 in the ZS is almost unheard of and is normaĺly due to poor maintaince, something this car doesn't suffer from.
It is far more common in the KV6 ZT.
It may be worth getting a cheap sniff test from ebay or similar to rule out HGF (although it only rules out a break into the cylinder and not oil/coolant only failure).
My 180 turned into a Hellman's production unit and would drink coolant. Assumed it was HGF and the belts were due this year so bought a 80k engine with new belts and water pump fitted for £95. Paid £300 to have the engine swapped over and after a few teething problems now running sweet again. Cheaper then getting just the belts done.
Hope it is something like the oil cooler but plenty of good second hand engines around if not.
talkingcars
27-03-17, 08:41 PM
My 180 turned into a Hellman's production unit and would drink coolant. Assumed it was HGF and the belts were due this year so bought a 80k engine with new belts and water pump fitted for £95. Paid £300 to have the engine swapped over and after a few teething problems now running sweet again. Cheaper then getting just the belts done.
Hope it is something like the oil cooler but plenty of good second hand engines around if not.
Did you change the belts and pump before the engine went in?
Did you change the belts and pump before the engine went in?
Yes....the guy that I bought it off had it as a spare engine and had just changed the main belt and waterpump. He shipped it with the 2 new smaller belts and the mechanic put them on before fitting the engine. Had new spark plugs, thermostat, coolant temp sensor, aux belt, inlet gaskets etc done before it went in too.
mattie007
19-04-17, 04:27 PM
Well she's finally running. Mark from MG Mobile Mechanics arrived this morning and changed the thermostat, inlet manifold gasket, coolant cap and fresh coolant. There was coolant all in the V, despite the previous garage claiming they had fixed the leak. Also goes to show how quick even specialist garages are to diagnose HGF. Won't be using them two again. Anyway, took her for a good hours drive on all sorts of roads and the temp gauge remained he same , just above the quarter. Fan kicked in at 105 degrees C as it should and switched off when cooled down. Forgot what she sounded and drove like, so back in love for the meantime.... Discovered the throttle cable is on its last legs as there was a tremendous amount of slack, the spring under the pedal was also missing so will get that sorted. Gave her a good wash and polish as been sat around for the last few months, think she looks quite good now :)
All the cars lined up including Marks ZR-T Express
http://i64.tinypic.com/2cicgn7.jpg
http://i63.tinypic.com/3313x90.jpg
http://i63.tinypic.com/6i8wib.jpg
http://i66.tinypic.com/2jd11yu.jpg
Should I go back to the garage who changed the pipe they claimed had split and was causing the leak or is there nothing I can do?
I wonder if the second garage would have still gone ahead with the head gasket repair even if they discovered it was just a thermostat issue....
Dan1971
19-04-17, 04:42 PM
So chuffed for you ..... great news.
Honestly - if I were you - I'd let it go with the other garage. You'll get nothing out of them.
Just enjoy ..... :yes:
mattie007
19-04-17, 04:48 PM
That's what I was thinking, just a shame as the family have been using them for 30 of years. Just feel a bit let down.
Time to enjoy the car now over the summer. Fingers crossed for the MOT in August!
stamford
19-04-17, 06:42 PM
Great news! I still love that car! Looks stunning. As for the garage, let it go. You are happy now so why take a step back and get annoyed with them? They'll only make you feel worse with poor excuses etc. Sometimes these things happen with garages used for years, they grow old, get complacent and take on technicians with no savvy.
Happy days Matt.glad you stuck with it.enjoy it now.:trampoline:
talkingcars
19-04-17, 08:31 PM
If you've recently previously had good service, I'd be tempted to pop in and let them know what happened.
talkingcars
19-04-17, 08:32 PM
P.S. Pleased it is sorted.
Fantastic, glad to hear she is thinking sweetly again for you. The best thing is just not go back to them again and move on now. Now hope you get some pain free motoring and really get to enjoy her, looks great on your photos
If you've recently previously had good service, I'd be tempted to pop in and let them know what happened.
Although this does make sense and could be worth a polite word^^
TBH with the poor service you have received over the years from your long time garage, I'd just walk away, unless you wish to tell them why you are walking away.... (If they are friends rather than just a garage etc)
My folks had been using their local man for years, until it was proved that they failed to replace something that claimed they had changed - how do I know it wasn't changed - because it was filthy and covered in 20+years of crap when it failed and not shiny and new as I was billed for!
My dad then simply stated he wouldn't trust them for anything other than tyre changes, and that was that!
mattie007
22-04-17, 01:02 PM
Thanks for the advice and comments chaps. I did call the garage back, suffice to say it didn't get me anywhere. However, I had to do it, it was just building up inside until I let them know. All done now though. There argument was that I've paid to have the leak stopped and pipe replaced, any other work would have been extra.
Since it's been fixed I've done about 200 miles of driving, mainly in lower gears listening to that exhaust popping haha!
Must the throttle cable replaced for the next job.
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