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MOTRS

MGF / MG TF

1995-2011 / Roadster / United Kingdom

All MGF / MG TF problems All workshop problems
Critical Cooling System Issues

Water Pump Failure

Symptoms

Coolant leak from the pump weep hole. Bearing noise (grinding or whining) from the pump area. Overheating from reduced coolant flow if the impeller corrodes or the bearing seizes.

Cause

The water pump bearings and seal wear. The impeller on early K-series pumps was plastic and could degrade, breaking apart and blocking coolant passages. Later pumps used metal impellers.

Fix

  1. 1 Replace the water pump ($60--120 AUD for the pump). Always do this when replacing the timing belt -
  2. 2 the labour overlaps significantly. Ensure you get a pump with a metal impeller
Cost mentioned in fix
$60

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// More MGF / MG TF problems

Other known issues

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.
Critical Cooling System Issues

Coolant Hose Deterioration

Coolant leaks from split or perished hoses. Hoses feel soft, swollen, or show surface cracking.
Minor Cooling System Issues

Air Locks After Coolant Work

After any work that opens the cooling system, the engine overheats despite the system being full of coolant. The heater blows cold air. Temperature gauge spikes erratically.
Minor Head Gasket Failure (K-Series Engine)

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

Why It Happens
All MGF / MG TF problems