MG3 Timing Chain Replacement.

A common fault on all MG3 models prior to 2016 (non stop/start) was the timing chain slipping. This will cause the engine light to come on and a DTC relating to camshaft position, the engine may be difficult to start and will have performance issues. In extreme cases, the engine wont start and valve to piston contact may occour.

[@paulketchupwitheverything767]

Great tips and advice. Thank you. Good to know that they revised the cam chain and tensioners from 2016. I like it that the camshaft locking tool keeps them in place and hopefully makes it easier to set accurately than timing marks. It does mean you need a couple of special tools to make a good job of this. You said that you've done a few, so probably make it look easier, but for a 'modern' DOHC engine that doesn't look too cramped and fiddly to work on and, this issue aside, positives to having a chain rather than a toothed belt.

[@mneale4401]

Steve has been an "Outstanding Star !" This video and his patience has been an absolute GEM ! He knows his stuff and is a real "GOOD EGG!" :-) Thank you Steve Again, because of this video I was able to sort the wifes car out from being a bust valve non runner to a running & happy MG3 & Happy WIFE !!

[@pistonbroke]

Got there in the end eh? Glad it's all sorted now.

[@stevenold7715]

Thank you very much for the advice, I bought a 2015 vti-tech only 1800 miles on the clock and it started with the timing problem, it got all new timing belt etc at an MG garage now it's still not doing more than 35 mpg.

[@pistonbroke]

35mpg is about right for urban use. On a long run it'll do 45+

[@stevenold7715]

I just did 150 mile long run at a nice steady speed on the A64 and M62, it only did 32 before the timing chain was done, after that it was reading 49 on the same run and 42 just local. I wish to thank you for the time you put in on these videos and help you give.

[@knwatkins]

Thanks for sacrificing your sanity through doing it one handed for the benefit of us! Great vid Steve, top work. Do the chains stretch/jump on these very often?

[@pistonbroke]

Yeah, very common on MG3 built before 2016. After '16 they modified the gears and added vvt to the exhaust cam. I did most of it one handed and still done it in 4 hours. Cheers for watching Kev.

[@mandii66]

Great video. Very informative. I work in a MG dealership so it will only be a matter of time before it's my turn to do this job!

[@pistonbroke]

There can't be many left that haven't been done. We rarely seen them now, only the odd one here and there.

[@vtech1963]

Excelent! Nice Video! My MG 350 2015 (Same engine) have 122,000 KM and have issues on the aceleration, lack of power and i have to drive it on Triptronic .

[@pistonbroke]

Usually a timing chain issue will cause poor starting as well as poor drivability and the engine light may come on. If you suspect a chain issue then you need to get it looked at asap as it will cause engine damage if left for too long.

[@andrewlong5444]

Brilliant, hopefully all those timing chain component upgrades have been introduced into engines on later facelift Mk 2 models ? terrific info, many thanks 🙂 NZ

[@pistonbroke]

Models from 2016 don't suffer this problem as it was all modified.

[@andrewlong5444]

Many thanks for info, purchase will go ahead 👍NZ @@pistonbroke

[@scotty6346]

Good video mate, Liked and subbed, As an ex vehicle tech i wouldn't touch MG chinese crap with a bargepole! Happily plodding around in my 20 year old Volvo V70 D5 with 240K miles on it getting 50mpg!!

[@pistonbroke]

Nothin' wrong with MGs mate, more reliable than a lot of more expensive cars. Pretty much everything these days is made in China.

[@Yesterday23071]

Great video Mr . Great one . Thanks and God bless you.

[@williamsloan5628]

Great Video !! Is there a Km when you should replace it ?

[@markholian3506]

Great video Steve - and well filmed - even though you had no tripod and had to use one hand 🤣🤣 I see you’ve treated yourself to the Milwaukee 👍🏻👍🏻

[@pistonbroke]

That little Milwaukee 3/8 gun is the dogs! The ratchet is a torquey thing too.

