We are very happy with our cars and it seems that even with these problems your wife is also!!!

This can happen to any car.

 

PERRY-MGF Good point but she does'nt have to drive it when its not happy, she takes my car, so she hasn't got to put up with the irritations. I can't deny that when they are running well they are good fun but as you can see from the list of problems that this hasn't been often, if you have any ideas that might help resolve the current issue they would be greatly appreciated.

 

PERRY-MGF Good point but she does'nt have to drive it when its not happy, she takes my car, so she hasn't got to put up with the irritations.

That's a very good point....

 

Has the fuel filter been changed?

 

smells rather lemon flavoured.

coil packs on these?

 

You state all leads and plugs changed.

Sorry to sound like I'm stating the obvious, but have you double checked the new plug gaps and made sure that the leads are on TIGHT?

 

I think thats just pure unlucky to have so many problems, and not really a reflection of the car. A lemon perhaps.
I reckon once you've ironed out all the niggles, you'll have trouble free motoring.

 

Chris T, I don't know when the fuel filter was last changed, is it easy to replace? Given the fact that the problem can be intermitant it sounds like a potential fix. Thanks I will try it and keep you informed.

 

Yes, changing the fuel filter is very easy. Unfortunately you do have to remove the engine cover (Unless you have REALLY small hands) but once off, it's a ten minute job.

I think there is a "how to" floating about somewhere as I remember reading something before I changed mine?

 

Just to second that, it really sounds like you've had more problems than most. I've rarely heard of F's with such a catalogue to problems. I was about to suggest checking the rotor arm / distributor cap, when I realised you've got a VVC - irrelavent.

In the meantime have a look through this site: http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/

Might have a few pointers on there.

 

The mis fire could be a coolant temperture sensor on its way out, it caused really nasty symptoms on our 'F.

You have been really unlucky though, yes the 'F/TFs do have niggles from time to time, but no where near as bad as what you've experienced!

I'd ask how well was it looked after by the previous owner?

 

Krisfx- Thanks for the thought but this was the very first port of call. thanks anyway.

 

Sorry if im hijacking the thread but its relevant i think. What difference does a new fuel filter make? Mine probably hasn't had it changed since before the turn of the century from the looks of the other service parts I have done recently on my aquired 'F

Will it be beneficial? and what are the benefits...

 

Very beneficial!

The fuel filter collects all the bits of cr*p that floats about in the fuel tank so it doesn't make it into the engine. But once it is "full", it can make fuel flow quite irregular.

A new filter only costs about a tenner so well worth doing.

 

For the record, I also replaced my fuel filter because the car was pogo'ing a lot. £12.99 from my local parts place and about an hour to fit.

 

Just my :2c: but changing the fuel filter i doubt will make a blind bit of difference. As the problem is intermittent and the fuel filter would be classed as a mechanical item (not electrical) i would say it highly unlikely to cause a misfire. The pumps are able to run at pressures exceeding 7 bar, which is more than adequate, as the standard running pressure i think is only 3 bar.
Changing the fuel filter on a metro would be different. Yes, it is exactly the same filter, but, the metro fuel tank is located underneath the car, and also made out of metal, which will obviously corrode and cause crap to form on the bottom of the tank. Now while you will still get stuff in the MGF tank, it is made out of plastic, and it is located within the shell of the car, so the likelyhood of the fuel filter filling with enough crap to block it is very unlikely.
Plus, a blocked filter would not cause a mis-fire, it would cause lack of power, especially at higher rpm!

You mentioned that both lambda sensors have failed within 10 months of each other. This is perfectly natural, as if you change on sensor, you would expect the other one to have the same life expectancy. Hence changing them both, more or less together. When changing them did you use genuine Bosch or MG Rover items? As using aftermarket ones is asking for trouble!

Cap and rotor arm would be my first port of call, as these are cheap and easy to install. There is a resister within the rotor arm that can sometimes fail at lower rpm and cause the symptoms that you are experiencing. If that does not work, the coolant temp sensor as mentioned above could be causing a problem, or maybe it is a dodgy earth or loose battery terminal?

The list is endless. If you want to talk to me direct my number is 0121 5265444 i'm here 9:00am till 6:00pm (dinner between 1:00pm and 2:00pm!!), i'll try and help.

 

No cap rotor arm on the VVC? Could be the coil packs though?

 

I didn't see the VVC bit, but he did say ALL the HT leads, which made me think of the ealier dissy system, as there are only 2 leads on the late coils!
It definately sounds electrical and i would go for spark before a fuelling problem anyway. Also, i beleive the VVC's were designed for Platinum spark plugs, and not your bog standard NGK Coppercore like most Rovers. I'm not sure how they run on standard plugs though, but it could be a start.
Does it do it more when cold or hot, slowing down, pulling off? When did it start? Have you had any work done recently?

 

I did suggest coil packs 15 posts ago.

VVC's dont like ignition components going, they are very sensitive.

 

Also if you bought cheap plug leads (not OEM or Magnecor) then it is likely your leads may be at fault.

The other thing that may help is an Italian tune up. My OH's Rover 214 also had a juddery type misfire, and a good 10 mile blast down the A3 at 70 in third cleaned it out a treat. It runs as sweet as a nut now!

 

We have spoken on the phone and there is not a lot he has not changed TBH, but i hope i have given him a few ideas to try first before spending more cash at a garage!

 

What year is yours Billo?

 

sorry took so long to reply its a 2000 1.8i

 

to be honest as most ppl will say you will experience problems with alot of cars.. when i first got mine i had to replace all the disks, pads, hoses, and cables, speedo sensor, dash dials, front bumper, tyre, calipers and bunch of other bits i cant remember n now im having to replace the hydro gas suspsension.. lol but the way i see it im building my own car ! and learning along the way. with the help of ppl on here ! thanks again guys !

 

OK... It might have a dizzy or it may have coil packs.

If it has a dizzy try new plugs, leads, rotor arm and dizzy cap.

 

OK... It might have a dizzy or it may have coil packs.

If it has a dizzy try new plugs, leads, rotor arm and dizzy cap.

on paper it supposed to of had a major service and overhall including hg ,cam belt change and anything else u could think of ,all done in september , would dizzy cap or plugs need changing so quickly ?

 

They may not have been done... The dizzy cap often gets missed, as do the leads and the rotor arm

 

They may not have been done... The dizzy cap often gets missed, as do the leads and the rotor arm

really... ..i have actually booked in to mgf centre for them to have a look ,,,rather than spend money i have'nt got with them is there any obvious checks i can do to rule these item out

 

hoorah!!- someone else with the same problem!!....my car does all of the above [but my boyfriend wont believe me][had Diag test done nothing showed up]- whilst hot, cold, running along, stopping, starting etc etc etc........if its not the filter Im gonna give up!!!

 

Object lesson in going back to the begining, dont always trust what other people say they have done, check and check again. Started at the begining changed the plugs, Platinum NGK's fitted. The light was fadding as i started up post plug change, I was then treated to a light show akin to blackpool elluminations. The HT leads (2 off) were arcking all over the place. Leads usually last longer than 5 months don't they? Car happy, wife happy, sweet as a nut. I hope it continues. Thanks for all your comments and ideas.