help

[mick j]

Can anyone help.The hose from the bottom of the rad is getting hard from pressure and if you open the header tank and let the pressure off it geos back to normal.I have drained the system twice flushed if though and done the same with the rad.I am stuck and i have a rally in two weeks so starting to worry as i think the hose will blow.thanks mick

[cavmad]

Can anyone help.The hose from the bottom of the rad is getting hard from pressure and if you open the header tank and let the pressure off it geos back to normal.I have drained the system twice flushed if though and done the same with the rad.I am stuck and i have a rally in two weeks so starting to worry as i think the hose will blow.thanks mick

I`m not the world`s great mechanic mate but are you sure it`s not the headgasket on it`s way out?

[mick j]

i hope not it has just had a new one fitted,my mate has just done a bottom end rebuild.reading other threads it does sound as the head gasket is on its way out.

[E_T_V]

What engine is this? I'm presuming an EFI. If so and the hose only does this when the engine is warm/hot then it probably isn't much to worry about as they are designed to be a pressurised system, (I'd change the thermostat anyway just incase though). If it is pressurising from cold then this is more to worry about.

[mick j]

yes its 2.0l efi it only seems to do it when i have been for a drive not on tick over.the thermostat has been removed all ready and the temp gauge only seems to go to quarter so its not over heating its just the one hose from the bottom of the rad,the top hose seems ok.

[E_T_V]

If I were you I'd put another thermostat back in. I can understand your logic for removing it (better cooling flow) however this also puts extra stresses and can cause uneven cooling within the engine. I think most of the MGOC racers (circuit cars) still run with thermostats in them.

[mick j]

i live in jersey so parts are like rocking hose s*it,my local rover garage are about as much good as a chocolate fire gaurd.i take it you can still grt them in the uk?

[E_T_V]

Thermostats.. Yes, I can't think why there would be a problem with them. I'm betting most motorfactors will list one suitable for them.

[mick j]

Thanks i will give it a go i just dont fancy taking the head off unless i have to.I thought it was all going to well that will teach me. :banghead:

[E_T_V]

As I say if it isn't pressurising when the coolant is still cool/warm to the touch (rather than hot) then there probably is no problem with the head gasket). Drop a new thermostat in there (one of the racers amoung us recently had a few problems with his) and if she doesn't overheat then everything is more than likely ok. Don't forget to post some piccies up in the gallery of you in action as we don't often get to see many rally maestros, (although I want one!)

[mick j]

thanks again there are some pics in the gallery from last year but i will hopefully put some in this year if we finish,really tight lanes this year.This will be the cars tenth jersey rally so it has been around for a while and its the only rally meastro over.

[E_T_V]

Well good luck and let us know how you get one. Also if you need any tips on how to go faster (engine and suspension and brake wise) then some of our residents might be able to help.

[mick j]

i was told you cant do much to the o series engine so i have left it pretty standard.I would be graetful for any info to make it handle and go better.i brought the car already done so its only been lowered.its ok for the tight lanes but i get stuffed on fast straights and pick up.

[E_T_V]

Ahh well you really need to chat to some of our racing members. As a starting point you'll want to get a low resistance air filter and exhaust, (avoid air filters that are oiled as they can cause the air flow sensor to pack up as the oil gets burned to the sensor). Next you'll probably want to match the ports of the engine to the manifold, then port and flow the head, a modified ECU wouldn't go a miss to give some extra low down grunt too. Also a warmer camshaft might help too (I think these have just been allowed into the MGOC -MG Owners Championship this year). Also a raised compression ratio and a lightened flywheel are all things you could consider. I'm no O-series expert but you can make them a fair bit faster :) I'm not sure what order you'd get the best benefits out of from doing first but some of the racers would be better to advise on this.