[@darrenball4620]

My son has just had his girlfriend's 2015 MG3 in for timing chain replacement, it is now constantly misfiring on 2 cylinders (had intermittent misfire prior to chain job) and throwing P0012 codes - timing has been re-checked by the garage but they are now stumped - spark plugs replaced, another set of coil packs tried this evening too....engine light on and flashing. Not sure where to go from here, is the cam position sensor likely to have failed?

[@pistonbroke]

My guess is if they are 100% without any shadow of doubt that the timing is correct then they left the plastic sleeve out of the end of the inlet cam. See the video, I pointed this out.

[@darrenball4620]

@@pistonbroke Thanks - that's what I was thinking after seeing that part of your video.....

[@pistonbroke]

Also I would be doing a compression check. They may have bent valves when doing the chain. If they turned the engine backwards when timing it up then the timing chain will jump.

[@darrenball4620]

Yes, the garage owner has suggested the compression test too, so that will be booked in for a look at asap. Thanks for your suggestions, I'll post back with results.

[@PrestigePlumbingUK]

Hello. We have an MG3 with all the signs of a faulty timing chain. Where are you based and how much would it cost to do? I would be happy to get the car recovered to your site. Thanks. Dan

[@andrewmortimer2602]

Hi Sorry to ask but I have a 2021 MG3 that stripped it's drive belt. The car is stuck at home 35km from the nearest town and there is next to no room to see what pullies are there. Do you have access to a drive belt diagram for a 1.5lt 2021 MG3. Thanks for any help. Andrew

[@fernandoinberlin]

Professional personal = professional work !

[@lyndengrant1657]

I've booked my 2013 MG3 which I've had from new into the MG dealer next week to have the timing chain replaced. It's still running the unmodified chain but I'm getting a rattle on cold start up which disappears straight away. There are no other symptoms with starting or running. I'm just doing some long runs down the M6 at the moment so figured I would get it changed now. I was wondering how long should I expect the job to take as I've not been informed by the dealer? They haven't given me a price either but I know how much the kit is so I know it's not cheap but still cheaper than a replacement engine!

[@pistonbroke]

It takes about 4 hours.

[@lyndengrant1657]

@@pistonbroke Thanks for getting back to me and giving me some idea on the time scale.

[@lyndengrant1657]

Eventually the MG dealer in Carlisle got back to me with a price to do the timing chain. They want £1100 including the parts and say it takes 5 hours. Unfortunately they can't get the parts until late next week and the car is booked in for Monday and this was booked in 3 weeks ago. They can't even give me a car, now that's what I call service! Needless to say I've not took them up on the offer!

[@pistonbroke]

They can get the parts, they just didn't order them.

[@Steve-xt9fr]

Great video thank you for this! Does the facelift models have those different gears that you replaced or are they the same as pre facelift?

[@pistonbroke]

chain and sprockets modified and vvt added to the exhaust cam from 2016 models onwards. Only the pre stop/start models suffered with chain issues.

[@stephenallen9968]

Great vids, currently changing the head on the MG 3, cannot find even on my auto data the torque settings for the cam caps 8mm bolts. Would you happen to know them. I don't want to guess at this stage cheers.

[@pistonbroke]

8-12nm. So 10nm will be fine

[@Nitto268]

Thanks for this video! Question: can i change the chain tensioner bolt without making all the timing job? Just pull out te bolt and put the new one? Having some kind of chain scratching when i turn on the car in high temp, but not in cold

[@pistonbroke]

There is a chance the timing may jump if you take the tensioner out without locking the engine in the timed position. If you can somehow keep tension on the chain while replacing it then it should be fine.

[@stevenold7715]

What does the crank shaft solanoid do, I changed that before because the car was sounding like it was blowing but it was not, after that the millage was good, but this one I got off ebay as started to sound the same, what is the proper part number for a new one.

[@pistonbroke]

I don't know the part number but it's called a VVT solenoid. It directs oil to vanes inside the VVT camshaft sprocket to advance or retard the cam timing.

