Now the MGF Bob the builder thread

[SiC]

Due to the fact that total engine failure is on the cards and knowing that I wouldn't want to put myself in a situation where the motor seizes on a bypass or other fast road. 
I would call that more lunacy than buying an mgf in the first place 
Plus I would rather part it than scrap it for others benefit tbh 

You're making the assumption here it's the head that is duff when you appear to only have made that diagnosis from flushing oil and ticking? Could still well be the lifters and flushing oil has got something stuck in them now.

Given you've just chucked flushing oil through, I'm not surprised you've found bits of metal in the sump as they've just been washed down there.

[chompy_snake]

46 minutes ago, SiC said:

 

 

You're making the assumption here it's the head that is duff when you appear to only have made that diagnosis from flushing oil and ticking? Could still well be the lifters and flushing oil has got something stuck in them now.

Given you've just chucked flushing oil through, I'm not surprised you've found bits of metal in the sump as they've just been washed down there.

 

Not to sound short with you, you haven't been next to it while it's running. I have been around K series engines long enough to know what's happened. 

Based on the fact that there is serious end float on the inlet cam that is causing the belt cover to wobble around ..... I think my prognosis is as correct as it can be.

Secondly I have had a mechanic look at it who came to the exact same conclusion after inspection I doubt that the diagnosis would be any better.

If you want to come and take it to bits and prove me wrong feel free, however, the diagnosis will be exactly the same I would guess 👍🏻

You don't know what I have done to get to the end point of diagnosis past what I have told you has been part of the process. I will not be spending money on an engine that has these symptoms as you cannot get the carrier for the camshafts separately new, used I would rather match the cams and new engine bill is around £700 with the fitting. 

[Jikovron]

Which engine does it have? , a VVC would be a simpler fix than a solid cam imo as the cams run on seperate bearings to the pullies where conversely a solid cam is a different kettle of fish as the cam carrier is matched to the head and realistically cannot be swapped for a different one.

[chompy_snake]

4 minutes ago, Jikovron said:

Which engine does it have? , a VVC would be a simpler fix than a solid cam imo as the cams run on seperate bearings to the pullies where conversely a solid cam is a different kettle of fish as the cam carrier is matched to the head and realistically cannot be swapped for a different one.

1.8i non vvc so it's the worst case 

[Jikovron]

Aye toast by the sounds as the part of the cam that controls end float is quite alot of thrust bearing to mill away 

[Craig the Princess]

If you did want an engine I think @BeEP could be persuaded to sell the one out of his MGF.

[chompy_snake]

1 hour ago, Craig the Princess said:

If you did want an engine I think @BeEP could be persuaded to sell the one out of his MGF.

With the best will in the world I really haven't the physical ability to change the engine on this car. 

I am perfectly capable mentally of doing the job..... Body however says no ☹️

[KitKat]

20 hours ago, chompy_snake said:

With the best will in the world I really haven't the physical ability to change the engine on this car. 

I am perfectly capable mentally of doing the job..... Body however says no ☹️

You’re very wise to give an engine change at home on an MGF a wide berth. I did one last summer on my fathers car, on the ground, and getting the car high enough to do it really is a faff.

[chompy_snake]

This is now the result of no money to immediately buy another car. Can we strip it from the top down and repair? thread.

Step 1: jack up the car high enough to climb under it

Step 2: curse at it for making you do this and forcing you to fall in love with it!

Step 3: unclip the rear of the roof and fold it forward to give you access to the inspection cover and source of all things noisy.

Step 4: curse at it again for no reason!

Step 5: remove inspection cover of all things noisy by removing what is likely 6 bolts, however, it feels like 100. So we will go with 100.

Steo 6: remove the coil pack cover by removing 2 Allen bolts and 1x 8mm bolt (odd combination but meh)

Step 7: Remove all the things you can see carefully and find some BMW wiring connection plugs.

Step 8: Remove the breather hoses and go for a coffee and feel a bit more crippled than when we started and compile my thread for all to point and laugh 😆

Step 9: Enjoy coffee!!!

 

More to follow 👍🏻

[chompy_snake]

Hmm why is oil like milk but not losing coolant?? Now I am very puzzled

First inspection proves us all wrong so far though 🤔

[Out Run]

1 hour ago, chompy_snake said:

Hmm why is oil like milk but not losing coolant?? Now I am very puzzled

First inspection proves us all wrong so far though 🤔

Why did you drain the oil into your mug?

As for engine removal, I imagine it’s much the same as with an MR2 and I have done this a few times, by lifting the rear of the car with an engine hoist.

Fair enough if you can’t be arsed, though.

[chompy_snake]

Well after lots of thought and a discussion with my dad the ultimate decision of letting a specialist MG breaker take it was reached. 

The engine has signs of serious overheating, that hasn't happened while I have owned it so I suspect it had oil changed to mask an issue much deeper than at first thought.

The oil in that top end is 10 minutes old and has contamination virtually immediately to a degree that states a more major issue than at first thought.

I have lost £200 on it in around 10 days but what can you rent for that time scale that is that fun? 

I do not feel hard done by and am actually fairly jolly 👍🏻

[stripped fred]

My Jag s type is in the garage and there is a good chance I will have a bill many times yours. I think you escaped quite lightly and like you say you were able to use it for a while.

[Tadhg Tiogar]

3 minutes ago, stripped fred said:

.....there is a good chance I will have a bill many times yours.....

Been there recently. 😩

[Roobarb]

Chompy - so sorry to hear this. I had a Mk1 Golf many years ago and did just the opposite. 
It had an issue plague. As I fixed one thing, something else happened. 

I had a remanufactured engine fitted. New coolant pipes, new radiator, new suspension, new battery, new exhaust including header and then lots of stupid things like buttons on the dash  and dash lights.  It was endlessly draining. 
Not just on the pocket, but also the soul. 

When I eventually gave up and sold it, I sold it with a virtual book full of receipts for work and parts and have never been so happy to finally give in on a car. 

I think you did the right thing. It looks like another draining car. 

That all said, the guy who had my car, told my uncle that it was one of the most reliable old cars he’d ever had and now he understood why people loved old VWs so much. Bugger. 

[HMC]

#unhelpful 

The answer is to fit an l Series (or maybe the XU as fitted to a rover 115d? My man engineering credentials tell be it will bolt right into the metro sourced subframe