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MG MGF Technical - Engine rail to heater pipe replacement

Hi,

I am about to embark on replacing the metal pipe that runs from the engine rail to the heater (I think! It's the one with the engine bleed valve on) and was hoping someone might have a procedure for doing this, or maybe an alternative suggestion rather than replacement. My existing pipe has a small leak, near to the bleed valve.

Access is a problem but I'm also considering removing the broken section and replacing with rubber hose - any reason for not doing this?

Thanks,

Leigh
Leigh Reid

These pipes are welded together as a pair. They are steel and rust just like the underfloor pipes to the radiator - at a slower rate though I suspect. I got a s/hand set from a crashed low miler and treated them to fertan and hammerite before refitting. With the engine out of the car the changeover was quite easy. There are two bolts securing the set to the block under the inlet manifold, near to the starter end. One half of the thermostat housing is a push fit into the larger pipe (with an "O" ring seal). The other half of the thermostat housing from the water pump connects with three bolts. A single bolt secures the thermostat housing to the block. Along the pipes are some fixing holes that carry plastic clips. The clips secure some wiring - be careful to release them before withdrawing the pipework.

The pipe set won't be easy to get out and replace "in car" but not impossible with a decent 1/4" socket set. Garages don't take out the engine to replace the thermostat, which requires the pipe set to be dismounted from the block, and the thermostat housing split - so it can be done!

If you cut out the leaky piece and replace with rubber or silicone hose that should work - other than the pipework is probably ready to rust through at another place in the near future so you will probably need to replace the lot sometime soon in any event. In my opinion, you may as well replace your dodgy pipe set and do it right first time!

Jeff
J Lennon

If you do the job properly once, then you will not be doing it again next year. You may find the MGR pipes difficult to find however stainless pipes are available from B&G.
Geoff F.
Geoff Farthing

Thanks guys, at the moment I'm unsure whether I'll still have her next year. MOT is due and a lot will depend on how she gets on there. after 10 years this october I will be sad to see her go if the MOT does not go well. 2 kids mean the replacement of dads car is likely to be something along the lines of a ford galaxy. 2 kids also mean little time to spend underneath broken cars at the weekend.
Leigh Reid

This thread was discussed between 21/08/2011 and 23/08/2011

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