MG ZT 160 1.8t Engine cooling fan,mayo in engine, HGF? - MG-Rover.org Forums

nasxtra · 24-09-2009, 18:54

Hello Evryone, I purchased MG ZT 160+ cos it looked good, then did a little research and stumbled on this forum, was always reading about HGF failure but with the info and advice on this forum took preventative measures, always checked coolant / oil, waited for ambient temp before giving it some all good until................

Rubber pipe that attaches to T pipe started leaking, think i caught it in time kept it topped up and replaced tube, then the right hand side of T pipe burst did same again..got the car serviced and then noticed radiator was letting off steam..noticed too that radiator wasn't working have kept the coolant level up and only driven about 16miles since was looking oil cap and shock! the dreaded Mayo!! only a little but its there...am now at total loss what to do..I live in Bradford and don't know of any MG specialists apart from breakers off wakefield road.

1) Do i have HGF? if so is it repairable? do i need new headgasket? how much will it cost and from where?

2) can i fix the cooling system fault? why isn't the fan working? will know by tomoz as am getting it checked via auto electric dudes.

3) Anyone know any HONEST, reliable and reasonable MG specialists who can work on the car in the Bradford area? Having recently lost my job cost is of an issue for me...Can anyone advise..Please help!!

Thanks

T-Cut · 24-09-2009, 19:18

I think you could be worrying prematurely. A small amount of emulsion under the filler cap may mean very little, other than the engine's not had much use. If you have not had a temperature escallation into the red on the gauge, it's unlikely any damage has been done. The next thing to do is replace the pressure cap on the coolant header tank. It will eliminate that as a source of loss. Available from Rimmer or any Xpart depot.

As to the fan not working, it may or may not be OK. The fan doesn't run all the time, only when needed. What year is the registration? That will help with the advice.
Does the fan run continuously when the aircon is set to 'Auto' with the engine running. It should. If not the fan is probably faulty. Check that and come back.

TC

nasxtra · 24-09-2009, 19:33

Hi Thanks T-Cut, I have been driving around town with heaters on full blast and windows down to various garages (even got pulled by the cops as i was looking at temp gauge and went thru amber/red lights!) and during this time the fan never came on i took itto a back street garage as i was panicking he popped the bonnet and let engine idle approx 10 mins still no fan on just steam coming from radiator area..he told me possible electrical fault..also pointed out it was missing only on 3 sparks? its a 53 plate 1.8t ZT no air con

also noted a little water in left handside exhaust tube ...

Have read about K-seal anyone ever used that stuff??

T-Cut · 24-09-2009, 21:02

There's obviously an external/visible coolant leak which you should fix before even considering sealant of any kind. I wouldn't use it anyway. Replace the pressure cap as a start. Look at all the hose connections. It shouldn't be difficult to see where steam is coming from. When the leaks are fixed ensure you use 50% AOT antifreeze mixture in the cooling system.

TC

COLVERT · 25-09-2009, 10:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by nasxtra

Hi Thanks T-Cut, I have been driving around town with heaters on full blast and windows down to various garages (even got pulled by the cops as i was looking at temp gauge and went thru amber/red lights!) and during this time the fan never came on i took itto a back street garage as i was panicking he popped the bonnet and let engine idle approx 10 mins still no fan on just steam coming from radiator area..he told me possible electrical fault..also pointed out it was missing only on 3 sparks? its a 53 plate 1.8t ZT no air con

also noted a little water in left handside exhaust tube ...

Have read about K-seal anyone ever used that stuff??

After 10 mins tickover the fan should have come on. It does sound as if the fan is one of your problems. Change the plugs as a precaution as it is just as well to start off with new plugs anyway. Find and fix that leak and try the tickover test again. The fan should switch on before your temp gauge rises above the 9 o'clock position. If not you have a duff fan or temp. sensor. Check in search feature above for more info.

SteveChilds · 25-09-2009, 11:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by nasxtra

Have read about K-seal anyone ever used that stuff??

