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MG MGF Technical - MGF coolant loss/overheating

Not driving my MGF as much as I should! Maybe two to three times a week and then only a couple of miles each time.
About six weeks ago on a longer drive - 20 mile, stuck in traffic, my temp gauge started to climb almost to full over heat and very quickly. Dropped quickly back to normal once traffic started to flow but just as quick back up in the next jam. This has happened before but at a time when I was driving at least 20 miles daily and not for about 6 months. Checked the water level and the tank was dry. Filled up to half full and the gauge returned to normal and stayed there. I have checked my tank once a week since the last dry episode and have noticed about 1 inch water loss each time. Over several weeks about 1/2 a litre of water/coolant. Cant seem to see any puddles or stains under the car that would indicate a leak to the system but I guess I must have one or is this a routine problem with the MGF ?
crship

Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2008 11:11 am
MGF Register Region: South East
Charles Shiplee

Hi Charles, had the same problem with my F and feared the worst, had the cooling system pressure tested and it was ok but when the pressure cap was tested it would not hold pressure it must have been venting while on the move so a new cap fixed the problem.There was a comment that the older caps often failed.
J.H McLeod

The pressure cap would be my first port of call too - it's cheap and easy to replace, and could solve all your problems.

However, the overheating in traffic sounds to me like the cooling fan behind the radiator is not kicking in as it should. Can either be the water temperature sensor that is out of calibration, or it may be the fan has seized, blowing the fuse etc. For the diagnostic protocol and how to fix, have a look at this: http://mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/common_problems/hgf_pages/related_problems_overheating.htm

Hope this helps
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 05/10/2009 and 12/10/2009

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