mgf sports car

[hunnybunch]

can anyone tell me if the head gasket is likely to go on my mgf it has done nearyly 60,000 miles

[KebabMeister]

I think the MGF used the larger cc K-Series engine.  It's a fairly reliable engine but still not as reliable as, say, Japanese engines.  You can't really say whether it will go or not.  You might be lucky, you might be unfortunate!  Just insure that you change the anti-freeze and oil regularly and hopefully it should preserve the engine a bit longer.

[v64paul]

did'nt the k series have very long bolts that went through the head and the block in to the sump which was stiffened to support the crank? only thing that brings this to mind that when the head gasket does give trouble it's a lot more involved than a conventionally  designed engine would be. kebabmeister is the rover authority here so i would agree with his advice. it's no different from that which i was taught anyway. an old fitter once told me if it aint broke.... 

[KebabMeister]

@v64paul

Yes, the K-Series had long head bolts that holds the cylinder head, engine block and crank-case together.  They're roughly 50-60cm long?  The only disadvantage of this is that you have to ensure that the crank isn't moved at all whilst the bolts are out (special flywheel locking tools were used), otherwise the pistons will move up/down and disturb the wet liners (would also disturb crankcase gasket).  Not many cars have wet liners but the K-Series was designed to warm up really fast and hence this helps fuel economy (can't remember whether it was 100% wet liner or a 'damp' liner (semi wet-liner)).

The whole engine is made from aluminium hence why I mentioned ensuring the coolant is changed regularly because of it's anti-corrosive inhibitors.  Aluminium has a nasty tendency to corrode and pit.

During my time I always found the engine quite reliable in the engine build sense.

[THEHULKSTER]

If its the 1.8 K series engine over 2 years old, they areknown for head gasket failure. MG were aware of this and haverectified the problem on the newer engines.

[THEHULKSTER]

If its a 1.8 engine older than 2 yearsthey are prone to head gasket failure.MG became aware of this and rectifiedthe problem on later versions of theK class engine.