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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Gearbox mount


Any tips on removing the gearbox mount? Haynes / Moss catalogue shows 4 bolts, two from underneath and one from either side. I doubt these have been undone for a long long time, but I can't see how to get WD40 onto the threads, or to de-rust them before undoing them. Any technique? Any tips? Do I just put the socket on and pray?

Ant
Ant Allen

Just undo them

they are usually in the lubricated/protected area behind the forty years of oil leaks zone
Bill

Ant, as Bill says, they will not need any freeing off, they will be already encrusted in oil (and debris) from years of engine oil leaks.

Always a good idea to renew all the rubber mounts whilst in there....

Mark.
Mark T. Boldry

As above.
Dave O'Neill 2

Don't forget to drain the box...

A
Anthony Cutler

Excellent advice once more. The engine and box are now out.

I now have to decide how far to go with tidying up the engine bay.

Ant


Ant Allen

Nobody can help you there, Ant.
Nick

I think the problem you have is: how pristine do you want the bay to be... if 100% perfect, then you'll be:

- fitting new brake pipes
- painting engine
- fitting new loom
- spraying heater
- buying new hoses
- polishing those carbs
- buying new heater hose
- new battery
- this will inevitably leading to a full body respray
- might as well re-trim the interior
- new hood
- and so on...

A
Anthony Cutler

Mine is going to get a clean up this xmas, if only for the fun of standing in the hole in the middle. and pretending I am an engine.
Rich Amos (1 Sprite 1 Midget!)

Engine is going unleaded, and the block will be painted while it's out. I have to investigate engine condition generally too. Possibly rebore and fit oversize pistons etc if needed.

The chassis is more of my dilema. The external paintwork is pretty much perfect. The engine bay not so. I was planning to remove the wings and front panel and then paint up the engine bay. The trouble is where do I stop. Hmmm. I guess I need to start and see where I end up. The car HAS to go back on the road before the spring (it's our wedding using wedding cars tunbridge wells car for April!) so I'm definitely not doing anything from the ulkhead backwards, and a respray is definitely not happening. I'll strip the engine bay and go from there.

Ant
Ant Allen

(Sharp intake of breath, and whistling through teeth)

If you strip the engine bay, you'll be lost entirely. The other Anthony's list will haunt you for weeks, and you can forget the smoked salmon and champagne. In fact you'll probably have to swap the wedding ring for pipes and hoses.
Nick

Just starting to hire my midget out for weddings, booking have to date been slow but guessing may get a booking next April !!!!
Alex Sturgeon

With the learned Nick I concur

how about:

pressure wash the whole damned issue, get rid of forty years of rust proofing oil slurry around the frontal areas

Brake pipes? It is sensible to consider replacing those

wire brush in the power tool of your choice, I have one that fits my angle grinder (WEAR GOGGLES TO PROTECT YOUR EYES) and brush off all flaked and 'orrible paint work

Now pick a colour you like and paint the inside of the bay, there is a fairly good choice in Smoothrite Paint from Hammerite, then after the necessary preparation* paint its innards. Aerosol or brush versions available

* yes, includes painting with spray on Zinc Primer

The replacing only buggered up stuff (are the shockers OK do the rubber suspension bushes need Polybushing?) put the car back together

get married and keep a few "sorry honey, I have to do THIS (whatever)" jobs for after the happy nuptials

you ARE going to need excuses to get out and work with/on the Midget

Bill

Id start with a good power wash, then take a look and decide what to do.

might try "can spray paint"....maybe a BBQ high temp spray paint

Powerwash tip....soak the entire area with engine degreaser, and let sit over night, as you powerwash have a garden sprayer with dawn dish soap, and a good scrub brush, and have several cans of brake cleaner for those hard to reach greasy areas....you need to plan about 4-6 hours....I was suprised how long it took when I did mine.

prop


Prop

Before the rhino coat

prop


Prop

,,I now have to decide how far to go with tidying up the engine bay.
,,

I remember having the same thought. It was 1979 and I have just finished putting it back together. Well...one thing leads to another and another and you end up with nothing but nuts; screws; washers and rust...
David Cox

David, i concur, after 14yrs on a Triumph rebuild.
Brad (Sprite IV 1380)

OK chaps. I get the vibes - I'm up against it.

See you in Feb :o)
Ant Allen

You're going to get it done by Feb?!!? That'll cost a lot more.

You'll have six dozen floury baps with pork luncheon meat and mustard to look forward to at the reception, I reckon.
Nick

This thread was discussed between 15/12/2008 and 17/12/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.