Help, i have a rover 1998 200. It is a 1.4 16 valve petrol 103bhp. I have owned it since new and have only done 40000 miles. Has give me no trouble at all! But only yesterday, got into work, heating fan was on which was strange and a smell. Didnt really concern me, but when going home, noticed the temperature gauge go up to red really quickly, so pulled over, called for help, relative put water in, drove home but had to pull over every so often as it was overheating. Got home discovered the water was trickling out of what appeared to be the water pump. oh and also no heat is coming out of heater and all the pipes to radiator were cold, but engine was roasting! driving fine though, but have got it taken to the mechanic. He is putting in a new water pump and does not know yet if the head gasket has gone. Please tell me it hasnt, because i checked the oil as i was told it would be grey if the head gasket had gone but it looked normal. I am aware that head gasket failure is common on these. Also he is changing the timing belt, what is the timing belt and is this necessary at only 40000 miles. How much is a water pump and head gasket and timing belt for this car likely to cost me.

Hmmm I know someone who had exactly the same problem with a 2000 reg Rover 200, and in the end they found it easier to replace it with a used new shape Astra.

its prob best to go to the MG-Rover forums and ask someone who knows, as i havent a clue sos.

All sorted than goodness, new water pump inserted, has done the trick, head gasket is fine it seems, got timing belt put in and power steering, so all is good, dont know the cost of the bill yet!!

A friend of ours had this on her 45 and it was about £500.

£154, for water pump, timing belt, power steering belt and alternator belt, and the mechanics time which im sure wasnt long, £500 i was told by people on this, scared the life out of me!!