MG MGF (1995 - 2002) - 160 Trophy, cylinder head problems | Motoring discussion | Back Room Forum

Wed 24 Sep 2008 16:58

160 Trophy, cylinder head problems - glenhotel

Can someone offer some advice on this subject?

Last year we had the cylinder head gasket replaced on our MGf 160 Trophy by the main dealer after just 26000 miles. Last week a hose was blown to bits and our local garage tells me this was due to the cylinder head. I contacted the main dealer who said they checked the head itself when the gasket was replaced but now there's probably serious indentations and the cylinder head will probably have to be replaced. They are currently chcking the head and I'm waiting for them to get back to me.
Can the head deteriorate so much in a year (and just 6000 miles) after supposedly having been checked?
Would indentations not have been evident last year?
It cost me £738 last year and a new head will undoubtedly be a lot more.
Any advice out there?

Edited by Pugugly on 24/09/2008 at 18:19

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Wed 24 Sep 2008 18:23

160 Trophy, cylinder head problems - 659FBE

Nothing very useful I'm afraid. The poor design of this engine was one of the reasons (but by no means the only reason) why the company ceased trading.

A badly conceived, detailed and toleranced engine will never be reliable. The experiences of owners now that these engines are getting old, speaks volumes for MG Rover's testing procedures prior to production.

659.

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Wed 24 Sep 2008 20:16

160 Trophy, cylinder head problems - Blue {P}

My suspicion is that the head was damaged after the original failure and has finally failed. Unfortunately it is a common problem with these engines due to the poor coolant system. The engine itself however is excellent at what it does, so please lets not start another Rover bash!

I think you're paying too much for the work, go to www.mg-rover.org and ask your questions on their F/TF forum, you will get answers from a big group of very friendly people who can advise you if there is somewhere better to get the work done. Many claim to have had HGF fixed for £400.

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Wed 24 Sep 2008 20:28

160 Trophy, cylinder head problems - cheddar

When last year? If within 12 months then the previous work should be warrantied surely.

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Thu 25 Sep 2008 09:34

160 Trophy, cylinder head problems - glenhotel

Unfortunately it's 15 months since the work was done. My approach with the dealer is that if the head was examined 15 months ago and was deemed ok, then surely deterioration isn't that rapid that within 15 months and just 6,000 miles, the cooling system blows a hose due to extreme pressure build up.

I read somewhere that after replacing a CHG on the MGf it was essential to also replace something within the main hose. A diffuser? Restricter? Something along those lines, otherwise problems would reoccur with the cooling system. Any ideas what that could be? On my invoice last year I wasn't charged for any hoses.

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Thu 25 Sep 2008 12:23

160 Trophy, cylinder head problems - Group B

I read somewhere that after replacing a CHG on the MGf it was essential to

also replace something within the main hose. A diffuser? Restricter? Something along those lines otherwise problems would reoccur with the cooling system.

A pressure relief thermostat?

I read an article on the K-series, which said there were 5 possible issues, which can contribute towards HGF, (some only apply to certain ages of engine). It is not available online but this one seems to cover most of it: snipurl.com/3tx8c

It does not seem to mention porosity of the head, some head castings were not so good quality. This K series specialist site mentions the head porosity: www.dvapower.com/

Due to low coolant capacity, if you switch off immediately after a hard run, heat soak from the exhaust can anneal the head and leave it vulnerable to damage. The article I have says the head should be tested and if it is less than 95 Brinnell hardness, replaced.

Rich.

Edited by Rich 9-3 on 25/09/2008 at 12:25

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Thu 25 Sep 2008 21:54

160 Trophy, cylinder head problems - Blue {P}

I think the OP may be thinking about the Land Rover gasket, this is strenghened and less likely to fail than the original one. It's also recommended that the modified Oil Rail is fitted too.

Furthermore, always worth trying to find out why the CHG failed in the first place, there's normally some underlying problem in the cooling system.

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Fri 26 Sep 2008 10:15

160 Trophy, cylinder head problems - glenhotel

Can anyone advise what I should expect to pay if the cylinder head needs replacing? I assume that's what the dealer will come back with. Or are they able to skim the ch? Again, how much should I expect to pay?

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Fri 26 Sep 2008 10:21

160 Trophy, cylinder head problems - Blue {P}

Glen - I doubt many people here will have owned an F as the general consensus is that they aren't reliable, I was told that I was going to have dire problems with mine (turned out to be the most fun car that I ever owned). You may get a lot more accurate answers at the MG forum that I linked to earlier, every other owner on there has had their CH or CHG done at some point! Depending on where you live some of them may even be able to do it for you for a fair price!

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