Engine Issue

louis71 · 13th March 2023, 18:58

Hello All

I'm looking for some advice and opinion please concerning an issue I have now with my 05 plate 1.8t mgzt.
I've been getting a small amount of smoke coming from the exhaust which has gradually got worse over the last few months to such a point that the car is now starting to run 'rough'. I've had diagnostics done and its pointing towards worn piston rings, the car has done 160k so the mileage is quite high now.
Overall the car is still in very good condition and I'd be gutted to have to sell but I imagine the repair will be expensive so I just wondered if anyone else has had this job done and did you fix the original engine or fit a second hand engine which has also been suggested to me.

Many thanks

Terry00H · 13th March 2023, 21:38

Hi , I have a 1.8T tourer that once had a knackered engine .

I bought ,from a scrap yard an engine from a 2011 MG 6T with low miles .Cost around £550 and had it fitted along with new radiator ,water pump and cam belt . The car is now like new . The oil rail needed to be modified ,simple job for a skilled mechanic and a blanking plate was made up to cover a sensor on the engine block ,used on the MG6 but not on the Rover .

This could be a way forward ,that is if you want to keep the car long term.

Matt_75 · 13th March 2023, 22:27

Did the mechanic elaborate on why they thought it was piston rings?

Replacing the piston rings is a fairly significant undertaking and if the piton rings are worn, you have to question what condition the cylinder bores will be in too. Assuming it is definitely worn rings, I would probably look for a replacement engine myself, as suggested above.

louis71 · 14th March 2023, 05:19

The mechanic did the relevant compression tests etc to diagnose the issue and It appears a replacement engine is the preferred route to take.
Many thanks for taking the time to reply it's been really helpful 🙂

13th March 2023, 18:58	#1
louis71 Avid contributor MG ZT 1.8T+ Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Republik Of West Yorkshire Posts: 201 Thanks: 118 Thanked 24 Times in 22 Posts	Engine Issue Hello All I'm looking for some advice and opinion please concerning an issue I have now with my 05 plate 1.8t mgzt. I've been getting a small amount of smoke coming from the exhaust which has gradually got worse over the last few months to such a point that the car is now starting to run 'rough'. I've had diagnostics done and its pointing towards worn piston rings, the car has done 160k so the mileage is quite high now. Overall the car is still in very good condition and I'd be gutted to have to sell but I imagine the repair will be expensive so I just wondered if anyone else has had this job done and did you fix the original engine or fit a second hand engine which has also been suggested to me. Many thanks __________________ Jobs done with help from this forum:- Head Gasket/Belts/Water Pump. T4 session and spare key fob reprogram (thanks BigRuss). Shannon Tube Replaced. Boot Leak fixed. Bonnet Cable fix. Additional Boot LED lights fitted. Plenum Drains cleaned. Air Bag warning light. Low Fan Speed Resistor Replaced. Drivers door central locking (thanks Unclefista). Handbrake compensator mod (thanks Harry). Alloy Wheel Refurb. New Turbocharger. 190 front brakes/caliper/discs upgrade.

13th March 2023, 21:38	#2
Terry00H Regular poster Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: London Posts: 30 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	You can change the engine Hi , I have a 1.8T tourer that once had a knackered engine . I bought ,from a scrap yard an engine from a 2011 MG 6T with low miles .Cost around £550 and had it fitted along with new radiator ,water pump and cam belt . The car is now like new . The oil rail needed to be modified ,simple job for a skilled mechanic and a blanking plate was made up to cover a sensor on the engine block ,used on the MG6 but not on the Rover . This could be a way forward ,that is if you want to keep the car long term. Last edited by Terry00H; 13th March 2023 at 21:46..

13th March 2023, 22:27	#3
Matt_75 Gets stuck in 75 Saloon Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: North Somerset Posts: 598 Thanks: 13 Thanked 20 Times in 8 Posts	Did the mechanic elaborate on why they thought it was piston rings? Replacing the piston rings is a fairly significant undertaking and if the piton rings are worn, you have to question what condition the cylinder bores will be in too. Assuming it is definitely worn rings, I would probably look for a replacement engine myself, as suggested above. __________________ Matt 2001 Rover 75 Connoisseur SE 2.5 (BRG) 1999 Rover 75 Club 2.5 (Dorchester Red) 1973 Triumph Dolomite (Honeysuckle)

14th March 2023, 05:19	#4
louis71 Avid contributor MG ZT 1.8T+ Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Republik Of West Yorkshire Posts: 201 Thanks: 118 Thanked 24 Times in 22 Posts	The mechanic did the relevant compression tests etc to diagnose the issue and It appears a replacement engine is the preferred route to take. Many thanks for taking the time to reply it's been really helpful 🙂 __________________ Jobs done with help from this forum:- Head Gasket/Belts/Water Pump. T4 session and spare key fob reprogram (thanks BigRuss). Shannon Tube Replaced. Boot Leak fixed. Bonnet Cable fix. Additional Boot LED lights fitted. Plenum Drains cleaned. Air Bag warning light. Low Fan Speed Resistor Replaced. Drivers door central locking (thanks Unclefista). Handbrake compensator mod (thanks Harry). Alloy Wheel Refurb. New Turbocharger. 190 front brakes/caliper/discs upgrade.