Year: 2021

We had a very local one in Welton this morning, for what was thought to be a simple head gasket replacement…

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case. Phil had bought the car for his sister, a very tidy TF 135, but soon discovered evidence of a problem and suspected it to be the proverbial.

On removing the timing cover it was obvious that there was a bit more going on. The tensioner had collapsed, which had in turn allowed the cambelt to slip over the pulleys, bending all 16 valves. The engine had suffered a lot heat prior to the belt slipping, which resulted in the inner and outer timing covers melting.

Head taken back with us to the workshop to swap out all the ancillaries on to a refurbed head. Date to be arranged to refit.

Simon had dropped off his TF 135 yesterday evening for us to investigate coolant loss and a stiff clutch etc. On running our usual checks, this afternoon, it was found to be leaking from the head gasket, above the thermostat. Clutch arm eased off. Simon had also been experiencing starting issues, by not firing, so crank sensor was removed and cleaned.

Camper restocked ready for another few days away, starting off in Sutton Coldfield in the morning.

Posted today to the
Rough Luck Racing Facebook page.

Well it’s not often we have to be negative. We always see a way to save a car, despite how far it’s gone and how much time is required. Plus, of course, the expense for the owner. But sometimes that call has to be made…

So after collecting Richard’s car, a MGF 120 in Copperleaf, on Saturday, we got it up on the lift for a full inspection this morning.

The cost of the parts alone just to make it MOT worthy came to way over what was justifiable for the owner to spend.

Plus…

Engine seized, new clutch required, cambelt, head gasket etc all required. Full exhaust system, including cat. All brakes, all brake lines, all clutch pipes, welding to both rear sills, and under the fuel tank. Underfloor coolant pipes, both rear track control arms, hydragas hose split. Wiper linkage and a whole load of other bits.

After a chat with Richard he has decided to cut his losses and sell off the good bits. He has asked if we can help with that. Thankfully, for him there are some good bits to save to help alleviate his expense so far. 😥

Posted today to the
Rough Luck Racing Facebook page.

Can’t believe it’s got to this time of night and I’ve not done the daily blog, it’s been even more busy than busy time admin wise…

Picked up the trailer from the workshop for a collection later in the day.

We then headed to Harrogate for work on Patrick’s very tidy TF 115. Cambelt service carried out and new alternator belt. Engine bolts proved to be a bit of a challenge to come out, but we got there, bolts cleaned up and a good application of copper ease applied. Power to the cigar lighter wasn’t working or the interior lights, turned out to be 2 fuses blown, so these were replaced.

Pressure test and inspection on Daniel’s MGF as he had been noticing a slight loss of coolant. Rad doesn’t look 100% and some old staining on the block. Unsure whether it’s related. Daniel will keep an eye on it and report.

Thank you, to Daniel for your lovely hospitality and company, and thank you to Patrick and Diane for the very tasty Mary Berry apple and raisin cake and freshly baked bread. 😋 So good.

We then trundled over to Burton Salmon to, finally, collect Richard’s MGF to take back to the workshop. This will be an interesting project, if Richard decides to go ahead. Full report to be carried out on Monday. It will need a lot of tlc.

Posted today to the
Rough Luck Racing Facebook page.

Another quick nip along the road from our digs on a lovely clear morning to Blyth…

Really great to see Steve and Anne again. Their very tidy TF 135 was in need of its cambelt service, how the time does fly!

Plus, we went armed with a few items to try and source and cure the intermittent problem, Steve has been noticing, with the heater blowers on the car for many years. Heater matrix and internal coolant/heater pipes being the last things to be changed. We swapped the heater control valve last time we were there, as this was leaking coolant. Thinking the problem was solved, initially, after the first drive out, but on a longer drive the problem came back.

So, we pressure tested the system and inspected everywhere once again, knowing there must be a pin prick spot somewhere. Eventually we noticed a slight weep, from the bracket of the underfloor stainless steel coolant pipes, where the weld is. These were fitted approximately 7/8 years ago by the local garage, but despite these, usually, being ‘fit and forget’, unfortunately, every so often a welding defect will occur on them.

We replaced the pipes and, after running up to temperature, had a constant blast of heat from the blowers. Let’s hope this has finally resolved the problem. Apart from that, the car has been running really well.

A really lovely day, thanks to Steve for all the cuppas and feeding us. Great to catch-up again. We look forward to an update.

Our last call was postponed, due to work commitments. Was nice to get finished in good time though and wend our way back home and see the cat.

Another cracking trip, lovely people, great cars and a fab location, with a bit of sunshine thrown in too. ☀️🤗

Posted today to the
Rough Luck Racing Facebook page.