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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - TEMP COMPENSATOR???

On my 78 midget the temp compensator was missing off the air filter box when I got the car. Do I need to try and get another one of these to keep junk from getting into the air filter box or does it not matter? The car had been stripped of all it's emissions stuff, so initially, I assumed this was one of the components the original owner decided to ditch. I don't really know what this thing does or is suppose to do, I just know it's missing. Since I've just finished rebuilding the carb, I don't want to mess it up by not having this thing on the air filter box. Any help would be appreciated. I've also added a pic, just in case I'm calling it the wrong thing.

D.


DLW

The purpose of the "Temp Compensator" was to warm the engine quickly on cold start by pulling hot air off the exhaust manifold exterior. Possibly emissions related (cold engine runs dirtier)? Can't imagine not having one would be a problem, except in those cold Massachusetts winters... : )

R
Richard 1979 1500

D. This, in various forms, was used on most of the cars up until fuel injection became standard. American cars started using them in 1968 for, as Richard mentions, emissions reasons. They were supposed to provide warm air to the carb(s) to allow the mixture to run somewhat leaner than needed when the engine was not fully warmed, then, open and provide ambient air when the engine was warmed up to full operating temperature. Sometimes, the feature worked as advertised.

If you are doing a show car restoration, it would be worth obtaining. If you are simply enjoying driving the car, no need for the part.

Les
Les Bengtson

< provide ambient air when the engine was warmed >

Funny thing is the "ambient air" in the North American catalytic converter 1500 came from right above the catalyst and adjacent to the exhaust manifold anyway, small wonder they run hot.

R
Richard 1979 1500

Richard, I'm wishing I were in California right about now! Working on this car with a ton of snow on the ground has not been the most ideal conditions for me, even if I am working between a cold unfinished basement and an unheated junky garage - the trek between the two leaves me jealous of your California sun :) But, then again, how happy will I be when this project is completed this summer and I'm styling in my newly rebuilt car? Hopefully, VERY HAPPY!!!!!

Thanks again guys for your help.
D.
DLW

I used to take my air mix valve off during the summer. My only beef with it was the annoying clankety sound it made before the engine had warmed fully. Now I just live with the noise, although I understand that you can fit a rubber pad or something to kill the clanks. Does anyone know if these things were noisy from new, or if there used to be some sort of padding there, and now it's gone?

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Gryf, I have heard some people glue a thin foam/rubber pad on the flapper bit to reduce the rattling noise. I don't think they had anything from the factory on there as I've seen a few and none showed any residue from a pad.
Clive Reddin

This thread was discussed between 28/01/2009 and 30/01/2009

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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