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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGA - Oil Leaks?

I am just getting into MG's, I am nearly done restoring a 69 BGT, but will sell it nearly right away (after test drive), to start working on an A, which I will definately keep. All i keep hearing about is oil leaks! Are MGA's really that bad for oil leaks if your car has been restored correctly? Or is this an unavoidable issue?

Thanks
Jon
Jackpine

Unavoidable. Instead of a rear seal the MGA had a scroll designed to throw oil back into the engine. At rest, there will usually be a few drips a day. There is a way of modifying the backplate to accept an oil seal, but in my opinion unless you already have the engine apart for machine work it's not worth the trouble for a few spots of oil.
Mark

Thanks for the info, I didn't truly understand (as a novice and all). However, I will most likely be imputting an 1800 B engine, in me resto project.

Thanks for the info
Jon
Jackpine

Jon
An 1800 is a great upgrade for the MGA. If you want to avoid the drip from the rear of the engine then you should get an 1800 5 main as they have a rear oil seal. The 1800 3 main has the reverse scroll which will drip. Check the archives for more info.
Kris
Kris Sorensen

Jon
Another spot while you are have the engine out is to check the side covers and the oil pressure spring as both could leak and are hard to reach as the manifold and exhaust are in the way.
Kris
Kris Sorensen

The engine I have is actually a five man from a 69 bgt for which I still have the body (it is for sale, Cheap, Hint Hint). This is the best forum ever, might I say. Very informative and it never takes long to get a response. Kris. I am living in texas, but canadian born and raised in Thunder Bay-then moved to calgary, hawaii and now texas.

Thanks
Jon
jon

Jon
I was in Thunder Bay about 30ish years ago visiting my ex brother-inlaw who was attending Lakehead U. Darn cold.
Kris
Kris Sorensen

Welcome to the world of "Lake Lucas". As we say, British cars always leave their mark!

skip

Mark,

Thanks for all the info. It will definately come in handy


Jon
Jackpine

Kris,

Lakehead U is most definately the high point of Thunder Bay, not including the paper mill.

Jon
Jackpine

My MGB drips worse than my MGA. Most oil seems to come from the side plate covers. They wouldn't be British if they didn't drip.
Bill Haglan

Oi, properly fitted side covers don't leak. It's nothing to do with the British and if yours leak then it is down to poor maintenance.
Iain MacKintosh

This thread was discussed between 10/03/2006 and 13/03/2006

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.