Topic

Hi All,
just joined the site and as my car is in hibernation till the warm(ish!) weather arrives I'd like some info on what to do next?
I've got a 2003 TF 1.8 135 with 39k on the clock. Its NOT had the HG done and was wondering whether to put it in and get it sorted or leave it until 'something' happens? Whats your guidence? I've heard the drilling a small hole in the thermostat is reccommended, any ideas on this?

i would personally leave it till it does show signs of hgf. not all mgf/tfs suffer from HGF ive known cars still on there original head gasket at 70,000 miles as long as you check your coolant on a regular basis check for leaks etc. keep the money in the bank and enjoy the car

If it's not broken, why fix it?
Do you have any coolant loss?

We have two forum sponsors who are mobile mechanics and will replace the head gasket very reasonably, if it does go.

Drilling the thermostat is often tried, not often successfully. Replacing the thermostat with a Pressure relief thermostat setup is a better answer.

I agree with David.

As they say in North America..."If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

By the way, WELCOME!

Hello and welcome.

My 1996 MGF is approaching 60,000 and has not suffered HGF, spoke to Russell about doing it whilst it was undergoing other work and off the road and he said the same thing "dont bother until it gives problems" but i am going to fit a coolant level sensor kit and the later thermostat set up.

AND Welcome to the T Bar

Keep the money in the ISA till something happens.

Head gasket failure is usually a slow process, its a very rare occasion your car will just stop suddenly in the middle of the road with no prior warnings. So you'd be able to get your car home.

The new thermostats come with a jiggle valve incorporated into it.