MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGF Technical - TF 3000 mile service?

Might already be discussed, but tried ot book my TF in for its 3k mile service. Part of delivery brief and expected it from my MGF days. However, more local garage took one look at VIN and informed me they did not need to do anything until 15k. Fair enough. Just wondering if this is accurate, and if so when/why the change occurred?

Even if accurate, on the basis it is a new engine that is going to get fairly enthusiastic use, still wondering about having an oil change done. Cannot do any harm.

Chris
Chris Reeves

Chris

The MG "F" had a 3000 mile service, which if I remember correctly was just to check the "hydra gas" suspension, but now this has changed on the TF I suppose the 3000 mile service is no longer required. Theres no harm in changing the oil, I know I did, I put the full synthetic in and changed the oil filter.


Cheers


Carl
Carl Fairhurst

TF first service is 12 months or 15000 miles (whichever is sooner)...but I would go along with an oil change at 3000 anyway -certainly will do not harm!
Blue Max

was thinking the same. Mine has done nearly 3,400 miles. I would have an engine flush and then use Mobil One which is fully synthetic. Mobil One boasts almost no engine wear on their web site. If you have it done, note the difference and give us a post.
Trev

Trev,

At that low a mileage the engine will still be bedding in. Switching to Mobil One too soon is going to prevent this bedding in process and not allow the engine to free up as it would with normal wear. At nearly 13,000 miles my TF160 is starting to free up nicely although expecting it is still going to improve. Certainly the VVC MGF I had previous started to feel nice and loose by 30,000. :)
Paul Lathwell

Chris, on my TF 135, I've got mine at 5.000 km (aprox 3k miles), but it was just for checking the levels of fluids and tyre pressure (was a free revision by the dealer)
Spinder00

point taken Paul
Trev

The first service is 12mths/15k mls whichever is sooner. The 3kmls one (ride height) was dropped on the F in 2001. And of course doesn't relate to the TF.

You could change the oil early if you really want but the benefit is negligible. You could argue that microscopic metallic fragments suspended in the oil aid bedding in. I agree with the point above. Don't change to fully synthetic until at least the first service. That gives the engine time to fully bed down / run in. Incidentally the oil used at the factory is Texaco Halvoline semi syth. Can't remember the exact name but it'll be easily checked out. Castrol Magnatec and Esso Helix are also good semi synth oils (latter more so - allegedly..).

I'm unconvinced about the cost/benefit of using Mobil 1.

My dealer uses Helix for MG services and I'm happy with that.
Ian Walker

Chris R

Not sure if the TF has one greaee nipple per corner like the F, but if it does they need a squirt every 3k miles.

Chris M
Christopher Marshall

This thread was discussed between 29/07/2003 and 30/07/2003

MG MGF Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGF Technical BBS is active now.