2.5 weeks into ownership..

[bigsi32]

Hey Guys,

I realised that I have been asking questions on here without actually giving any kind of intro so thought I would just introduce myself and my ZT.

I'm not new to the MG world, I have had Fs and TFs (still have aTF), I was at a local MG show last year when I got up close to a couple of really nice ZTs and it started there, since then I have been looking and not finding anything that met my requirements, originally I wanted a low milage ZT in SE spec either V6 or diesel as it would be a daily driver and cover long distances, it had to be sorted.

Problem is I am a picky so and so- and live in Suffolk miles from where any ZTs seem to live, I saw a few and lost out, but 2.5 weeks ago one came up just 10 minutes from my house. It didn't tick my boxes at all, it was a high miler (although it did have a new engine 50,000 miles ago), it didn't have an MOT, it had an engine fault light on and needed quite some work. But I thought screw it I will go look at it. So jumped in my TF and went to look.

It had been sat since December, but with a bit of a charge it cranked to life quite easily, the owner was an MG guy, having also a ZS and MGB, they say never buy the first one you look at, but this was a late one - an 06 plate in XPower grey, diesel, it was a + not an SE, but it had a few mods - EGR removed, Synergy 2 box, airbox mod, and had a few parts to come with it. the price was right and I don't take much convincing so I bought it.

And so far it's been a pretty busy 2.5 weeks getting in sorted.

The first thing was the Mgmt light, I plugged my ODB reader in and got a couple of messages up, but I noticed the connection to the fuel pump was disconnected, so I plugged it back in and cleared the faults and since then no return faults. (Touch wood)

Next an MOT, surprisingly it only failed on the rear number plate light, I discovered that it suffered with the common corrosion on the bulb holder, so I replaced the PCB with a new one from DMGRS and it passed. Just 2 advisories relating to the drop link rubbers split - but I have 2 drop links from DMGRS to fit too.

So it was road legal and actually a very nice drive it pulls well, is comfortable and there's no undue black smoke.

So then I started the list of tweaking and fixing and so far I have:

Cleared out plenums
Done the bonnet cable mod
Changed cabin Filter
Changed Air Filter
Changed Fuel filter
Uprated intercooler o rings (they had swollen significantly)
Installed Climate control panel from MG7 - looks more modern now
Installed double din head unit from Julian
Replaced broken waist line trim on rear nearside
Replaced lower engine mount
Installed new drivers interior door handle (chrome surround was missing)
Replaced rusty wiper blades
Replaced battery
Full external valet including a claying and mopping
Replaced all faded badges
Replaced rubber mats with Genuine MG mats
Started trying to fix boot leaks
Driven approx 700 miles feeling quite happy.

Jobs still to do:
Finish sealing boot
Explore why cruise control is not working
Replace drop links
Install the gold fan resistor that came with it
Put in the inline thermostat as the temp only goes up to about 8 o'clock on the gauge
Change rear discs and pads (already have them just need time)
Change oil filter and oil (waiting on 36mm socket to arrive)
Replace seats - looking for either leather or grey alacantra
Get the uprated information system

So there we are, if you have made it this far well done and thanks! I look forward to maybe seeing you at a show or on the road.

And thanks in advance for any help you might give.

I would add pics but cant for the life of me work it out, the upload fails and it doesn't seem to let me link pics to the post from external sites.

Si.

[Bogbrush82]

Cruise control problem could be as something as simple as the switch has popped out.

Need pics of the car though.

[Rogue]

Try Imgur... works fine for me and greetings



https://imgur.com/

[macafee2]

my goodness you have been busy.

re cruise, the switch about either the clutch or brake pedal may have become dislodged and just needs putting back into place.
Does the light come on on the centre console and instrument panel?

don't let oil drip from the filter onto the alternator, it apparently ruins them. If doing an oil change I suggest doing the PCV filter as well, check the how to's, I think there is one from Arctic on how to do it.

ohh sorry... welcome to the forum, loads of help available

macafee2

[bigsi32]

Originally Posted by macafee2

my goodness you have been busy.

re cruise, the switch about either the clutch or brake pedal may have become dislodged and just needs putting back into place.
Does the light come on on the centre console and instrument panel?


macafee2

The light comes on it just doesn't engage on the steering wheel. I will check for a dislodged switch is it obvious?

[hamster19]

Originally Posted by bigsi32

The light comes on it just doesn't engage on the steering wheel. I will check for a dislodged switch is it obvious?

Just wriggle your hand up the back of the pedals and you can feel for the switch, mine had come lose, just pushed it back in

[bigsi32]

I had a look around in the pedal box and found a couple of switches behind the brake and clutch pedal made sure they seemed in place but still nothing.

Any more thoughts?

Thanks

[bigsi32]