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MG MGF Technical - HG replacement prior to HGF!

Is there any good reason to do a preventative head gasket / higher-spec dowel / water pump replacement BEFORE failure, or will the work (= £££) be the same once it's let go? (which of course, it might not 8^)

1999 75th Anniv. 1.8 non-VVC, 43k miles - B&G low coolant level reservoir & sensor just fitted - no head gasket issues yet. Cam belt done a year ago by B&G.

Just the paranoia kicking in as winter begins!

Cheers,
Steve
Steve Clark

Hi Steve,

had mine done a couple of months ago at 140,000 kms (1997 VVC). It was due for a belt change, waterpump, cambelt tensioner,thermostat,fluids changed etc and was suffering an annoying oil leak from camshaft seals so while they were messing about with the engine I thought they might as well have the head off and fit the latest technology gasket. The engine is noticeably smoother and quieter so I assume cleaning up the head while it was off has done some good and there is a bit of satisfaction re the reduced likelyhood of the dreaded HGF (although I have not had one in this car). It's a personal choice I guess, Cheers Alan
ajmackew

I'm no expert Steve, but I would have thought not worth doing preemptively. It might not go, but even if it did, you have the alarm which should allow you to prevent further major damage. See how good those plastic dowels were - until perhaps the next cambelt, tensioner and waterpump change is due!
Although meantime it is hardly going to earn you anything leaving the money in the bank!
Charless

My dad checked his oil and water weekly and said he noticed an oily film on the surface of the water in the reservoir, which apparently indicated impending HGF, which he had done before any damage could be done.

Dave
Davetherave

This thread was discussed between 28/11/2008 and 21/12/2008

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