For MGF owners in the USA, you will likely need an MGF Suspension Pump. It’s not like the UK where there are plenty of services that can handle the hydragas suspension. As the MGF is only now appearing in the USA, you need to be able to self maintain. Although I have yet to use my pump, I wanted to share some links/parts info which may be helpful. Subsequently I have used my pump so you can jump to Pumping Up MGF Suspension if that’s the information you really want.
These are not the only options. You may be able to get a pump direct from the UK. This may come with everything you need and be convenient. Potentially it will cost more though.
The Pump #
I have a pump unit from eBay, having had a recommendation. There’s a Vevor 12L Hydrostatic Hydraulic Pressure Test Pump available for just under $70 (at time of writing). This is the link to the eBay item for my MGF Suspension Pump. It does come with some instructions. However, the fitting on the end of the hose is a little unusual. At least, it was based on the reaction I got from a local hydraulics shop. I went expecting to get an extension/adapter hose made up to connect to the schrader valve. But no. Keep reading for more details.
Schrader 556 Valve #
In consultation with North America post Abingdon MG experts, it was clear a schrader 556 valve is the right one. This makes the connection to the suspension valve on the MGF. The 2 valves are under the plastic cover under the bonnet (hood). I found these were available online at SkyGeek.com. The price was good but the shipping was relatively expensive for such a tiny part.
Joining The Pieces #
To connect the schrader valve to the pump, I use various pieces. This is not all my own work, fortunately helpful people in the Facebook Group, Modern MGs in the USA came to my assistance. The goal was to try and use as few pieces as possible. Also, I wanted to try and make the parts needed “off the shelf”. You could probably have this completed for you at a local hydraulics shop as an alternative.
- 1/2 inch to 1/4 inch NPT hex reducer – connects into the fitting on the end of the Vevor pump’s hose. Example source.
- Hydraulic hose with male 1/4 inch NPT threads on each end – I chose one 48 inches long. Example source.
- 1/4 inch female NPT to 1/8 inch female NPT reducer. Example source.
The first and third parts should be available at local hardware stores like Lowes, Ace Hardware or Home Depot for example. I did find the third part at Lowes but the threads didn’t seem to be right from the schrader valve. So I opted for the Amazon item. The hydraulic hose I bought at a local Tractor Supply Co store.
Hopefully this will help you get the pump and connections sorted. Then you should be ready to pump up or otherwise adjust the suspension on your MGF. Now that I have actually used the pump I’ve added a knowledge base item about that. So see my separate knowledge base item about Pumping Up MGF Suspension.
Other Materials #
I’ve built this website and spent time on the knowledge base to bring together a lot of information I have collected from around the internet. The intent is making it easy to find rather than having to know about and have skills with search engine query terms to get what you were looking for. Please make use of the knowledge base.
