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Bicester, Banbury, Rushwick, Barton, Peterborough…

A very early start on Tuesday morning to head down to Bicester, to carry out full clutch replacement on Alan’s 2003 TF 135 in Trophy Blue (JFV). The clutch-plate certainly was a bit worn. The release-arm was very stiff and the clevis pin had a large notch in it. New clevis pin fitted and arm freed off, resulting in a nice smooth clutch-pedal once more. We didn’t get to meet Alan as he was at work, but thanks to his lovely wife for the cuppas.

Following an overnight stay in Banbury, where I did get to see a lady on her horse, we headed over to Rushwick, near Worcester, on Wednesday morning.

Here we were due to meet Martin for work on his 1996 MGF VVC in Flame Red (COF), which due to him working abroad hadn’t had the cambelt service done in some time, though Martin had carried out all the general servicing himself. Very sadly, though, when we arrived we learnt from his wife, Rebecca, that he had passed away very suddenly only a few days prior. Rebecca still wanted us to carry out the work as she will be, regrettably, having to sell the car, but wants it to go with an up-to-date service history. It really is a very good example with a relatively low mileage of 43k. Big thanks to for her and her lovely friend for their amazing hospitality and warm welcome despite what they’re having to go through. Please, if anyone is interested just drop us a message to the usual number or email address and we can pass on your details to her and supply you with some further information on the car.

A local call on Thursday morning when we headed back over the Humber to Barton, to see Chris and his MGF again that we’d last seen a couple of weeks ago when we went over to replace the underfloor coolant pipes and found that all wasn’t as it seemed.

Head gasket replaced, the elastomer had been well cooked to the head, fortunately no damage done. At some point in its life someone had added the dreaded k-seal (NOT for k-series engines!) and the skinny return hose was full of caked old stuff. We fitted a new coolant bottle to the car last time, but still solid crud was making its way back round. We also replaced the thermostat and housing. When running up to temperature the car was still overheating, after some time hunting for the culprit we found the pipe to the thermostat was solid with the stuff, so this was removed cleared out and all other related hoses blown through. The coolant temperature sensor was also faulty, so this was replaced with new.

Finally, car ran up to temperature with fans coming on and off as they should. Brilliant to hear from Chris, later in the day, that his run over to Hull for the MOT was a success. He’s really looking forward to enjoying the car again. Thanks to Chris for the provision of a cuppa and cake, good to see him again and have a chat.

From Barton we headed over to the workshop in the afternoon to unload and restock the gear ready for our next away trip, commencing on Monday morning.

That brings us to today, Friday, and for our last call of the week down in Peterborough for work on Gary’s 1998 MGF VVC in Nightfire Red (CAQ).

Full cambelt service carried out, one of the roll-pins on the exhaust cam was crushed, so this was replaced. One of the boot springs had snapped and the other was under some strain, Gary had managed to find some in the correct paint, so we got these fitted for him while we were there. It was lovely to meet Gary, who makes a cracking brew! It was really lovely weather too, though not so sunny in Hull now.

Hope everyone near and far has a wonderful weekend, and can get out and about weather permitting. 🌧️ – https://ift.tt/ZYm28Tl

Workshop, Bythron, Cambridge, Odsey near Baldock…

Andrew came over from Walkington and dropped off his 2004 TF 135 in Trophy Blue (JBV) with us last week, so we got on with that on Tuesday morning at the workshop carrying out a minor service, plus diagnostics and wiring repairs to the SRS system. All ready for Andrew to collect at the weekend.

Rich came over from Tockwith in the afternoon for an oil change and air filter change on his 2003 TF 135 in British Racing Green (HFF). He’s been in France and Belgium for the last couple of months and done an incredible amount of miles without a hitch. Great to hear of his latest adventure and future plans.

We were up bright and early on Wednesday morning to head down to Cambridge. Whilst traveling down there we had a slight diversion over to Bythorn to check out Paul’s TF that had been noted as having a some signs of coolant on the sump on a recent MOT and was concerned something may have failed since we carried out the head gasket and cambelt service last October. We pressure tested the system, both caps and carried out all of our usual checks, but couldn’t find any evidence of any leaks. It’s possible the expansion tank cap hadn’t been replaced tight enough when topping up the coolant.