[@mattyboomtown3435]

Hi i told you will be able to respond but how did you remove the oil pump sprocket bolt?

[@pistonbroke]

Grip it with something and undo the bolt

[@ຜູ້ໄທເຊໂປນ]

How many pounds do you tighten the connecting rod nut?

[@ShuniTang]

Steve, would you do the same thing if your car has an automatic transmission, like putting a battery underneath passenger side wheel with the gear in Drive or Parking before you rotate the driver side wheel? Please reply.

[@pistonbroke]

No it wont work on an auto, you'll have to turn the engine with a spanner on the crank pulley bolt.

[@tomhoughton9893]

Hi, I’m changing an engine over on a 2015 MG3 which had a stretched timing chain and bent all the valves. The new engine I’ve brought from the car recyclers has twin vvt but the old engine had single vvt. Should I swap the cam’s as the cars loom Only has the plug for single vvt sensor and control. Or will it work but only on one cam if I only plug one side in.

[@pistonbroke]

You've got an engine from a 2016 onwards car. Heads are different so you can't swap cams over. I've never tried it myself but I have heard you can just leave the exhaust vvt unplugged and it will work.

[@timbowsher8002]

Great video Dale. chain's jumped on mine been told its not worth doing my car 14 plate only 30 thousand miles . ball park figure how much with labour wood this job cost to do . trying to decide weather to scrap it or mend it . thanks mate

[@pistonbroke]

I'm Steve, not Dale. Dale was just helping to time it. I could do it for £600 parts & labour provided there's no engine damage.

[@flipsome]

Hi mate Which timing chain kit do you use and where do you get it from? Having difficulty getting one

[@pistonbroke]

@@flipsome MG dealer, it's the only place you can get them.

[@flipsome]

@pistonbroke thank you so much for replying so quick

[@Dave.and.Lees.Bonsai]

Would that missing rubber/plastic sprocket cause hard starting aswell as idleing issues if it was missed ?

[@pistonbroke]

Yes it will run like shit.

[@Dave.and.Lees.Bonsai]

@pistonbroke I had the chain replaced and the car ran shite, so I gave it back to them . They have rechecked and all timing is ok , but now the VVT SOLENOID is apparently showing a fault code . I have been told that once they replace that, I should be ok ?

[@pistonbroke]

It'll be ok if the vvt solenoid is at fault. I doubt it's that though.

[@Dave.and.Lees.Bonsai]

@@pistonbroke what else could it be if the chain has already been changed ?

[@jamiekennedy8423]

Stellar video! Helped me out of a pick. How come 5th gear selected and is it selected throughout the whole replacement?

[@pistonbroke]

5th gear selected to make it easier to turn the engine using the drivers front wheel. I left it in gear throughout but you don't need to.

[@jamiekennedy8423]

Great cheers

[@charliecosworth]

thanks for this video helped my a lot today

[@markslade9722]

Great job, do you know if the 1.5 petrol engine used in the 2017 onwards mg zs has hydraulic tappets, or does it use shim and buckets etc? My neighbour has one, and can't seem to find any info on the engine saying so. I will be servicing it soon, and was just curious of the type it uses. It is a joint venture engine between g.m and saic, d.o.h.c with variable valve timing. Looked on mg web site for the service schedule and no mention of any figures, or mileage to check the valve clearances, so guessing they are probs hydraulic, but just wondering if you know, or can confirm, thanks👍

[@pistonbroke]

I explained the tappets in another mg3 video because someone else asked, I forget which one though. There's a playlist for the mg3 engine series. They're not hydraulic, they are solid buckets. They're set at the factory and unless you replace valves or do any head work then there is no need to check or adjust them.

[@markslade9722]

@@pistonbroke oh o.k, thanks for that mate, I know I don't have to worry about checking them now, it was just my neighbour asked me the other day if ticking at idle is normal, and I told her yes as it is probably her injectors, but then got me thinking maybe she can hear cam follower tapping, cheers mate.

