Road Trip up North.

Delbourt wrote:

Try this
https://www.the-t-bar.com/forum/9-mgf-tf-pitstop/100712-tip-when-removing-the-coolant-thermostat-without-removing-the-manifold#223536

I just put the complete string of words into the search field. I’m no PC search expert. Have a go you might find it and it might save you a bit of work.
Its not in the “how to” section.

Thank you Delbourt..you are really trying to help and it is appreciated.
Idid find it in the How To's and it is doable without removing the air intake manifold. If it can be done I will do it.
I know if I was to remove the inlet manifold I would need a new gasket and more days waiting for Postie!

 

Obviously I have no statistics for actual thermostats playing up, mistakenly construe as an indicator of head gasket problems. I do however understand your thought processes.
There is no advantage in spending time trying to diagnose a problem that isn’t showing its head above the parapet; kit yourself up with all the parts to rectify those problems suspected & if there is a failure, you won’t have to wait for postie, they’ll be on the shelf. Down time kept to a minimum.
M

I'm actually starting to go that route.
I am ordering inlet and exhaust gaskets and rocker cover gasket so I have them should I remove the manifolds.
I don't want to have too much money lying around because I have to watch the pennies but I do agree I need some spares around.
With my Toyota I had all the serviceable stuff on site. Rover is all new to me so it is taking time to have backups but I am getting there.

Don’t know about the head gasket, and I have no wish to teach granny to suck eggs. And with my tin hat on, running for cover I add one possible thought which might also be a suggestion if you proceed with the thermostat option.

Are the jiggle valves clear and in good condition? It’s not that difficult to blow down the one at the cylinder head but the other “up and over” item  is a bit more tricky I would have thought and might need a few more hoses coming off for inspection.

I’ll leave now with tail between legs.

No need to leave with the tail between your legs at all! lol
It is a very good suggestion and is in line with the fault. I've ordered the stat now so I will fit it and check the hoses for any crud.
BTW..I have just bought a 15 inch wheel the same as mine complete with tyre for £45 delivered so very soon I will have a spare!
Not having one worries me more than anything.

   
As they say here are two I found earlier on the web (possibly even off these website pages.
They tell a fairly gloopy picture.

I thank you for those photographs, over the years of both tf & f ownership I have never knowingly had a fault with these, thus no need to wonder about them.
If they are an easy service, I shall add them to next back ends job list. I suspect they might be item 1
M

Hi what model of car is that off? I don't recognise it as anything from an F/TF, please enlighten me.

As stated I did not take the photos but searched the web for examples of the valve that allows any entrapped air in the cooling system to make its way back to the head tank.
It is definitely fitted to a TF pre the PRT mods to thermostat position. Cant answer for the Fs.
Across the top of the engine is a small bore hose going into the head tank. If you follow it back from the tank you should come to what looks like an up and over hose at the outlet from the engine.
It should be in there

Jiggle Valve.

Thanks...going to suss that out when the thermostat assembly arrives and I remove the engine cover.

I've come a bit late for this thread Brian.  I cannot add anything sensibly or relevant so I'll just wish you best of luck.   

Thanks Vince.
I am convinced it is not the HG for various reasons stated.
I let it run this morning in the warm garage with the exhausts hanging out the door. I had the heater off to exaserbate the situation and I kept checking the temp gauge but it never flinched..after some time the rad fan came on as normal for about a minute or so. Temp gauge normal.
No water loss whatsoever or oil contamination.
It has to be something "mechanical" failing in my view. Sludge on its own tends to be a feeling of "something not quite right"..and coming home and this morning it definitely feels and behaves right
I ordered coil packs today and will fit those when I get stuck in to the thermostat.

I hope you are whizzing around in your car mate!