From there we carried on to Cambridge for work on Flo’s 2004 TF 135 in Platinum Gold (MCN). A minor service carried out, along with replacing all the discs and pads as they had come up as an advisory at the last MOT. Great to see Flo again and have a chat, thanks to her for the cuppa and chocolate biscuits.

We then headed a couple of miles along the road to our digs for the night. A beautiful afternoon I made the most of it and had a good yomp in and around Cambridge, good to have the opportunity to see a bit more of it this time.

After leaving our very nice and quiet digs, this Thursday morning, we headed a little bit further down the country to a village called Odsey, not too far from Baldock, where it was good to meet Tony. He’d got in touch earlier in the year to see if we could possibly fit him in for work on his Rover 25 VVC GTi. Full cambelt service carried out, along with new alternator belt and power steering belt. Thanks to Tony for the pots of tea.

Now heading back up the country and that’s us done for this week, a slightly shorter than last week. We’ve a family birthday tomorrow and the cat to take to the vets in the morning so we’re having the day off.

Hope everyone near and far has a great weekend, and that the weather is clement for getting out and about. 😎 – https://ift.tt/KmNniIG

Swanland, Holme-on-Spalding Moor, Barton-on-Humber, Alpraham in Cheshire, Warrington, Ashton-in-Makerfield…

A bit of a longer than usual week this one, commencing last Sunday with a local call, just up the hill from us, in Swanland to replace the alternator on Peter’s 2002 TF 135 in Solar Red (CMU) as it had been squealing like a banshee and waking up his neighbours!

Monday and Tuesday found us in the workshop for work on Ian’s TF 135 (post LE run), that he’d driven down in from Blyth at the weekend. He’d had quite a few advisories on the last MOT. All brake lines replaced, all discs and pads replaced, grease top suspension arms, replace a track rod end and then carry out a full underfloor treatment. Great to see Ian as always when he came over to collect on Tuesday afternoon, we heard later that he’d had a great run back home.

We then headed over to Barton-on-Humber on Wednesday morning, where it was great to meet Chris and his year 2000 MGF 120 mpi, in Alumina (HFH), that had sprung a leak from the welds on the underfloor coolant pipes. Thinking that’s all we were going for (never think that!) we then discovered on running the car up to temperature that the head gasket had actually gone as a result. Date booked in to get this sorted for Chris. We did have another call booked in, for a minor service, but as the car hadn’t really turned a wheel in the past 12 months it was decided between us and the owner to leave it until the cambelt service is due next year. Good job really as it turned into a longer day than expected.

Back over at the workshop on Thursday morning, to work on Hamish and Sandra’s stepspeed, that he trailered down from Greenlaw on Monday. When we were with him back in August we checked the car over as it was suspected that it was aqua locked and obviously couldn’t risk starting it up.

Thankfully, on removing the cylinder head on Thursday there was no further damage to the pistons or liners etc. All gaskets replaced, along with a cambelt service and she’s good to go, Hamish and Sandra have owned the car for some time and have taken trips over to France in her, so happily they can now continue to enjoy her. A shame we didn’t get to see Hamish when he came to collect, as we were on the road, but great to hear from him to say he’d taken her along to his local garage to have the MOT done and is looking forward to getting her back on the road.

Friday morning found us up bright and very early to head over to Alpraham in Cheshire for work on Wayne and Ali’s year 2000 MGF 120 mpi that they’d owned for many years and had actually used as their wedding car. It’s been off the road for some time and they made the decision to invest in her and get her back up and running for their son to start using.

Head gasket and cambelt service carried out, along with a few other bits. It still needs a few other things doing to get her right, so a date arranged for Wayne to bring her over to the workshop in a few weeks time whilst he can visit relatives in the area. Really great to meet them all and have fusses with their beautiful woofers.

Following an overnight stay in Warrington we headed on to Ashton-in-Makerfield this Saturday morning. Seemed silly to have driven home yesterday only to return along the busy old M62 again today.

It was lovely to see brothers David and Peter again, whose cars were both due for minor services and a couple of other bits.