[@youvebeenpunkedforreal5475]

Can you send me descriptions of the tool please

[@طارقالطيب-ف4ض]

Great video thank you for this. Can you send me please repair manual for this engine?❤

[@pistonbroke]

No, sorry

[@shogunperez2270]

Muy bien muchas gracias soy cubano y vivo en cuba

[@hanselferreras1225]

Hello, very good video. Question: What chain did you use to replace the one you had?

[@pistonbroke]

A new one.

[@hanselferreras1225]

@@pistonbroke But that one is tighter than the previous one.

[@pistonbroke]

I don't understand what you mean. It's a new chain kit from MG.

[@hanselferreras1225]

Can you send me the link where I can buy it please.

[@pistonbroke]

Any MG dealer will order one for you. Some dealers may have it in stock.

[@mt4kt]

Hi - I’ve got an 2015 MG3 that is struggling to start. I’ve taken it to a local garage but they couldn’t diagnose it. Rang MG and they said it was most likely the timing chain. There’s no availability anywhere near me for any MG approved garages for months. Is this something I should be able to tell a local garage and they can fix? Or should I wait and take to an approved garage? Thanks!

[@pistonbroke]

Bad cold starting and cutting out is a symptom of the timing being out. Any decent mechanic should be able to do it but they will need the special tools to time the engine. It cannot be done without the timing tools, I have seen the tools for sale on ebay.

[@Ryang1987]

Did you have eml light relating to camshaft crankshaft correlation by any chance?

[@pistonbroke]

Yes

[@Ryang1987]

Thanks bud. I got a p0016. The lady hasn't had the oil and filter done in over two years. Do you think it's worth doing a oil change and variable valve timing valve clean out first. If it turns out to be the chain What do you think I should charge this job out to a customer

[@pistonbroke]

Bad service history is a contributing factor. What year is the car? 2015 and older suffered with chains. The chain has more than likely jumped. How does it start & run when cold? If it's shit then it's definitely jumped a tooth. Charge your hourly rate, chain is a 4 hour job, maybe a bit longer if it's your first one. You'll need to tools to time it.

[@joannehollen4702]

Hi great vid very useful would like to know if you have worked on the mg6 diesel been trying to find out if you can take screw the old timing chain tensioner out and just screw the new one back in any info would be much appreciated

[@pistonbroke]

Yes you can. If you have a chain rattle on first starts, there is a modified one way valve you can fit in the oil way for the tensioner.

[@joannehollen4702]

@@pistonbroke thanks for that i have already bought the tensioner from mg what sort of a job is it to fit the tensioner and the one way valve sounds a bit technical for a home mechanic many thanks

[@pistonbroke]

It's been a long time since I've seen a diesel 6 as we don't get many in nowadays. I can't remember the exact location of where they go. I think from memory the valve goes in the head but don't quote me on that. The tesioner is at the back of the engine in about the same place as where the 3 one is. As I said, not seen one in ages so not 100% sure. Should be doable for a home mechanic though.

[@mvtec4945]

absolute professional you are sir. .also Dale should get a mention too

[@jeromeestrera8386]

Hi Mate, I watch a lot of your videos, I'll just ask if the oil pump is connected to the oil sump or there's a bolt screw to the oil sump, because I will replace the oil sump only for the first time.. So that I will not change the timing.

[@pistonbroke]

You will disturb the timing, to get the sump off you will need to remove the crank pulley and timing cover, there is no keyway which means you will have to put the timing pins in. The gearbox will also need to be removed to get the sump off.

[@jeromeestrera8386]

Tnx mate I already start my job.

[@ShuniTang]

Very detailed and good

[@magliovargas8543]

Muy bueno. Me gustaría que estuviera en español.

[@cruelbritannia4056]

Could you do a how to replace air filter and oil in one of these? Also why does this car have a chain and a belt?

[@pistonbroke]

Yes I can do a service video. The chain is for the cam/crank timing. The belt drives the alternator, power steering, water pump and air con compressor.

