Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Servicing cost?

Brake & clutch fluid is cheap and easy enough to change, so it's a mystery as to why many don't bother.

A relaxing couple of hours every two years give some reassurance as you can see what comes out.

Gearbox and axle oil the same really. I don't do a strict timed change, but after a couple of years the axle oil in particular is very discoloured.

I was recommended that given the cost changing the brake fluid annually for trad owners was worth it to preserve the rear cylinders from rust.

Thanks to all who responded and a good reminder to change the hydraulic fluids.

I remember being a bit shocked to be charged around £350 by Williams for a first service on my Three Wheeler, with around 2000 miles showing, back in 2013, which actually only consisted of an engine oil and filter change and, they explained, a spanner check all round as there was so much vibration. Obviously, I swallowed hard and accepted it as I hadn't asked for an idea of cost first. Silly me, hence the question here.

Not all dealers are equal. I have had some horror stories from folk local to me.

I so agree with this Andy, and why I considered travelling 240 miles there and back this year for an annual service and MOT from someone I know who cares. Instead I found someone with a 120 mile round trip.
For me, the minimum (the check list) is not enough. I need someone who is willing to check thoroughly and know what he/she is looking at.
I am so not into taking Archie to a garage that services classic sports cars without also knowing that their turnover includes a reasonable amount of Morgan work.
Maybe it's just me.

As has been said, how does one know how thorough a garage is? If it is a Morgan main dealer then at least they should know their cars even if they charge full main dealer cost.

Well my S1 Roadster is in repair at one dealer. They told me the wear on the drivers side king pin was "one of the worst they had seen (46k on Devol bushes). When is was serviced prior to the accident by another well known Morgan dealer they had an advisory of a slight wear on the passenger side only.

I will be using my local garage from now on who also service classic cars.

Apart from two occasions I’ve only used Mike Duncan for the last 14 years, his knowledge is, in my experience, unsurpassed. I once used a well known classic car specialist but wouldn’t go back, and once to the Spanner juggler, which was a great day out and I learnt a fair bit working with him.

Now I’m in France I’ve decided to do it myself this year - I did do an apprenticeship as a mechanic and whilst having not earned a living at it for 40 years am still relatively competent...

I’ve used the GoMog checklist as a guide and am not rushing things, just doing a bit as I find the time. Apart from the basics - oil change, filters, plugs, strip and clean brakes, I’ve replaced all of the relays, plug leads, ignition amplifier and coil - as I’m not paying labour I thought the latter was money well spent. I’ve also pulled apart and cleaned all the electrical connections I can find, including all of the lamps.

John, I'm not defending the dealer (don't know who they are anyway) but the Devol bushes behave strangely in that they swell with moisture & grab the kingpin, so assuming it's been in dry storage for a while now the bush will have dried & exhibits more clearance

Another thing is that dust & grit embedded into the plastic bush actually grinds the kingpin down especially on the thrust side of the limited wear stroke, if the clearance is then checked when on a ramp with wheels at full droop (like an MOT or service) the suspension often feels quite tight & within expected tolerance of wear

Do mine myself, about 50 quid for oils, filters and brake fluid

Arwyn