1.8t dead engine.

Arryhall · 6th July 2017, 09:08

Well, the mechanic from MG Rover repairs has just left. It was definitely HGF, and the head was somewhat knackered. However, the thing is, the liners were low and one of them was too low thus rendering the engine knackered.

Thing is, he also looked at the Honda, did a compression test and cylinders 1 and 4 are low, so it could be valves, so it is an expensive fix.

A new engine supplied and fitted is £750. I paid about £900 for the Rover, which is over the odds so this WASN'T an issue.

What the heck do I do now??? Do I stick a new, reconditioned engine in, which is what the wife thinks is the best option as the engine will be virtually new so NO issues mechanically with the engine, or do I put that £750 towards and diesel with the better fuel economy and less maintenance of the engine?

I woke up this morning with a feeling of trepidation, and that feeling was justified. Steve (mechanic) said the head gasket had been skimmed at some point, and that the wrong gasket had been put on for the turbo model. Did I get sold a lemon, albeit unwittingly, or is it something I did to the car that caused the engine issue? With the previous skimming, I suspect it was already done.

But what do I do now???? Fix, or scrap? Replace with what? Do I trust Rover anymore? I think I'll just go throw up a bit now. If the wife hadn't been off work for 6 months, and my job hadn't cut back on overtime, I'd be less stressed and depressed.

I hate cars.

Lovel · 6th July 2017, 09:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arryhall

Well, the mechanic from MG Rover repairs has just left. It was definitely HGF, and the head was somewhat knackered. However, the thing is, the liners were low and one of them was too low thus rendering the engine knackered.

Thing is, he also looked at the Honda, did a compression test and cylinders 1 and 4 are low, so it could be valves, so it is an expensive fix.

A new engine supplied and fitted is £750. I paid about £900 for the Rover, which is over the odds so this WASN'T an issue.

What the heck do I do now??? Do I stick a new, reconditioned engine in, which is what the wife thinks is the best option as the engine will be virtually new so NO issues mechanically with the engine, or do I put that £750 towards and diesel with the better fuel economy and less maintenance of the engine?

I woke up this morning with a feeling of trepidation, and that feeling was justified. Steve (mechanic) said the head gasket had been skimmed at some point, and that the wrong gasket had been put on for the turbo model. Did I get sold a lemon, albeit unwittingly, or is it something I did to the car that caused the engine issue? With the previous skimming, I suspect it was already done.

But what do I do now???? Fix, or scrap? Replace with what? Do I trust Rover anymore? I think I'll just go throw up a bit now. If the wife hadn't been off work for 6 months, and my job hadn't cut back on overtime, I'd be less stressed and depressed.

I hate cars.

You could consider fitting .004" shims to the liners supplied by Brown and Gammons. However you may find difficulty removing them due to issues described attached.
https://www.ukmgparts.com/product/mi...-lcj000050shim

Alternatively I think this cylinder block is cracking value. Also has turbo oil drain, and is made with high pressure casting method. Basically the block from the MG6.
https://www.eliseparts.com/products/...-engine-block/

Dawn · 6th July 2017, 12:20

At the end of the day its how much you want/like the car. Mine cost £650 for liners, a replacement head etc, then had to go back for a radiator as mine was full of k seal. But I love her and wanted her.

DMGRS · 6th July 2017, 15:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lovel

You could consider fitting .004" shims to the liners supplied by Brown and Gammons. However you may find difficulty removing them due to issues described attached.
https://www.ukmgparts.com/product/mi...-lcj000050shim

Alternatively I think this cylinder block is cracking value. Also has turbo oil drain, and is made with high pressure casting method. Basically the block from the MG6.
https://www.eliseparts.com/products/...-engine-block/

That block is fantastic value!
Combine that with one of our N Series Head Gasket kits here:
https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/products/ult...v-to-zua000530

That'd be a cracking engine, good for a lot of miles.

minimutly · 6th July 2017, 16:41

Good value it may well be, but that's no help to someone who will have to pay someone to carefully build a new engine for them?
Why do you want a diesel - do you do many miles?
How much do you like your car, and is it otherwise good?
If the car is good I would fix it properly and keep it, but that's based on me doing all the work myself. If you're bying an engine, paying someone to fit it, as well as cambelts, water pump, radiator hoses, or anything else it needs, you could well spend £1500 or more. What can you buy for that? Probably a load of tat I expect, or another Rover.
My advice would be to source another engine from someone you know (on here, ie this forum?), then change the Hg, water pump, belts and pulleys etc. carefully check all the hoses and rad, and then fit said engine.