[@richwilkins50]

Great vid, will be using this when I may have to do my mums car next weekend. Her mg3 just doesn’t start and comes up with a camshaft position fault, can’t remember exactly which one but I put a new sensor in it and it didn’t change. Waiting for timing tools to show up so I can confirm. One question for you tho, there is no visible coolant leaks, but it seems to lose a lot of coolant. No evidence of oil/water mix either. Any ideas? Many thanks

[@pistonbroke]

It's usually the radiator that leaks. Might not see it with the undertray on though

[@richwilkins50]

@@pistonbroke ok thanks for the suggestion, when I get her car in to check the timing I will take the undertray off and have a look. It’s a 2015 and only done 18,000 miles, so surprised it’s being troublesome.

[@pistonbroke]

Radiators are very common for leaks on all pre facelift mg3. The other place it could leak is the metal pipe that goes under the sump, they can corrode and leak. I have done head gaskets but they fail due to overheating caused by the radiator leaking.

[@richwilkins50]

So took the rocker cover off, and plugs out, and when the 2 pistons are level the timing holes on the camshafts are at a 45 degree angle to each other. Sent a camera down through where the plugs go, and confirmed my worst worries. Piston 1 and 4 have hit the inlet valves. Looks like gonna have to send the head off. Just hoping the valves are easy enough to get a hold of. Could I please ask what the tightening torques are for the head bolts as I don’t know if I can find that out on my work’s audatex system. Thanks!

[@pistonbroke]

@@richwilkins50 Sorry for the late reply, I didn't see this comment.....30nm, 90 degrees, 90 degrees, 45 degrees. The 3 8mm bolts at the timing chain end are 10-12nm.

[@cubahuhjjh]

Is a good motor?

[@pistonbroke]

Yes

[@ash7990]

So have you got the engine hanging from just the gearbox mount and rear stabiliser when the car is up in the air?

[@pistonbroke]

Yeah, it will just sit there and it doesn't do it any harm. Nothing gets pulled like hoses and stuff.

[@garytroman5657]

Very useful...thank you...

[@Tom-es6nw]

Hi do i need the crankshaft pulley holding tool ?

[@pistonbroke]

You'll need to hold the pulley somehow or you'll risk bending the timing pin.

[@Tom-es6nw]

@Piston Broke Garage thanks mate do you no anywhere I can buy one as can't find one anywhere

[@pistonbroke]

You'll have to improvise. Search "universal crank pulley holding tool" on ebay, you'll find something that will do the job.

[@richardsavage9450]

Hi, I got 2 of the white things that go in the vvt pulley. Where should tge other go? Cheers

[@pistonbroke]

You don't need the other one. That is for 2016 onwards where it would have a vvt on the exhaust cam. I don't know why they supply two of them.

[@richardsavage9450]

@@pistonbroke cheers fella

[@jorgechalarca335]

SERÍA MUY BUENO QUE TUVIERA LA TRADUCCIÓN AL ESPAÑOL.

[@elegantinfusions]

I’ve just purchased a 66 plate with 40k on the clock, how often should the chain be changed ?

[@pistonbroke]

Chain problems only affected models up to 2016 without stop/start. 2016 onwards with stop/start will be ok and wont need doing.

[@elegantinfusions]

Mine is not stop/start

[@pistonbroke]

At 40k I'd like to think that it's been done by now as most failed at lower mileages.

[@garciaautotec]

Hi sir, torque specs for valve cover seals bolts?

[@jamiekennedy8423]

Did it matter the guides went on first before top sprockets or either or?

[@pistonbroke]

Guides need to go in before the top sprockets or you wont get them in.

[@jamiekennedy8423]

@@pistonbroke your some man! Just rescued us🤣

[@pistonbroke]

@@jamiekennedy8423 glad to help.

[@سالم_رمز]

Hello my friend, I watched your video completely and implemented the same method as yours, but it did not work for me. When I try to reset Reset adaptive learning value .. I see this message . Negative reply:13,error message length .. I hope you can help me, thanks .. car mg5 Model 2020

[@pistonbroke]

I've had adaptions fail before and I run the adaption reset again and it worked the second time.

