HGF ... what is the deal ?

[Yorkshire GOC]

Originally Posted by hogweed

I was offered a minters ’05 TF with 13,000 miles on the clock for less than 3 Grand (not many buyers here in NI), so took a chance and bought it – have to say it’s brought a real smile to my face. I studied endless forums etc, and ended up with a very sore brain, with all the different and sometimes conflicting opinions expressed.


But it seems to me that coolant loss is indeed the main contributory factor, as TC suggests. There are other things, eg the rad is at the front, engine at back, 2 long thin pipes conveying coolant to and fro. These can corrode internally, and block – people often fit stainless replacements. But I’m assuming, if the correct coolant is used, car properly serviced by somebody who knows what he’s doing etc, this shouldn’t happen.


One thing worth having is a coolant level sensor – at least then you can cut the engine if the light comes on, and hopefully stop it overheating in time. I’m lucky in that my late model has one fitted as standard, but you can buy kits.


What’s the issue with OAT, TC? I read up on it and it seems to be appropriate for this motor – don’t tell me it’s not


These cars have lots of other irritating (though less serious) issues, just like the 75’s, but I’ve had a lot of help from:


https://www.the-t-bar.com/forum/index
https://forums.mg-rover.org/mgf-mgtf-12/

There have been big debates on OAT on the forum - many are of the view that OAT degrades the gaskets/o rings etc leading to weakening/coolant loss and HGF and have given detailed expert reasons as to why - apparently it was principally used by MGR to attract the fleet hire customers - because only one coolant change is required every 5 years. So many folk have swopped to standard blue coolant which of course needs changing every 2 years. The arguments are compelling - search the site. I started using blue coolant nearly 3 years ago.