Flat spot on MGF

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31 Oct 2002
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A flat spot has developed on our MGF, around 1800 rpm at a guess - when I accelerate it stutters around this point.

Could it be something as simple as replacing the air filter or plugs?
 
1800 RPM, they go that low :o

depending on when they were last changed it could be the plugs and leads but a flat spot at 1800 that isn't normally the sign that they are dying. Has the issue always been there or has it sufenly developed it?

tbh I'd just drop it down two cogs and try accelerating again!

HT
 
Erm yeah it's probably not 1800. :o

I can get past it my just dropping a gear, but it's a bit annoying.

I think it's kind of always been there since we bought it but it's getting worse. Had a look in Halfords and I'm happy replacing things like the plugs, HT leads, dist cap, filters etc - but wanted to know which ones to try first as they can work out quite expensive for the lot.
 
Well, first thing I would do is the usual plugs, air filter, some injector cleaner, fuel filter, leads, in that order. See how that turns out.
 
Unless you have thin arms changing the leads is a HUGE pita. the gap between the back of the engine bay and the back of the block is only about an inch wide. Make sure that you only unplug one lead at a time form the dizzy end otherwise it's a nightmare.

IIRC the new plugs and leads for mine were about £75 all in (magnecore blue leads and irridum split fire plug things)

HT
 
Stupid question, but how do you tell whether it's a VVC or K series engine? I looked on the documents but couldn't see it anywhere. The car is a P reg 1.8i.
 
the VVC is still a K series. if it's a VVC it will have VVC stamped on the top of the intake plenum:

Paul

edit:
VVC’s differ from the 1.8Mpi as follows:

° Five spoke alloy wheels (1995 – 2000)
° Electric Power steering (EPAS) optional on 1.8Mpi
° Boot mounted additional brake lamp, standard on both from 1998
° Half leather seats
° VVC stamped on plenum chamber visible through boot grille
° Eighth digit of VIN should read T for VVC and G for Mpi version
° Rev counter red lined at 7250rpm, and 6750rpm on 1.8Mpi

full leather was an option (I know this because I have it on mine :D )
 
Last edited:
Okay cool, it's got alloys and half leather seats so it must be the VVC - cheers. Just been to Halfords and they didn't have any of the parts in except some expensive NGK plugs which I don't really need.

Any suggestions about places to get parts? Ideally pickup as no-one at home to wait for them.
 
miracleboy said:
Okay cool, it's got alloys and half leather seats so it must be the VVC - cheers. Just been to Halfords and they didn't have any of the parts in except some expensive NGK plugs which I don't really need.

Any suggestions about places to get parts? Ideally pickup as no-one at home to wait for them.

no! alloys and leather seats were both available as options on the 1.8i check the intake plenum and the VIN plate to be sure if it was a VVC now and when it left the factory. the MGOC are fairly competitive for leads and plugs and I think they do a 12K sevrice kit that includes all the right fluids that you need as well. Mike Satur will also do all the bits you need.

HT
 
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