So, got my bloody test on Tuesday...in preparation for my certain pass (heh...), been giving the car a once-over and I'm starting to get paranoid about the well-known head gasket failure on K-series engines.
Basically, the only thing that's making me worry is very slight wispy white vapour from the exhaust. Doesn't appear to be any oil or coolant loss, there's no mayo in the oil filler cap, temperature stays below half-way on the dial, although all I'm doing is running it every couple of days on the driveway (since I can't insure it yet).
I've also read a couple of reports that MGs are known for a bit of vapour from the exhaust in winter, but it's pretty much the opposite of that kind of weather right now.
Is this anything to worry about? Not massively keen on the idea of replacing the head gasket myself (particularly since I think we're going to have to do something with the clutch soon), but also conscious of the fact that having a mechanic do it isn't going to be cheap.
There's also the option of using one of those sealant fluids if it's on its way out...any experience with those?
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Prevention is better than cure with these - I don't know why more people have not had it fixed, although perhaps not everyone realises there is a problem...
I'll ask my friend where he had his done and get back. His was absolutely sound after the work, and the garage reckons they're the best in the business for the k series.
Good luck for Tuesday.
Try the sealant fluid, it can't hurt. My advice to you though is to join an MG forum and ask on there.
I joined an MR2 forum and they're brilliant for advice, just as this one is for guitar stuff.
@proggy - That's the problem, the MG forums are full of totally conflicting advice. Some say that the vapour on its own isn't a problem and it's only if you get two or more of the symptoms that it's an issue, others disagree. Some say a preventative replacement of the gasket with the MLS one is a good idea, others say it's best to leave well alone if it's working, and others still say that the MLS gasket is a time bomb waiting to go off.
Bloody forums :P
Bloody Hell mate. My advice to you now is a part ex on a Toyota.
To be fair, I went into this knowing the car was going to be an ongoing project, as with all MGs - hell, it's a 14 year old car, so it's never going to be without issues. In fact, it was basically free because it was bought with unexpected winnings from an excellent lunchtime spent in front of a fruit machine, so I can't really complain.
I just don't want my first day's solo-driving experience to involve sitting on the hard shoulder cooling my heels (and the car)
Offset "(Emp) - a little heavy on the hyperbole."
I'd only be worried if the coolant level started dropping, which you say hasn't, so it'll be fine for now.
Oh, and @proggy - the wife had a Toyota Avensis as her first car, no thanks. It developed the common tapping problem (just out of warranty) and the engine nearly shook itself to bits :P
I know, once I joined this little guitar forum and asked about overdrive pedals...
Rift Amplification
Brackley, Northamptonshire
www.riftamps.co.uk
@digitalscream
I'm off work if you'd like me to pop up and have a look.
Ringleader of the Cambridge cartel, pedal champ and king of the dirt boxes (down to 21)
ZR 120. Ridiculous car for a first-timer, particularly one who's just hit 40. I'm calling it my mid-life crisis
I was thinking more along the lines of one of those new Supras with the twin turbo V6 engine.
I would start it and let it run for half an hour and see if the smoke/steam stays or if it disappears after a few minutes.
Also as the smoke is white it sounds more like water vapour, if it was a bluey-grey I'd be looking deeper, as that's more oily.
Ringleader of the Cambridge cartel, pedal champ and king of the dirt boxes (down to 21)
In which case add a pair of string-backed driving gloves.