Maestro – Q & A
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 13:28Q. I damaged the sump on my O series turbo engine on an object protruding from the ground. I’m going to have to replace it, but is the efi sump identical or do I need a turbo one?
A. A common problem on Maestros as the sump is set very low, especially on cars where the suspension has been lowered. There are two versions of the EFi sump – front breather to 1989 and rear breather after this. From the same model year the sumps *should* be identical.
Q. I have noticed that my temp gauge almost touches the red line when I am stuck in traffic, but when I drive away it rests in the middle. is this normal?
A. Have you tried changing the thermostat? Such problems are often due to a faulty fuel ECU, and the connections to this should be checked or the unit should be taken to a Rover dealer for testing if this is the case. However, it could the thermo-switch that controls the electric fan is not working, allowing the engine to heat up whilst stopped in traffic. To test it, run the engine, find the switch and short across the 2 terminals – fan should cut in. If it doesn’t, run a live wire direct from battery to the fan terminal, if it works then you have a wiring problem. If it still doesn’t work, check the earth on the fan motor, and ensure that the fan has not seized.
Q. Where can I get hold of collectible Maestro items such as sales brochures, advertising posters, road test re-prints and models?
A. There are a number of different sources. For road test reprints booklets of photocopied material on any car are available from companies like Transport Source Books. Often retailers of automotive literature (sales brochures and adverts) attend some of the larger classic car events that take place around the country every summer. Some individuals with such items to sell try to do so via the internet. Models of the Maestro are becoming increasingly scarce, particularly the ‘electronic’ models with the working lights. The clubs sell a good range of regalia. Martin Woods of the MGCC FWD register has a page about it on his site.