HGF?

[shakermaker]

In August I mentioned that I needed to top up the coolant level in my 160 TF. I've had the car for about two years and never had to do it before, so it prompted me to keep a closer eye on it. Since then I've had to do it two or three times making about a litre in total. Now I've spotted some mayonnaise on the dipstick - not a good sign.
Having said that I've hardly used the car, perhaps few hundred miles or less with some runs less than ten miles recently, so the mayo could be caused by condensation because the engine doesn't get hot enough. I may be clutching at straws here but I suspect it's the dreaded HGF.
If that is the case, has anyone got a feel for what the cost might be to get it sorted?
Also, Paul Deper suggests getting the head skimmed when fitting his uprated head gasket set. Is this really necessary?

[Mike H]

Having to top up an F regularly is not good news, and the source of the leak needs to be found.

With the recent cold spell, on a car not used for long runs, condensation is a distinct possibility, but the only sure way of determining whether this is more sinister is to put some long runs in.

If it is HGF (and it *could* be a leak coupled with condensation issues) then the price to fix will depend very much on where you go. An awful lot of people in the F fraternity rate Russell at MG Rover Solutions, and it would certainly be worth getting a quote from him (he will visit you). Check out his site here. I have no first hand experience, but others on here have and have been impressed by his reasonable prices.

I don't recognise the name Paul Deper, but there is absolutely no reason to skim the head unless it has warped due to overheating (typically in the event of a full blown HGF). This 'do it regardless' approach also means that in the event of any future issues skimming is not an option.

Fitting a new MLS gasket with uprated oil rail, and very importantly ensuring that the liners are accurately set, should ensure trouble free motoring. But do check around the car for obvious leaks (including water pump and under body pipes etc)

[shakermaker]

Thanks for that Mike, I did get Paul Depper's name wrong - I spelt it with one p, but the kit I referred to is:- www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-MGF-MGTF-MGZR-K-Series-Engine-Camtec-Tri-Layer-Head-Gasket-Kit-Bolts-/350510011781?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item519c065585

[Jerry & Di]

My HG went slowly a few years ago, and it was only a short strip of the butyl sealing between oil and water passages.
Head wasn't skimmed, or the bottom oil raul replaced and so far it's been fine.

Liner height protusion is the most important factor to consider.