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Big barn to work in today, in Northumberland, and great to see Robin again for work on his MGF and TF…

First up was the MGF 120 mpi in Nightfire red that we found to be a faulty temperature sensor to the gauge. The second one in two days. Also the ECU temperature sensor was only reading -150 degrees so kept over fueling the car, thinking it was cold, so this was also replaced.

Next up was the TF 135, which was failing to start and making all kinds of strange noises.

The cam timing was checked, code read with no errors found. Tried starting and succeeded the first time, but severely misfiring, so plugs changed, as they were really badly sooted up, coil packs and leads changed, still would only start randomly. The crank sensor was then changed and found to be the same symptoms so changed back. We think it could possibly be the fuel pump as it’s not sounding too strong and the pressure when released is quite low. Still strange though, as it also won’t start using ‘easy start’. First job is to replace the fuel pump and see what happens next.

Travelled up in the camper again so we could be self sufficient throughout the day.

Found some great digs just near Morpeth for the night, such a shame we can’t visit our relatives in the area though 😕

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Main service carried out on Karl’s Trophy today, plus some other things, in Altringham.

We’ve been looking after this car now for approx 4 years since Karl bought it as a “full restoration” 5 years ago. It’s gradually getting to where it should be and we’re pleased to be part of its journey.

So cambelts replaced today along with the usual water pump etc, and interesting to see again this week the bigger of the water pump bolts snapped off and just left in the block! We, luckily, managed to remove the stud and replace with a new one. This may be the source of his coolant loss, Karl will keep an eye on things, but it may be the gasket fitted prior to his ownership that has gone again.

Also fitted today was a Daytona back box and tail pipes. The car had been converted to using a TF cat, but instead of blanking off the hole for the additional Lambda sensor on the TF it had just been left with a hole!

Coolant temperature sensor was found to be faulty whilst running the car up to temperature, replacement sensor fitted and that issue resolved.

Hard top catches fitted as these were missing. Some more bolts etc replaced. It’s all gradually coming together for Karl, next step is a respray at some point. Fab car, glad he’s kept going with it.

Great to see you today Karl, and have a catch-up. Glad you’ve managed to get the correct tyres ordered. See you next time!

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Busy day at the workshop. Aiden came over this morning for pre MoT check and then MoT done at Pickards. Bit of welding done by Jon that was required to the sill. Couple of other things sorted. Aiden and his wife and their dogs enjoyed a decent walk around the area whilst we were sorting their car, social distancing observed.

Bit more work done on the 160, including rear pads and discs replaced.

The Beast (camper) went over to Pickards for replacement of track rod ends, tracking and steering rack gaitor. Was a bit of a smoother and quieter ride home this evening!

Adam popped back over in his TF 135 as the EML light had come back on. Error code cleared and will see how it goes. He had, unfortunately, picked up a nail in his tyre at some point, so we supplied him with a replacement wheel and tyre.

Camper reloaded with all the gear ready for next week. Think we may have a day off tomorrow! 😃

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Busy, interesting and enjoyable few days at the workshop…

Stepspeed picked on Sunday that we will be getting sorted out ready for sale soon.

Monday was spent traveling to Norfolk to collect another Stepspeed for some further work. Was sort of a day off!

The owner described that the car was trying to throw him off the road, which we discovered to be a collapsed wheel bearing. Initially, thought this to be a problem with the diff in the gearbox, but thankfully for the owner a lot cheaper fix! Underfloor coolant pipes replaced with stainless whilst we had it in as they were a bit on the crusty side.

Yesterday, we were pleased to see Sean again who brought his very tidy TF 135 in Sonic Blue over to us as he had treated himself to a Daytona. This was fitted, which looks and sounds fab. Brake servo brace fitted and couple of other things. Good to see a big smile on Sean’s face as he drove away.

This morning Adam came over from Hull for head gasket replacement on his TF 135, that he had bought a few months ago. Lambda also replaced and few other things done to get his car back to rights, lovely to hear from him later in the day to say that the car is the smoothest it’s been. Date to be arranged to get the welding of the sills done.

We also got one of our TF 160’s up on the ramp to get her fit for sale. Lots of things ticked off the list. All will be detailed when finished, which shouldn’t be too far off now. Great to be giving another one a new lease of life.

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Clutch replacement in Croydon this morning. Great to meet Ian who had asked us some time ago to come and see his ‘98 MGF VVC as the clutch had definitely gone having reached 98k miles.

Very tidy car in COF, that Ian has owned has owned now for 10 years. Lovely interior with cream seats with red piping. (Forgot to take a pic 🙄).

All went well with all bolts coming off nicely. Mouse duly evicted from resonator and air box! Fab weather.

Now on a very foggy A1 and almost home.

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Good run down to Chelmsford this morning and great to meet Glen for work on his newly acquired and very tidy MGF VVC 143.

The head gasket had been replaced with the previous owner just before Glen bought the car, but unfortunately for him it had gone again. So we replaced the head gasket, carried out the cambelt service and replaced the underfloor coolant pipes with stainless steel ones. Couple of other things sorted.

Beautiful location, thanks Glen for the use of the barn. Lovely to meet you all. Appreciate the bottle of wine, thank you!

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Filey today to see Linda and John this morning for annual service on their TF 135.

Linda had noticed an overheating issue and after investigation we found it to due to a faulty radiator fan sensor, so we replaced this.

On changing the alternator belt we noticed that the caliper handbrake mechanism was faulty, luckily we managed source another caliper from a motor factors in nearby Scarborough, so popped along there to collect it.

This was fitted and all good again, a few more other snags and niggles sorted.

From there we went over to Burythorpe to collect a steppy gearbox that is needed for a car we have in the workshop next week. Unfortunately, we didn’t see John, but big thanks to him for letting us take it, you will make someone very happy John!

Back to the workshop to swap tools over into the van for a trip to Chelmsford and Croydon over the next couple of days.

The hotel checked today that we were traveling for work, so fortunately we are able to stay. We have checked that we’re compliant with the latest government guidelines and we are, therefore, relieved to be able to travel, as are our customers who have been calling to check we’re still coming. All social distancing practices will be observed and adhered to!

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Just delivered Rachel’s MGF back to her in Sowerby, after having it in the workshop for the last few days for some work and MoT on the site.

Off side rear sill welded up. Full underfloor treatment carried out. Fast idle issue sorted. Door liners repaired. Drivers door handle cable repaired and a few other niggles and things sorted out.

MoT done this afternoon with a pass.

Now just a new hood to source to hopefully sort out the pesky leaks! Great to see Rachel again – at distance again!

New tyres fitted to The Beast today too, amazing to think we’ve already done 7,578 miles in it!

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