First up was David’s year 2000 MGF VVC in British Racing Green (HFF), minor service carried out, along with replacing the gear-cable ends and gaiters, as his were quite worn out. New alternator fitted as his was also screeching like a banshee! New alternator belt fitted too.

Peters 2004 TF 160, also in British Racing Green, had the minor service done, along with replacing the lower timing cover, as a couple of the bolt holes had snapped off. He’d had the oil pressure sensor replaced, but it still wasn’t reading, which we found to be the gauge itself. We’ll post one of ours out to him and between them they’ll fit it.

Big thanks to David for all the cracking brews, and Jon’s steak pie! Plus it was lovely to have fusses with David’s very sweet woofer Rosie. We look forward to seeing them all again in two years time when the cambelt services are due once more.

After a quieter run along the M62 this afternoon we’re now back home, looking forward to a day off tomorrow. Hope everyone is having a fab weekend everyone near and far. 🌻 – https://ift.tt/ND9bBvH

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland Trip – 17th to 21st August 2026.

🗺️ Greenlaw, Gordon, Barrhead, Glengarnock, Paisley, Linwood, Kilsyth, Glasgow…

Just a travel day on Monday, due to a few diary changes, and we headed north, with a stop off in Bamburgh on the way. Following an overnight stay in Coldstream in some dubious lodgings we headed over to our first call of the day, on Tuesday morning, to Greenlaw, where it was lovely to meet Hamish, his wife and their three lovely woofers.

His 2002 TF 135 in Le Mans Green (HFN) was in need of a minor service and his wife’s 2001 MGF Steppy in Nightfire Red (CHQ) was needing a check over. Hamish had recently gone to start the car and it wouldn’t turn over, so rather than force it he waited for us to come over, which was definitely the right thing to do.

We suspected from the description that it may have aqua-locked, so the plugs were removed and on cranking over, sure enough, coolant shot out of the cylinder head. We then had a look into the cylinders with the boroscope and it looks as though there isn’t any further damage, fortunately. We had already set aside a date for it to come down to the workshop, so Hamish will bring it down, as planned, in a couple of weeks.

From there we went over to Gordon where it was lovely to see Alasdair again and his 2003 TF 135 in British Racing Green (HAM), that was also due a minor service. It was great to meet his very lovely new Woofer, Angus too. After a cuppa and a good catch-up we were on our way to our next destination. Thanks to Alasdair for the bag of butties and biscuits.

Following an overnight stay in some extremely good digs in Barrhead we found ourselves in Glengarnock on a wet Wednesday morning.

This time for work on only one of Alan’s fleet! Rear calipers, discs and pads all replaced on his 2003 TF 160. Glenn then came over in his 85th Anniversary for some work. He’d found himself down a rabbit hole on Mike Satur’s shop and had treated the car to Black Diamond discs and pads, stainless pins and plates for the front calipers, the rear big brake kit conversion, complete with new 280 mm discs and new pads. Sorry didn’t get any pics, too rainy. Maybe Glenn will pop some up below.

It was really great to see Alan and Glenn and have a catch-up, and especially nice to meet the new fluffy and very bouncy edition to the family, Gus, not forgetting beautiful Mabel (aka Molly) and Darcy who was staying over. Not many pictures of cars at Alan’s this time but lots of woofers instead!

From there we then headed over to Paisley for the evening, with an early, but short commute along to Linwood on Thursday morning, where it was great to meet James and his 2003 TF 135 in Anthracite (LQW) that we’d last worked on with the previous owner.

Full cambelt service carried out, having to resort to Plan B as the engine mount bolts weren’t going to move. James had noticed a loss of coolant a couple of days before our visit, which we found was due to a split in one of the hoses, this was duly repaired and replaced. Thanks to his friend for the use of his driveway and the brew and nice to meet his very cute woofer Pippa.

From there we went along to Kilsyth where is was lovely to see Colin again and his 2003 TF 135 Sprint in Xpower Grey (LEF), the cambelt was due again and Colin reminded us that we had to resort to Plan B the last time, so with a second Plan B of the day we got this done for him. Along with replacing the reverse-light switch and a steering wheel that Colin had sprayed to match the car. More furry fusses with his beautiful girl, Luna.

It was good to catch-up with Colin again, thanks to him for the butties and chocolate biscuits, plus another very good recommendation for a walk in the area, which I took myself off on that afternoon.

Following an overnight stay in Kilsyth, we headed over to Glasgow this Friday morning. Ross’s 2003 TF 135 in Royal Blue (JFM) was due the minor service. Plus he’d had a few advisories on the last MOT. Both front top arms packed with grease and a top ball joint replaced and he’s good to go. Cambelt service is due next September so a date to return next August is in the planner.

Thanks to Ross for the cuppas and to have fusses with his two beautiful huskies, one of which reminded us very much of our beloved Buster.

It’s been a very dog friendly week this week! We’re almost back home now, a bit of a long schlep and many hold ups, to be expected on a Friday afternoon. Thanks again to everyone for the warmest of welcomes over the border. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🐶

Have a wonderful weekend everyone near and far. 😎 – https://ift.tt/mTuI2d3

Following our return from our trip to Norway last Tuesday we spent Wednesday catching up and making sure we had everything ordered, sorted and collected for our next trip to Scotland.

A warm and sunny Thursday morning found us over in Sheffield, where it was great to see Dave again and his GTM Spyder with a k-series 1.8 VVC engine. This time was to carry out the cambelt service. Thanks to Dave for the brew, it was lovely to have fusses with his gorgeous woofer Martha.

From there we went over to Mexborough to check over Enis and Paul’s 1997 MGF 1.8i in British Racing Green (HAM) that we did quite a bit of work on back in January. They are due to have, what sounds like, a fantastic trip over to France next month, Dave just wanted us to give it a once over to see if anything needed sorting prior. All seems good and we left them with a spare alternator belt and spare tested coolant cap. It was great to finally meet Enis, we wish them safe and happy travels!

A very early start at the workshop to get cracking with the final bits on our doer upper as it’s now going to a new home. Full underfloor treatment carried out and all liners etc. refitted and it’s looking as good underneath as it does on the top.

We then set about with the arduous task of unearthing a mini we’d been storing for some time. The owner had finally found somewhere to take it so had arranged for a friend to come over with him and collect. Unfortunately, said friend was involved in an accident, so Edward took away the things he could fit in his ZT.

That said we continued with the plan of finally organising the workshop. We moved into this current one four years ago and still hadn’t had the time to sort.

We had a visit from Steve who came over on his way back home from working away to have the hydragas pumped up on his 1997 MGF 120 (in MNX). Good to meet him and get this done for him.

It was a very late finish and we were still nowhere near completing the over-hall of the workshop. We had the doer-upper booked in for the MOT on Saturday morning, so after another early start we finally got it something like with another very late finish. It’s finally taking shape and the clutter is de-cluttered and organised! Both a bit tired and achy now though. 🫠

The week was rounded off very nicely this Sunday morning, when John came over to collect the doer-upper, which following a Kmaps remap being installed this morning is now done! This is a super looking 2005 TF 115 Spark edition in Sonic Blue (JHG) that will be going to John’s daughter, Isabelle for her to start her new chapter at Lancaster University next month. We hope she loves the car and look forward to hearing how her first venture out goes.

So the trusty steed is now all stocked up and the bags packed again ready to head up to Scotland, for the week, tomorrow morning.

Hope everyone has had a great weekend near and far. – https://ift.tt/npjWHu4

🇳🇴Norway trip – 7th – 11th August 2026

🗺️ Skein & Porsgrunn…

Gisle had got in touch with us earlier in the year as he had seen that we make trips abroad. He’s owned a couple of MGs in the past and had bought himself a 1998 MGF 1.8 mpi in British Racing Green that he was aware was in need of some work. It had been sat in his garage for over a year while he found the time to get around to it.

After a bit of planning and liaising with Gisle on whether he would come to us or us go over to him a trip was formulated.

We flew out on Friday morning from Manchester to Sandeford Torp airport, where it was really great to finally meet Gisle, who picked us up and dropped us at our digs in Porsgrunn, where we were booked in to for the next four nights.

We got cracking bright and early on Saturday morning and headed over to Skein, where the car was located.

Head gasket replacement carried out, as the one on it was a Mk II elastomer, which had done its time. Full cambelt service also carried out. Plus we also carried out a full clutch replacement, free-off of a very stiff release-arm, clutch fluid bled through and a new clutch slave-cylinder fitted, along with new clevis pin as the one on the car had a big step in it.

A few days before our visit Gisle had noticed some coolant loss underneath the car, which we discovered was due to a hole in the underfloor coolant pipes. Fortunately, Gisle still had a decent set on one of his old cars, so he removed them that evening and we went back over on Sunday morning to fit them. Car ran up to temperature with no issues and it’s now all set for the MOT on Thursday.

Gisle is really looking forward to getting out for a drive and enjoying the fantastic roads out there. The car is a keeper and the intention is for it to eventually be passed down to his children and to be kept in the family.

We enjoyed the afternoon on Sunday and had all of Monday to go exploring. With some very good recommendations from Gisle we visited Brevik and Kragero, both stunningly beautiful places, and of course we purchased the requisite fridge magnets and sampled the local icecream, it had to be done!

We flew back to the UK this Tuesday afternoon and are now on on the M62 on our way back home. What a great experience and so good to have the opportunity to visit Norway again. Big thanks to Gisle for his hospitality in providing tea and chocolate biscuits and best of all his fab little Suzuki Swift to get around in . We look forward to hearing from him on Thursday, with some good news!

Thanks Norway, you’ve been amazing, a beautiful country and beautiful people, plus the weather was really good too. 🇳🇴 😎 – https://ift.tt/Ej9Qbhd

Flaxton, Yesrsley, Eckington, Sheffield, Norway…

Following our week away last week we had Monday off in lieu to get our bearings. Tuesday back at the workshop for a few things on the doer uppers and to unload all the detritus from the week before and to get restocked for the rest of the week.

Wednesday morning found us over in Flaxton where it was lovely to see Mark again and his 1998 MGF 120 in British Racing Green (HAM). Minor service carried out, along with gearbox oil change and replacing the clutch slave-cylinder. Thanks to Mark for the brew, nice to have a quick chat before heading off to the next call of the day. This was in Yearsley for the minor service on Sara’s 1997 MGF 120 also in British Racing Green.

Thursday morning found us over in Eckington where it was great to see Peter again, we’d last seen him a number of years ago when he had a couple of MGs, he’s now sold those and bought himself this really nice example of a MGF 75th Anniversary in Mulberry (CDM) with only 13k on the clock. He’d noticed fluid from the offside rear sphere, so asked if we could replace it, plus the clutch slave-cylinder was needing to be replaced too. Thanks to Peter for the cuppa and chats with his lovely furry friends, before heading off a few miles up the road to the next call of the day in Sheffield.

It was lovely to see Tony again who we hadn’t seen for a while, his year 2000 MGF 120 was also in need of a sphere replacement, this one was for the front nearside. Minor service also carried out. Thanks to Tony’s daughter for a cracking brew and the boxes of biscuits from his very sweet grandson!

That brings us to today, Friday, and we’re all set for our next call tomorrow morning, in Norway! 🇳🇴 – https://ift.tt/SAQWT2c

A week away in the South of the UK – 27th July – 1st August 2026…

We went through a number of shires this week; Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire & Worcestershire with visits to the following:

Bedford, Aylesbury, Reading, Finchampstead, Fleet, Farnborough, Andover, Tidworth, Newbury, Stourport-on-Severn & finally Bewdley.

A very bright and early start on Monday morning found us in Bedford, where it was great to see Ian again whom we’d not seen for a number of years, his 2003 TF 160 in Trophy Blue (JFV) is still going strong since we replaced the engine in it about 10 years ago. We’ve seen it a couple of times since between then, this time the cambelt service was due, full service carried out along with a brake-fluid change. All done and ready for Ian to get some more track days booked in.

From there we went on to Aylesbury, where it was good to see Richard again and his year 2000 Stepspeed in Tahiti Blue (JRJ) that was also in need of a full cambelt service. He also mentioned an issue with the radiator fan, this was found to be due to a faulty relay, new relay fitted and problem solved.

Following an overnight stay in Aylesbury we headed over to Reading on Tuesday morning, where it was lovely to see Simon again and his 2001 MGF VVC in British Racing Green. Minor service carried out, along with repairs to the wing mirror and door panel. We noticed the header-tank was half empty and on investigation of all the usual culprits it was found to have a leaking heater control-valve, so we swapped this out with one we had with us. Hopefully that has solved that issue. Thanks to Simon for the cuppas in between his work calls. We look forward to returning next year for the cambelt service.

From there we went over to Finchampstead where it was lovely to see Frances again, his 2004 TF 135 was also due for a minor service. Thanks to Frances for the tea and cakes, good to have a chat with him before heading off to our next digs in Fleet. We look forward to seeing him next year for the cambelt service.

With a short commute on Wednesday morning we went along to Farnborough for work on Charles’ 2003 TF 135 in Xpower Grey (LEF). He’d found out from someone last August when we were in the area then and asked if he could be included on our trip this year. It’s fortunate we got there really early as he’d forgotten we were going, stating lack of communication from us, although he’d only just paid the deposit 8 weeks prior. He made us a cuppa, had a brief chat and headed off to work.

Full cambelt service carried out, along with alternator belt. A number of bolts etc. were wrong or missing so we replaced these. There was a strange configuration of a homemade air-hose going around the back of the engine and out the top on the drivers side. This was duly cut down and fed correctly.

After chasing the payment that hadn’t materialised a few days later we were told that the price wasn’t as quoted, we’re actually still awaiting his payment, something tells us that we won’t be seeing it appear.

This was our only job that day as a couple of people I’d offered the afternoon slot to hadn’t got back to confirm. However, that worked out well as Simon had got in touch so say following a drive in the car the heaters were blowing hot, so we headed back over to Reading to take a look. All that was needed was an adjustment to the cable, we normally adjust them so that you can get full heat, in this case we adjusted it so that it would go fully the other way. Pleased to have been able to get back to sort that for Simon. Thanks to his wife Vania for the cuppa.

After an overnight stay in Andover we went along to Tidworth on Thursday morning, where it was good to see Andy again and his 2002 TF 135 in Trophy Blue (JFV).
Full cambelt service carried out and a few missing bolts replaced. He’d initially thought that his clutch was in need of replacing, so we went armed with clutch kit. On checking we found that the clutch slave-cylinder had definitely done its time, it was well gunked up. New slave and clevis fitted, clutch release-arm freed off, new fluid bled through and he’s good to go, saving himself some money too.

Having an earlier than expected finish we made our way to our digs in Newbury, and noticed a sign on the way for the Flying Museum at Middle Wallop, so thought we’d have a look in, so pleased we did too, what a fantastic place, so very interesting, good job the tickets last for a year as it does need more than one visit, definitely worth going to if you find yourself in the vicinity.

Following a very noisy and disturbed night in Newbury we had a short commute on Friday morning, where it was lovely to see Roger again, his 2011 TF 135 (post LE run Chinese version) was also due for the cambelt service. Full service carried out, along with fitting one of the 3-way coolant-connectors that Mike Satur produces, a very worthy replacement for the plastic one that has a habit of snapping all too easily. Roger has a slightly annoying leak on the drivers side window that only shows itself in the rain, not when a hose pipe is held over it, so Jon did his best to pack it out, hopefully that’s done the trick!It was good to have a chat and a cuppa with Roger and his lovely wife before we headed off up to Stourport-on-Severn for our last lot of digs on this trip.

So we were up bright and early this Saturday morning to head along to Bewdley, where it was really lovely to meet David and Debra. David has a bit of a collection of MGs and usually does a lot of the work on them himself. Today we replaced the head gasket and carried out the cambelt service for him on his 1997 MGF VVC in Flame Red (COF). When running the car up to temperature the rad fan was coming on, on code reading found it to be due to the coolant temperature sensor, we had a secondhand one on the van so swapped it out, which has resolved that issue. Big thanks to them for the bacon butty, buns and many cuppas. A pleasant mornings work to round off this latest away trip.

We’re now wending our way back up the country to home. It’s been a long week, with not a lot of sleep so we’re definitely looking forward to our own bed and best of all seeing our beloved puss.

Hope everyone near and far is having a grand weekend! – https://ift.tt/8TjLUbq