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A local ish and a bit of a long one today…

Our first call was in Wales, near Sheffield for work on Lee’s TF 160 in HFF, with a green soft top, that they had bought about 18 months ago.

Head gasket replacement carried out including the cambelt service and also replacement of the thermostat and housing. Quite a few incorrect and also essential missing bolts and nuts replaced!All parts were cleaned up of all the thick mayo, so it all took a lot longer to do along with the horrible weather, it absolutely tipped it down and was so cold. But, eventually everything was put back together resulting in a nice smooth running engine.

Big thanks to Lee’s lovely wife Janet for a constant stream of warming mugs of tea, very much appreciated 🥶 Great to meet everyone. The rain finally abated right at the end which was handy for drying out the gazebo.

From there we went over to Barnsley for the minor service on Lilian’s TF 135 in HFF, also complete with a green soft-top, that she’s owned for many years and has enjoyed trips over to France in. We had replaced the head gasket and carried out the cambelt service on the car last year so it was nice to see her again and have a quick catch-up.

Eventually we made it over to Scunthorpe to check out a couple of things on a TF 135 in IAC belonging to Geoff, whom it was good to finally meet, having been unable to fit him in last year for clutch replacement. He’s been the proud owner for a couple of years, but only had one key fob. The central locking relays have been playing up, so the BCU was removed for him to send to Technozen for him to carry out his amazing wizardry. We, however, programmed a new fob for him today. He asked if we could check the car over for any other potential issues, the only thing found was a very corroded subframe mount, so a date booked in at the workshop for this to be replaced and have the MOT done on site at the same time ahead of its due date.

A long day and a late finish, but we got everything done that we set out to do, which is all that matters!

Have a great weekend everyone, hope the weather improves for some top down fun. – https://ift.tt/2K0yAgT

Wisbech was our first destination this morning where it was great to meet David for work on his Lotus Elise S2 120.

The cambelt service was due, so he asked if we could come over and carry this out for him. Cambelt, water pump, tensioner and alternator belt all replaced. Plus he’d bought a new expansion tank for it, as the old one was a bit murky, so we swapped this out for him.

Car now all sorted ready for some fun over the summer months, and a date to be arranged for later on at the workshop for a Kmaps tweak and fitting of 135 cams.

Good to meet David and his beautiful dog Boobles, didn’t get a pic unfortunately, but what a gentle sole she is.

Did get some pics of his fab car, I always say it, yes it’s a dream of mine to have one. Haha dream on! Oh and Jon wants one too!

Emma had got in touch a few days ago asking if, there was any chance, we could help her with her MGF 1.8 mpi (in CMU) that didn’t want to start from getting it out of winter storage. As we were going to be nearby and all went to plan in the morning we could get over to see her in Gosberton.

Due to being stood for so long, as it didn’t get much use last year, the alternator had seized, taking out the belt too. It was lucky that it didn’t wrap around the crank pulley and cause some serious damage! Unfortunately, the alternator couldn’t be freed off so a new one fitted. We had gone armed with a voltage regulator pack, hoping that this would sort the issue and be slightly less costly for her.

Good to see Emma again, and glad that we got her mobile once more so she can get it over for the MOT that she’d set out to do when things went a bit pear-shaped!

The trusty steed of our van had a milestone moment this morning as we drove on to the Humber Bridge… half a million miles!! That’s 500,000 miles of fixing MGs and the rest! 🤩 – https://ift.tt/DwenlxZ

A couple of cars dropped off at the workshop over the weekend, so we were back there and then back on the road for some local ones over the last couple of days.

Paul came over from Barmby-on-the Marsh to leave his Abingdon 1.8 mpi with us for the annual minor service. Although covered in some road much the cars still looking fab. A general check over and all ready for collection.

Jack came over from Leeds to leave his MGF 1.8 mpi in Wedgewood with us for a few things; heater control valve, minor service, new clocks supplied and fitted, handbrake adjusted and the hood he asked us to look at as it wasn’t closing properly turned out to be due to two of the hood control arm bolts having sheared off. So these were drilled and tapped out and new bolts fitted, resulting in a fully functioning hood! MOT carried out and she’s all good to go again, looking fab still since we did the head gasket last year.

Big restock and empty of all the recycling required with the van following our Scotland trip so we’re all good to go again.

This morning found us on our first call of the day in Barton-on-Humber where it was great to see Pete again and his TF 160 (in LEF) was due the cambelt service again. All belts, water pump, tensioner, all filters and plugs replaced. Plus an upgrade to the rear brakes with one of Will Naylor’s conversion kits.

Our next stop was in Rossington where it was lovely to finally meet Jane and her hubby for minor service on their very nice looking MGF 1.8 mpi (in CAQ). We’d met them very briefly whilst on another job a few years ago and since then frustratingly had been unable to fit them in. We look forward to seeing them again next year, date duly booked in!

The final call of the day was over to Howden to check out a ‘strange noise’ that Simon had heard on his wife’s fab TF 135 and had asked if we could come by when we had a minute to check it out plus check out a bit of a wet boot interior. Strange noise was due to the wear indicators on the rear brakes and the wetness due to the gaskets on the rear light clusters being old and not doing their job anymore, so will need replacing to cure that problem.

A very welcome change in the weather over the last few days too. – https://ift.tt/cAFhY14

Days 10-13 of Scotland trip.

Acharacle, Grangemouth & Gordon…

A day off on Wednesday was enjoyed for some R&R. Thursday morning found us back at Chris’s in Acharacle to fit the underfloor stainless pipes to his Steppy.

Yesterday found us back in Grangemouth to replace the head gasket for Stephen on his TF 115 (in MBB). So pleased to have got this sorted for him and we were able to fit him in due to a last minute cancellation. Initially when we saw the car last week for inspection there was coolant found in the bore. When the head came off though we did notice a piece of the previous water pump sat in the engine mount! Which could have proved fatal for the engine, should it have become dislodged and dropped into the cambelt. A very timely spot and save.

Once the head had been completed and we fired the car up, number 2 cylinder was still misfiring, so replaced all spark plugs, which made it slightly better, but still sensed there was an intermittent misfire. We tried the leads but with still no discernible difference, and then noticed a blue discoloration on top of the coil pack, so it was decided to replace both the leads and the coil pack, and now the engine is running smooth as.

Great to meet Stephen and have an in-site to what his work entails as a metallurgist, so interesting.

What a fantastic run down from Dalnabreac, where we had spent the last 5 nights, through the Highlands, taking in Glencoe, Bridge of Orchy etc, we just got through Glencoe as they were shutting the snow gates. Wow, what a stunning place and huge contrast in the weather!

We then continued south, after we bid our farewells to Stephen, and on to Lauder, to stay in our last digs of this tour.

So for our final call we headed a few miles along the road to Gordon this morning, where it was lovely to see Alasdair again, not forgetting his beautiful dog Seamus, good to have cuddles with him.

Minor service and health check carried out for Alasdair on his TF 135 in British Racing Green, ahead of his travels throughout the summer, which will see him heading down to Portugal again.

While we were there Hamish popped over from a neighbouring village in his MGF Steppy to say hello.

Thanks to Alasdair for his hospitality and warm welcome, we bid our farewells and then headed back home. We look forward to seeing him again in a few weeks time to n the Highlander.

What a trip this one has been, fabulous people, fantastic MGs, amazing locations, with a total of 1,360 miles, 15 cars, 12 people, 6 lots of digs over 13 days. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 – https://ift.tt/hdC6bZL

Day 8 & 9 of Scotland trip.

Acharacle in the Highlands…

Busy and brilliant couple of days spent working on some of Chris’s amazing fleet of MGs.

First up was his TF 160 (in LEF), that had been converted from a 135 with the previous owner.

Head gasket replaced, cambelt service carried out with all other service items, new thermostat and housing, oil cooler bypass, underfloor coolant pipes replaced, soft ride kit fitted, reverse light switch replaced and few other bits and pieces sorted and replaced to get this car fully up to spec as it will be Chris’s daily commute car.

Next up was his MGF 120 mpi (in CMU) for a minor service, hydragas pump and investigation of an oil leak, which was found to be the offside drive-shaft oil seal, this was duly repaired with a new seal. This car came from Graham Underwood and had been very well restored, a really nice example with attention to detail.

Then it was time for work on his Stepspeed (in LEF), both front brake pipes replaced, CVT fluid replaced, wiring to the fan on the radiator and minor service carried out. Should have been replacement of the underfloor pipes on this one too, but guess who forgot to put in an extra set of pipes when stocking up the van for this trip, yes that would be me 🙄 Wouldn’t mind we’ve got a load on stock back at the workshop, so an order duly placed to have a set delivered, but whether they get here before we leave remains to be seen as we’re a bit out on a limb at this location.

What a fantastic location it is too. Absolutely stunning countryside and so peaceful. We’re staying for an extra couple of days to have a rest and take in some local attractions.

What great company Chris and Sam have been, not to mention their feathered friends, who kept a check on what we were doing, especially when there were a few peas on offer! Big thanks to Chris and Sam for their warm welcome and fab hospitality. Chris had made the epic journey to our workshop two years ago with Sam’s TF so it was good to see him again and the rest of his fleet at their home.

So the next couple of days will be spent exploring the area and taking as much as we can while we’re here. Found a great little pod to stay in overlooking Loch Shiel. – https://ift.tt/L8nO9Cr

Day 6 & 7 of Scotland trip.

Westhill and Inverurie near Aberdeen yesterday and heading west today…

Our commute took as short distance from our digs in Durris to Westhill, near Aberdeen for work on David’s TF 160 (in JFV). An absolute pleasure to meet David, and what an interesting life he’s had as a motor sport journalist and commentator, so many interesting stories.

Having owned many different vehicles over the years he thought he would see what these TF 160’s are all about, so just over a year ago he found himself this one.

The cambelt service was due so he asked us to come over next time we were in Scotland to carry it out. Belts, water pump, all filters, plugs and oil all replaced. A very nice example that the previous owner had kept in good order.

We could have happily stayed all day chatting, but had to get on to our next job. I’m sure David will have some fun out in her over the summer months.

From there we went along to Inverurie, where it was great to finally meet Paul. We’d had various conversations over the last couple of years so it was finally good to see him in person and his ‘98 MGF 1.8 mpi (in JRJ).

The cambelt service was due so this was duly carried out for him. Plus Jon eased off a couple of very awkward caliper bolts that wouldn’t come off when Paul was changing all the discs and pads.

Thanks to his lovely daughter for the plate of cakes! Hope to see Paul again next month at the Highlander of he can get there for a day.

After a very good breakfast at our really fab digs this morning we set off in good time to head to our next destination, over on the west. A beautiful scenic drive so far, we’ll be calling into Fort William for our provisions for the next few days. 🏔️

Happy Easter to everyone, hope you’re all having a lovely bank holiday weekend and getting out and about having top down fun. 🌼 – https://ift.tt/fR5T341

Day 5 of Scotland trip.

Larbert…

Craig’s TF 1.6 (originally in HFF, then LEF and now looking lovely in MBB) had been off the road for 6 years and he had decided that ‘Tiffiny’ should have a new lease of life and get back out on the road.

A short commute along from our digs we set to work on her…

Head gasket replacement and all other gaskets, new head bolts, alternator belt, water pump, tensioner, spark plugs, fuel filter, new Piper Cross panel air filter, fuel pressure sensor and brake discs and pads all round.

