A bit of advice...
 

Ok so.... Found a lovely Mk2 180, low mileage but the belts have not been done. Which is not a problem if the car is the right price, and I think it is very reasonable.

What Im wondering is, are there any experienced MG/Rover mechanics on sites like this that can do the belts/water pump as either a mobile mechanic or a garage around the East Midlands/Anglia area. Im hoping mobile mechanics but I feel it is a massive job for one day, especially the V6. I would rather have this kind of job done by an enthusiast rather than someone who really does not care...

Also, would I be better off buying the parts individually so that I am purely paying labor costs for whoever fits them? I would do it myself (Im an aircraft mechanic) but I neither have the space/time nor tools..... A quick glance at ebay see's a company close to me quoting £800 which I fear is the norm for the V6.

Bit of a mouthful but any thoughts are much appreciated.

Dave

Dont know how far this guy will travel, or he might recommend someone, might be worth a phone call.

http://www.mgroversolutions.com/

Or:- Rovermgparts.

http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=11907

£400.... Good start that, not sure on the location, but would be worth travelling. Thanks for the good info.

Some really good prices there Peter, well worth a look, I am getting mine done fairly soon. Was going to go down to Southend to have mine done. £550 all in with the water pump and thermostat.

jib over onto .org and give a girl called kayliegh a shout, she and her other half are both mobile mechanics and travel natin wide some of the guys on there swear by her

I've used Russell and he'll travel. There is also lates based in Coventry.

I did my Freelander V6 belts my self last year, did the KG's too !! Tbh it's not a difficult job even without those silly service tools! It's just long winded and the parts are a bit pricy :( it's made worse in my case as the Freelander has suffered HGF for the second time :( Luckily George is coming to the rescue with another V6 that has had the belts done!! (Thanks George) One day I'll do a guide on the belt change without the tools if there is some interest??

I'm sure there would be. Even if just to put people off!

Lol

It's not as hard as has been made out tbh but you do need to know what you are doing!! Any good mechanic should be able to do it as long as they understand what they are doing!! That's why dealers use service tools to avoid the chance of messing it up!! I recon the tools are a pain to use anyway!!

I am going to do my own this summer, I am collecting the bits up now.

Any guide is allways good Fred.

Bits alone

Belts tensioner/idler and pump £175
Cam caps and bolts £30 are these really needed ???
I am going to do the stat at the same time. £60

Full service oil/filter, plugs and antifreeze £70

So a good £300 in bits and thats a good days labour (more like a weekend at my pace lol) But I do allready have the tools.

Lates comes well recomended but I allways do my own. :joker: