WARNING: DO NOT remove the expansion tank cap when the engine/coolant is hot - doing so could result in injury from steam/coolant being released from the expansion tank.

Step 1: Remove the expansion tank cap and look into the tank. The coolant level is correct when coolant is between the minimum and maximum level steps inside the tank, see Figure 1. If required, top up with appropriate anti-freeze mixture. Coolant level must not be higher than tank seam! Consult your owner's manual for correct coolant type and concentration.

Caution: Coolant level should only be checked when system is cold.

Warning: If the expansion tank is empty or coolant level excessively low this may indicate a leak in the cooling system or head gasket failure. See notes.

Step 2: Use the Hydrometer to check the specific gravity of coolant mixture. The official MGF workshop manual states: "The overall anti-freeze concentration must not be below 50% by volume and must not exceed 60% by volume". MGTF owners should refer to their owner's manual for appropriate coolant concentration.

Notes:

• From experience all anti-freeze regardless of type is translucent, ie. you can normally see to the bottom of the expansion tank. If it is opaque, cloudy or other contamination is evident it could suggest an internal head gasket failure. This is where the head gasket has failed and allowed the engine oil and coolant to mix within the engine. A secondary check would be to remove the dip-stick (or better still the crankcase cap - centre of Picture 1) and look for a mayonaise like substance.

• An excessively low coolant level may indicate a leak in the cooling system or a head gasket failure. In either case the car should not be driven until the cause has been investigated and where necessary repairs carried out.

• With its mid-engine and front mounted radiator the F's extended cooling system is more prone to air-locks than a car with its engine and radiator up front. For this reason a particular procedure needs to be followed when refilling the cooling system to ensure that all air is expelled. If present, air-locks can lead to future problems such as head-gasket failure and expensive repair bills! It is therefore advisable that any refilling and subsequent bleeding of the system be carried out by someone familiar with the F.

24th March 2002, Paul Lathwell & Sue Fowler