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MOTRS

MGF / MG TF

1995-2011 / Roadster / United Kingdom

All MGF / MG TF problems All workshop problems
Minor VVC-Specific Issues

VVC Mechanism Failure

Symptoms

Loss of power above 3,500--4,000 RPM. The engine feels flat at higher revs -- it still runs, but the top-end power that defines the VVC is absent. The car drives like the standard 1.8 (or worse). A rattling or ticking noise from the VVC unit area may be present.

Cause

The VVC unit contains an eccentric disc mechanism driven by the engine oil pressure. Internal wear, oil starvation (from low oil level or blocked oil galleries), or seal failure within the VVC unit causes it to lose its ability to vary the valve timing. The unit relies on clean oil at correct pressure -- neglected oil changes are the primary accelerant.

Fix

The VVC unit can be rebuilt by a specialist, or a replacement unit can be sourced.

A refurbished VVC unit runs $500--1,000 AUD.

Some owners convert VVC engines to standard cam profiles, which eliminates the problem but sacrifices the high-RPM character.

If rebuilding, ensure the oil feed to the VVC unit is clean and unrestricted.

Cost mentioned in fix
$500

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Other known issues

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What Happens
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Why It Happens
Minor Head Gasket Failure (K-Series Engine)

How to Fix It
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Severity
Critical Cooling System Issues

Expansion Tank Cracking

Coolant weeps or sprays from a crack in the plastic expansion tank. The tank may split suddenly under pressure, dumping all the coolant. Coolant level drops with no apparent engine fault.
Minor Cooling System Issues

Thermostat Failure

The engine overheats, particularly at sustained speeds. Alternatively, the engine never reaches operating temperature (thermostat stuck open), which causes poor fuel economy and increased wear.
All MGF / MG TF problems