UK Car Repair: T°C in my MGF, exhaust gas analyzer, vacuum leaks

Question
Hi John,

Two questions that I would be SO grateful to have answered.

1). My new MGF (new to me - 1998 MGF 1.8i, 49K on the clock) gets really hot. The oil and water gauges read OK temps but the engine feels really warm. I'm used to a cow of a diesel... is this just to be expected in a petrol sportscar? I know that coolant and gasket issues are problems with the MGF, so I want to make sure it's OK. What dya reckon? Are you familiar with the MGF?

2). I bought it yesterday and I have the new-car-jitters. I have 3 months warranty from the dealer who sold her to me. Should I get it looked over by a mechanic to save an expensive blow-out later on? Again, what do you reckon? (the RAC charge around 200 quid).

Your advice would be appreciated by this sports car amateur. Thanks SO much in advance.

Ta,
Simon.

Answer
Ok, two simple things.

One- Take it to a detailer, have it get the full boat cleaning.
It will make a world of difference in the car. It should be the FIRST thing you do.
Have them clean everything, the engine, undercarriage, front and back of the wheels, blast all the crud from behind the exhaust heat shields and blow all the crud out of the radiator fins and evaporator fins. Make sure they also have the capability of clearing trouble codes from the ECM. Many times cleaning the engine causes a trouble code to pop up and an ignition misfire. This is a normal detailing thing and can be cleaned up with compressed air and a scan tool.  

Two- Once it is clean, drive it for a few days and really give it a work out. Then, take it to the RAC.  Cooling, brakes, oil pressure, seals, vacuum leaks, compression test, plugs, wires or boots, full running diagnostic, and an exhaust gas analyzer sweep. Have an oil change and filter. Fuel and air filters should also be done at this time regardless of anything the prior owner or auto sales person might have told you. You want to know exactly when all the service was done. I'm a little picky myself and option to do tires and brakes at the same time to ensure I have a quality of component that meets my standards.
I have my axel and transmission fluids flushed and refilled with synthetic lube and sometimes go as far as replacing the shocks. Bilstine shocks are my favorite to use but it's up to you.

I get a lot of odd looks when I say this to a stranger, but people who have tried it swear by it.

Hope this helps.

Safety Fast!

John