Dawn · 6th July 2017, 16:45

If its MG mechanics at Derby, that price quoted will include water pump, cambelts and so on, its the all in price, and its guaranteed.

Arryhall · 6th July 2017, 16:56

Indeed, Dawn is correct, it was the Derby MG Rover mechanics. Other than fuel and coolant, the price of a new, fitted engine, in my own yard, is £750. Fortunately, the turbo seems okay so that's £500 I don't have to find.

I would DEARLY love to have the ability to get an engine and replace it myself. If I could do that, I would have fixed my Honda. The problem is, I know nothing about engines or mechanics. I can build you a house, or make you a guitar, but as for cars, I know nothing at all. That's why I am so vulnerable to car salesmen who tell me the issues have all been fixed, because I don't know anything.
Maybe the Derby guys know about the MG6 engine block fix, but I don't know.
As for diesel, I do a fair few miles, but it is the engine that has much fewer issues, and much better reliability and better mpg. Even the mechanic said the BMW engine is indestructible and suggested I look for a ZT-T, as I really want an estate, preferably with cruise control, and don't want another engine blow up.
Other than the engine not working, I've fixed the leaks, the car is in incredible condition and it's very comfy.
Just lots of options and I don't know which way to go!

Dawn · 6th July 2017, 18:09

I've had the diesel and didn't like it, but if it's reliability you're after they are very good. I just couldn't stand the sound of the thing on a luxury car! The 1.8 is quiet, the V6 is a lion, and the diesel is a rattly old bag lol!

I don't think I'll ever "trust" my 1.8 if I'm honest. But to me it doesn't matter as its not my daily drive, its just the car I wanted to save, in the colour and early Cowley spec. if you need this car as a daily, I think a diesel is a good option. Mine was bulletproof once I'd done the usual bits like intercooler hose and so on. You're probably going to get taxed heavily by the government with them at some point, though!

Yorkshire GOC · 6th July 2017, 18:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dawn

I've had the diesel and didn't like it, but if it's reliability you're after they are very good. I just couldn't stand the sound of the thing on a luxury car! The 1.8 is quiet, the V6 is a lion, and the diesel is a rattly old bag lol!

I don't think I'll ever "trust" my 1.8 if I'm honest. But to me it doesn't matter as its not my daily drive, its just the car I wanted to save, in the colour and early Cowley spec. if you need this car as a daily, I think a diesel is a good option. Mine was bulletproof once I'd done the usual bits like intercooler hose and so on. You're probably going to get taxed heavily by the government with them at some point, though!

And to all owners of a 1.8T get a Hans Gauge fitted ASAP

Arryhall · 6th July 2017, 18:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkshire GOC

And to all owners of a 1.8T get a Hans Gauge fitted ASAP

If I get the engine replacement, it's the first thing I'll do!

Dawn, I had a Peugeot 405 diesel and it ran for 275000 miles before everything else on the car died apart from the engine. It was ponderous and noisy as anything though, and my dad has a Saab diesel and I agree, it is a noisy thing in comparison to my petrol which is dead quiet. Well, actually just dead now....

6th July 2017, 09:08	#1
Arryhall Loves to post Rover 75 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Biddulph Posts: 486 Thanks: 101 Thanked 145 Times in 90 Posts	1.8t dead engine. Well, the mechanic from MG Rover repairs has just left. It was definitely HGF, and the head was somewhat knackered. However, the thing is, the liners were low and one of them was too low thus rendering the engine knackered. Thing is, he also looked at the Honda, did a compression test and cylinders 1 and 4 are low, so it could be valves, so it is an expensive fix. A new engine supplied and fitted is £750. I paid about £900 for the Rover, which is over the odds so this WASN'T an issue. What the heck do I do now??? Do I stick a new, reconditioned engine in, which is what the wife thinks is the best option as the engine will be virtually new so NO issues mechanically with the engine, or do I put that £750 towards and diesel with the better fuel economy and less maintenance of the engine? I woke up this morning with a feeling of trepidation, and that feeling was justified. Steve (mechanic) said the head gasket had been skimmed at some point, and that the wrong gasket had been put on for the turbo model. Did I get sold a lemon, albeit unwittingly, or is it something I did to the car that caused the engine issue? With the previous skimming, I suspect it was already done. But what do I do now???? Fix, or scrap? Replace with what? Do I trust Rover anymore? I think I'll just go throw up a bit now. If the wife hadn't been off work for 6 months, and my job hadn't cut back on overtime, I'd be less stressed and depressed. I hate cars.