DO NOT use this stuff...

nasxtra · 25-09-2009, 11:41

Well hears the bad news its definatly HGF, started up this morning checked oil dip covered in mayo, oil cap ditto...coolant loosing it like mad..drove to breakers as the grage dude told me it's not worth doing HG change as engine maybe damaged...it started to chug a little and spurted out white smoke (like it was burning oil)

he told me engine was damaged beyond repair...finding prices for 1.8t engine look like a bag of sand (grand) I was quoted! but none in stock then found a rover specialist

I'll probably get it towed to him as not risking any further damage...is thisthe right thing to do..i don't want to drive it because it started to loose power and chug a bit and spit out loads of white smoke from the back have I gone beyond repair??

1955diesel · 25-09-2009, 14:28

There is no reason to think that it will be beyond repair, but no way of knowing until the head is removed. Do not drive it because the turbo bearings will soon fail if there is water in the oil.

Head gasket job should be sub £500 with new belts etc.

nasxtra · 01-10-2009, 19:34

Heard from the rover guy..it needs a HG change, water pump, spark plugs, engine flush cam belt, thermostat hopefully pick it up 2moz...will let you know the final outcome..

nasxtra · 27-12-2009, 15:47

Got the car back on the road cost me £550 new belts etc....turbo was ok so didn't need replacing...gave me 12 month guarantee....and will have to go back for an oil change soon..but good job

tazman3 · 27-12-2009, 18:26

Glad to hear you got the car sorted....just goes to show that one person tells you engine is damaged beyond repair yet another garage sorts it including belts for £550

Pays to shop around

Martin

kaiser · 29-12-2009, 18:20

If you have mayonnaise under the oil filler cap on a hot engine, then you have water entering the oil.
If that is the case, it can come from head gasket, a leak past the liner or a crack in the block/liner.
K-seal will definitely help in the last two cases. I have done it with great success.

Bobert · 30-12-2009, 19:52

The T piece took out my head gasket last easter, the plastic ones fitted are crap.I fitted a metal one available from a member on the 75 zt owners club.

Follow this link http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...t=gerry&page=2 it might help stop a repeat HGF.

24-09-2009, 18:54	#1
nasxtra Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Car: MG ZT Posts: 5	MG ZT 160 1.8t Engine cooling fan,mayo in engine, HGF? Hello Evryone, I purchased MG ZT 160+ cos it looked good, then did a little research and stumbled on this forum, was always reading about HGF failure but with the info and advice on this forum took preventative measures, always checked coolant / oil, waited for ambient temp before giving it some all good until................ Rubber pipe that attaches to T pipe started leaking, think i caught it in time kept it topped up and replaced tube, then the right hand side of T pipe burst did same again..got the car serviced and then noticed radiator was letting off steam..noticed too that radiator wasn't working have kept the coolant level up and only driven about 16miles since was looking oil cap and shock! the dreaded Mayo!! only a little but its there...am now at total loss what to do..I live in Bradford and don't know of any MG specialists apart from breakers off wakefield road. 1) Do i have HGF? if so is it repairable? do i need new headgasket? how much will it cost and from where? 2) can i fix the cooling system fault? why isn't the fan working? will know by tomoz as am getting it checked via auto electric dudes. 3) Anyone know any HONEST, reliable and reasonable MG specialists who can work on the car in the Bradford area? Having recently lost my job cost is of an issue for me...Can anyone advise..Please help!! Thanks

25-09-2009, 11:41	#7
nasxtra Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Car: MG ZT Posts: 5	OOhhh no!!! Well hears the bad news its definatly HGF, started up this morning checked oil dip covered in mayo, oil cap ditto...coolant loosing it like mad..drove to breakers as the grage dude told me it's not worth doing HG change as engine maybe damaged...it started to chug a little and spurted out white smoke (like it was burning oil) he told me engine was damaged beyond repair...finding prices for 1.8t engine look like a bag of sand (grand) I was quoted! but none in stock then found a rover specialist I'll probably get it towed to him as not risking any further damage...is thisthe right thing to do..i don't want to drive it because it started to loose power and chug a bit and spit out loads of white smoke from the back have I gone beyond repair??

