Minor Head Gasket Failure (K-Series Engine)
What Happens
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1995-2011 / Roadster / United Kingdom
// More MGF / MG TF problems
Other known issues
Minor Head Gasket Failure (K-Series Engine)
Why It Happens
Minor Head Gasket Failure (K-Series Engine)
How to Fix It
Minor Head Gasket Failure (K-Series Engine)
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.
Critical Cooling System Issues
Water Pump Failure
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.