Generation Cyb

Q. Is it possible to fit the digital dash to a Maestro which doesn’t have one?

A. Yes it is, but before you start the work is fairly involved and varies for different models. The components required (from a donor car) are the instrument pack, computer & voice synthesis unit, electronic speedo sender, fuel flow sensor (optional) and a load of terminal blocks may help aswell. Exactly how this is done will be shown in the “projects” section detailing the installation of the system into an MG EFi.

Q. I recently acquired an MG Maestro 1600 and the voice keeps issuing messages that it shouldn’t. Yesterday it informed me that fuel was low when I had only just filled up. What’s the most likely cause of this?

A. You’ll be pleased to know there’s absolutely nothing wrong with your computer. For the Maestro’s in-built voice this is completely normal behaviour. This technology dates back from the early 1980s and unfortunately many functions of the voice synthesis warning system, though a good idea, are not known for their accuracy. Unless you want to spend months playing with sensors to little avail, the best remedy to this problem is to switch off the voice!

Q. I am experiencing a leak from near the windscreen on the drivers side of the car. This causes the whole of the headlining and the drivers seat to get soaked.

A. The aerial fitting on Maestros seems to be particularly susceptible to letting in water. It only takes the smallest gap for a lot of water to enter the car during any substantial rainfall. Try replacing the aerial fitting, but before doing this it may be a good idea to ensure that the leak doesn’t originate from the top corner of the windscreen where the seal has a gap in it due to a poor fit. Pouring water over the corner of the windscreen and aerial mounting should soon reveal the source of the leak. If the source of the leak is found to be in the windscreen seal it can be repaired by using silicone sealant (the sealant used to hold aquariums together) inside the gap. The sealant should dry to leave a rubbery watertight seal.

Q. My car is using oil too quickly and there’s an evident leak. The oil filter, sump and this entire side of the lower engine block are covered in oil. Is this a common problem and what’s most likely to be at fault?

A. All ‘O’ series petrol engines have a design weakness causing oil to escape from the cylinder head gasket in the area between number 4 plug and the distributor cap. The best remedy is to replace the gasket, but ensure you use the correct gasket for your engine series, and note that there are differences between early and late type gaskets. Rover gaskets are best because aftermarket gaskets follow early patterns and have not been updated numerous times to iron out all the faults. At the same time check the sump bolts. You’d be surprised how slack they can become, but if they’re loose don’t overtighten them and remember they should be tightened in order.

This would also be a good opportunity for an oil and filter change which, if done correctly should greatly enhance the running of your engine. Use a flushing agent before draining the oil and ensure it’s sufficiently hot to remove any debris. Clean out all the pipes and breathers, as blockages here result in excessive cranckcase compression, and oil being forced out of places it shouldn’t.