6th July 2017, 12:20	#3
Dawn I really should get out more....... MG ZT 180+ auto Join Date: May 2016 Location: Ilkeston, Derbys Posts: 2,743 Thanks: 285 Thanked 1,128 Times in 504 Posts	At the end of the day its how much you want/like the car. Mine cost £650 for liners, a replacement head etc, then had to go back for a radiator as mine was full of k seal. But I love her and wanted her.

6th July 2017, 16:41	#5
minimutly Posted a thing or two mg zt Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: cardigan Posts: 1,087 Thanks: 28 Thanked 187 Times in 158 Posts	Good value it may well be, but that's no help to someone who will have to pay someone to carefully build a new engine for them? Why do you want a diesel - do you do many miles? How much do you like your car, and is it otherwise good? If the car is good I would fix it properly and keep it, but that's based on me doing all the work myself. If you're bying an engine, paying someone to fit it, as well as cambelts, water pump, radiator hoses, or anything else it needs, you could well spend £1500 or more. What can you buy for that? Probably a load of tat I expect, or another Rover. My advice would be to source another engine from someone you know (on here, ie this forum?), then change the Hg, water pump, belts and pulleys etc. carefully check all the hoses and rad, and then fit said engine.

6th July 2017, 16:45	#6
Dawn I really should get out more....... MG ZT 180+ auto Join Date: May 2016 Location: Ilkeston, Derbys Posts: 2,743 Thanks: 285 Thanked 1,128 Times in 504 Posts	If its MG mechanics at Derby, that price quoted will include water pump, cambelts and so on, its the all in price, and its guaranteed.

6th July 2017, 16:56	#7
Arryhall Loves to post Rover 75 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Biddulph Posts: 486 Thanks: 101 Thanked 145 Times in 90 Posts	Indeed, Dawn is correct, it was the Derby MG Rover mechanics. Other than fuel and coolant, the price of a new, fitted engine, in my own yard, is £750. Fortunately, the turbo seems okay so that's £500 I don't have to find. I would DEARLY love to have the ability to get an engine and replace it myself. If I could do that, I would have fixed my Honda. The problem is, I know nothing about engines or mechanics. I can build you a house, or make you a guitar, but as for cars, I know nothing at all. That's why I am so vulnerable to car salesmen who tell me the issues have all been fixed, because I don't know anything. Maybe the Derby guys know about the MG6 engine block fix, but I don't know. As for diesel, I do a fair few miles, but it is the engine that has much fewer issues, and much better reliability and better mpg. Even the mechanic said the BMW engine is indestructible and suggested I look for a ZT-T, as I really want an estate, preferably with cruise control, and don't want another engine blow up. Other than the engine not working, I've fixed the leaks, the car is in incredible condition and it's very comfy. Just lots of options and I don't know which way to go!

6th July 2017, 18:09	#8
Dawn I really should get out more....... MG ZT 180+ auto Join Date: May 2016 Location: Ilkeston, Derbys Posts: 2,743 Thanks: 285 Thanked 1,128 Times in 504 Posts	I've had the diesel and didn't like it, but if it's reliability you're after they are very good. I just couldn't stand the sound of the thing on a luxury car! The 1.8 is quiet, the V6 is a lion, and the diesel is a rattly old bag lol! I don't think I'll ever "trust" my 1.8 if I'm honest. But to me it doesn't matter as its not my daily drive, its just the car I wanted to save, in the colour and early Cowley spec. if you need this car as a daily, I think a diesel is a good option. Mine was bulletproof once I'd done the usual bits like intercooler hose and so on. You're probably going to get taxed heavily by the government with them at some point, though!