[@سالم_رمز]

Well, dear, thank you. I will try it tomorrow, God willing. I will give you news

[@سالم_رمز]

But can you explain to me what the conditioning process is and what the meaning of conditioning is?!

[@niotks]

hi steve, i change the chain of my mg3 2014 and still continue not starting and the scanner show the P0012 failure code, what do you think about is? may it is the vvt valve? thank you

[@pistonbroke]

If you've got P0012 and it keeps coming back after clearing then the timing is out.

[@niotks]

@@pistonbroke thank you, was timming out but still not starting and the scanner don't show any error code 😭

[@pistonbroke]

@@niotks Was it running before you replaced the chain kit? If not then I'd suggest doing a compression test as it may have bent the valves.

[@niotks]

@@pistonbroke no, it wasn't running. i will check your theory, thanks for your help!

[@dawnp6998]

Where in the uk are you based?

[@pistonbroke]

South Wales

[@dawnp6998]

@pistonbroke thank you! Bit far away from me , but from your videos you sound a good garage ! 👌

[@pistonbroke]

Thanks 👍

[@garciaautotec]

Hi sir, can you tell me the torque spec of the drive/serpentine belt auto tensioner bolt please?

[@pistonbroke]

Torque setting is 45 - 55 Nm

[@garciaautotec]

@@pistonbroke thankyou so much. I have a 2015 MG3, and I am my own mechanic. Your videos are very helpful. Do you have a service o repair manual for MG3??

[@monsurokunade8078]

Good day sir pls how can I timing 2012 mg550 timing belt pls the video

[@pistonbroke]

We don't have the MG550 in the UK. If it is the same engine as the MG3 then follow this procedure.

[@eliyifrach3327]

[@papillonnb3389]

Am fromm a algérien my car a change my join celace bat the duret last always gonfle

[@denniscronin1112]

Got this issue on wifes 24k 7 year old. Do MG honour older models with this issue

[@pistonbroke]

7 years old would make it a 2017 model, these don't suffer with chain problems. Anyway the answer is no, once it's out of warranty then MG wont cover it, It's the same with any product be it a tv, microwave or whatever.

[@switch96551]

Timing chain that has shorter mileage interval then cam belt. Bmw are worst for this go for years making engines with reliable chains then completely redesign everything and they snap or jump. Also put them on the gearbox side of engine.

[@salamamer702]

Hi I bought mg5 2020 but I don’t no does it have timing or timing belt

[@pistonbroke]

Are you serious? Mg5 is electric

[@salamamer702]

@@pistonbroke i knows in your country EV ELECTRIC BUT IN MY COUNTRY PETROL AND THE TRANSMISSION CVT ineed to find information in KZbin about maintenance mg5 petrole

[@salamamer702]

@@pistonbroke thank you

[@pistonbroke]

@@salamamer702 all mg's have chains except the mg6 petrol

[@cameronkarhn595]

Hi I would like to book my MG3 in for a timing chain replacement please, garage location or contact number please? Thanks

[@pistonbroke]

Drop me an email. [e-mail]

[@TybJim]

We used to have a 2015 registered MG3. The timing chain on it snapped inside of 34,000 miles. We don't have the car anymore as we promptly got rid of it after getting the dealer to repair it. Cheap Chinese crap and awful Chinese build quality.

[@pistonbroke]

They're not that bad, yeah chains were a problem on the earlier models but after 2016 they sorted it. The build quality on the earlier cars I think is better than the new ones.

[@ronnieyates7117]

This guy is good thank u sir I love ❤️ how u drop the tool on the rockers to check time 🕰️ 😎😎

[@shogunperez2270]

Muy bien muchas gracias soy cubano y vivo en cuba

[@NickCutts-bj1nm]

What would a garage charge for this work?

[@pistonbroke]

Depends on their labour rate. Ballpark figure would be about £600