Guidance and advice appreciated, my 1995 MGF VVC is unwell

After having no major problems - recently the power steering and speedo stopped working and the warning light came on. I took it to a local garage ( who said they are familiar with working on MG's) they ran a diagnostic check ( after some difficulty ) and said it was the motor, with their agreement i obtained the motor /with shaft from a breakers ( came with 3 months warranty) I was informed that the new one worked but for some reason kept blowing the fuses. they rand checks even testing different sensors and said it was a fault on the cars computer- and refitted the old one? I took the car back ( they didn't charge me for anything) but what I find odd with the old motor fitted apart from the power steering and speedo ( original fault ) the other electrics and fuses are fine. I don't want to do a disservice to the garage but I'm wondering if he knew what he was doing- any advice appreciated before I look for another repairer

I don't think your garage know their onions.

The mk1 F has a cable driven speedo. The cable is driven by an output on the gearbox. The cable is in 3 sections and has a reputation for failing.

The speedo has an electrical output to the steering ECU, if the ECU gets no signal it switches off the EPAS.

Therefore your problem is either the gearbox drive, one of the three cables or the actual speedo.

I also think their apparent lack of knowledge may be why they had problems with diagnostics, the mk1 is OBD1, not OBD2.

Thank you talking cars- I'm just looking now on internet for MG specialist garage closest to me to me

No worries, where are you?

TC, that was brilliant, well done. This is what this Forum is all about!

essence of the T-bar in one post right there!

i had it happen to mine once, dead easy to change.

you don't even have to take the access cover off!