30-12-2009, 19:52	#13
Bobert Bling Bling Blue Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Accrington,Lancashire Car: 2004 MG ZT Mk2 160T+ 2000 MGF Mk2 VVC Posts: 2,312	The T piece took out my head gasket last easter, the plastic ones fitted are crap.I fitted a metal one available from a member on the 75 zt owners club. Follow this link http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...t=gerry&page=2 it might help stop a repeat HGF. __________________ Hear my ZT on you tube[

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24-09-2009, 19:18	#2
T-Cut Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Car: 2004 Facelift 75 Connoisseur 1.8 turbo with DD Pack. And remember, the troof is out there. Posts: 8,635	I think you could be worrying prematurely. A small amount of emulsion under the filler cap may mean very little, other than the engine's not had much use. If you have not had a temperature escallation into the red on the gauge, it's unlikely any damage has been done. The next thing to do is replace the pressure cap on the coolant header tank. It will eliminate that as a source of loss. Available from Rimmer or any Xpart depot. As to the fan not working, it may or may not be OK. The fan doesn't run all the time, only when needed. What year is the registration? That will help with the advice. Does the fan run continuously when the aircon is set to 'Auto' with the engine running. It should. If not the fan is probably faulty. Check that and come back. TC

24-09-2009, 19:33	#3
nasxtra Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Car: MG ZT Posts: 5	Hi Thanks T-Cut, I have been driving around town with heaters on full blast and windows down to various garages (even got pulled by the cops as i was looking at temp gauge and went thru amber/red lights!) and during this time the fan never came on i took itto a back street garage as i was panicking he popped the bonnet and let engine idle approx 10 mins still no fan on just steam coming from radiator area..he told me possible electrical fault..also pointed out it was missing only on 3 sparks? its a 53 plate 1.8t ZT no air con also noted a little water in left handside exhaust tube ... Have read about K-seal anyone ever used that stuff??

24-09-2009, 21:02	#4
T-Cut Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Car: 2004 Facelift 75 Connoisseur 1.8 turbo with DD Pack. And remember, the troof is out there. Posts: 8,635	There's obviously an external/visible coolant leak which you should fix before even considering sealant of any kind. I wouldn't use it anyway. Replace the pressure cap as a start. Look at all the hose connections. It shouldn't be difficult to see where steam is coming from. When the leaks are fixed ensure you use 50% AOT antifreeze mixture in the cooling system. TC

25-09-2009, 14:28	#8
1955diesel Never forgotten Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Birmingham Car: Other Manufacturer. Previously - more Rovers than I care to remember. Posts: 16,743	There is no reason to think that it will be beyond repair, but no way of knowing until the head is removed. Do not drive it because the turbo bearings will soon fail if there is water in the oil. Head gasket job should be sub £500 with new belts etc.

01-10-2009, 19:34	#9
nasxtra Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Car: MG ZT Posts: 5	Heard from the rover guy..it needs a HG change, water pump, spark plugs, engine flush cam belt, thermostat hopefully pick it up 2moz...will let you know the final outcome..

27-12-2009, 15:47	#10
nasxtra Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Car: MG ZT Posts: 5	Got the car back on the road cost me £550 new belts etc....turbo was ok so didn't need replacing...gave me 12 month guarantee....and will have to go back for an oil change soon..but good job

27-12-2009, 18:26	#11
tazman3 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Helensburgh Car: Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 JTDM Lusso - MG TF 115 Xpower Grey Posts: 1,558	Glad to hear you got the car sorted....just goes to show that one person tells you engine is damaged beyond repair yet another garage sorts it including belts for £550 Pays to shop around Martin

29-12-2009, 18:20	#12
kaiser Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: johannesburg Car: 75 v8, tourer 2.5 auto, 1.8T auto, 105S, 105R, p5BCoupe, 3500Auto, Van den Plas, Range Rover Posts: 976	If you have mayonnaise under the oil filler cap on a hot engine, then you have water entering the oil. If that is the case, it can come from head gasket, a leak past the liner or a crack in the block/liner. K-seal will definitely help in the last two cases. I have done it with great success.

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