In the January 2011 issue of MGE, Jim Jupp introduced the ‘bargain bucket’ MGF that he’d acquired for £100. Now, ten months later, it is back on the road again, not without some blood and sweat, but thankfully without any tears.

Words and photos: Jim Jupp

Well, it’s been quite a few months since I wrote about my ‘bargain’ MGF, named Jeff (yes, we name all our cars) and I’m pleased to report that he’s now on the road and in regular use. For those that may not remember my last update, I’d purchased the MGF from a guy who was about to take it to a scrapyard that had offered him £100, so that’s the price we agreed on. It’s only true failing was emissions, and the ridiculous quote he’d been given to fix it.

After putting things off for quite a few months I decided it was time to go for it, and good friend Bryan Eales, who is an ex-MG mechanic, came over to remove the head. It was at this point that the cause of the emissions problem became apparent – the head gasket had failed in two places and the exhaust manifold gasket hadn’t been tightened up correctly, the bolt by the alternator being loose so that the gasket had blown, affecting the emissions.

Bryan took the head home to check it over and to see if there was any point in continuing. After a week or so, he reported that the head was within tolerance and that he’d removed all the valves, cleaned them up and re-seated them. Over a long Saturday Bryan returned to re-fit the head, along with new stretch bolts, cam and auxiliary belts.

As the coolant was already drained, I decided I wanted to fit a PRT valve, make the required thermostat mods, and replace the coolant pipes under the car, as the ones fitted were looking a bit on the rusty side. One of many orders was placed with Mike Satur for his stainless versions, which were fitted in minutes.

I got hold of the PRT kit, but found it was in fact a Freelander set-up and couldn’t find anyone who stocked the pipework I needed. I also opted for the grey PRT valve from Land Rover, which runs a few degrees cooler, and after a bit of measuring, I cut some pipes to fit. The pipe alignment wasn’t ideal, but it seems to work. At a later stage I’ll be fitting an extra electric pump, which I can fit to a turbo timer.

With the relevant fluids in all the right places, the car was started and sounded really smooth. Now I knew that I had a car worth saving, so I cracked on with things, noting the improving weather.

To read more pick up the November 2011 issue of MG Enthusiast.

Back issues available here.