The head gasket had definitely gone, and on removing the head found that the saver-shim had been fitted on the bottom instead of the top of the gasket, rendering it useless. Quite a few bolts were incorrect so we replaced these with the right ones. Had a bit of a near miss with the alternator belt as out of the 5 ribs on the belt only 4 were there in tact and the other one was in pieces behind the alternator shield, a timely save!

Craig was also thinking about having a remap done, but advised to wait until everything is all settled down and then to have it done.

So she’s all good to go, ready to go for the MOT and then head out and about again and have some fun!

What an enjoyable days work, really great to meet Craig, his lovely wife Rowena and their gorgeous Beagle Marley, lots of doggy fusses! Big thanks to them for their warm welcome, hospitality and good chats while we worked. Plus the added bonus of glorious sunshine all day following a frosty start.

Big thanks also to them both so much for the Easter eggs, complete with mugs for more tea!

We bid our farewells and are now heading on up towards Aberdeen, currently on the A90, where will eventually find ourselves at our next home for two nights that we last stayed at a few years ago in Durris, Banchory. – https://ift.tt/wWncig5

Day 3 & 4 of Scotland trip.

Lochwinnoch, Kilmacolm, Kilsyth, Grangemouth…

A very short commute from our digs yesterday morning to see Neil, in Lochwinnoch, whom we had met last year to discuss his options and help him decide on whether to put his MGF 1.8 mpi (in CMU) back on the road having not turned a wheel for 5 years.

Cambelt service carried out, along with all other service items, hydragas pump up, alternator belt, new expansion tank cap plus we replaced the inlet manifold gasket as we had found when there last that it was weeping coolant.

All done and back to rights and now ready for the MOT and to enjoy some time on the road again.

Absolutely tipped it down all day, so again thanks to deployment of the gazebo we were saved from most of it. An earlier than expected finish we went back to our fab digs for a welcome warming brew and dry off.

A departure from our digs this morning to head over to Kilmacolm where it was lovely to see Bob again and his MGF 120 mpi (in JRJ) for the annual service and pre-MOT check. Unfortunately, for Bob one of the last things tested on an otherwise faultless car was the horn, which failed to work. So we replaced the rotary coupler/squib with one that we always keep on stock. So the car is now good to go again for another year.

Thank you, Bob for the trays of tea, hot cross buns and Tunnock’s! And always so lovely to have doggy cuddles with the beautiful Brodie, what a character.

From there we went over to Kilsyth where it was great to see Colin again and his TF 135 Sprint (in LEF). Underfloor coolant pipes replaced on this visit. Thank you, both, for the butties and mugs of Yorkshire tea!

Whilst I was sat in my admin mode yesterday afternoon (having had a weirdly early finish) I received a message from Stephen in Linlithgow asking if we could possibly come over when next in Scotland to check out an overheating problem on his TF 115 (in MBB). As we were staying over in the area and the car was actually at his work located in Grangemouth, near to where we were staying anyway this evening, we said we’d come over if the jobs today went ok.

We ran all our usual checks, and with the information that was given on the work recently carried out, we investigated various scenarios and found that cylinder 2 had a misfire, which was found to be down to ingress of coolant. At least we’ve managed to find a date to come back and sort for him.

Good to meet Stephen and have a chat, his TF had an interesting stable mate. A Panther, very nice!! No Jon we can’t buy it! (Tempting though 🤭).

So, we’re now in another hotel ready for our call to Craig in the morning a few miles along the road.

What a welcome contrast in the weather today, from a dry morning to a sunny afternoon and evening. Good day with lovely people and welcomes and their fab MGs.

On a very sad note, that I must end with,
we received a phone call from Ian Piper last night informing us that Donna McCallion had very sadly passed away from a brave battle with breast cancer. He asked us if we could share it within the MG community. I’m sure a lot of people will remember her from her involvement in her own Facebook group, her enthusiasm and ownership of a number of MGs. We are so terribly sorry to hear this. Rest in Peace Donna. 😔 – https://ift.tt/wWncig5