MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

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 - Timing Cover Oil Leak

I was checking and adjusting the ignition timing with a strobe light at about 800rpm and retarding to 20Degrees as per Barney Gaylords recommendations and my biggest problem was the oil dripping down onto and obscuring the timing marks on the housing. I don't consume a lot of oil but I would if practical like to stop or reduce this leak. How big a job is it,what seal should I use ( I see a bit of prehistoric scraggy felt is one of the Moss parts, hope technology has moved on ! ) and will it be worth it ??
I do understand that an oil leak free British car of this vintage does not exist but...one can but try and hope.
n ferguson

Barney's website has all you need to know.

http://www.mgaguru.com/mgtech/engine/cs100.htm

and also,

http://www.mgaguru.com/mgtech/engine/cs201.htm





Mick
M F Anderson

Mick..thanks for that. I have just read .soaccording to Barney I am stuck with using the medieval felt seal unless I change timing covers....or does anyone know ifthere is other seal type that will fit?
..other advice I would appreciate is whether the replacement is justified..it drips after a run ( and probably during ) but is this normal with such ancient seal technology?
neil
n ferguson

change the timing cover to an early MGB cover per Barney's suggestion. I did that on my 1600 and the oil leak from the timing cover went away. I have other leaks that just come with the terretory. The car does have the factory installed automatic drive way oiler. This feature was installed on most british cars without the owners knowledge. It was also called rust prevention.
JP Jim

The timing cover with the marks on top is the way to go. The TDC mark is not 180 degrees opposite the A mark, there's a 27 degree difference
dominic clancy

Donimic, I have the timing cover with the marks on the top. Does the 27 degrees mean that the timing is set differently?

Thanks Andy
Andy Preston

I have been scouring the sites for a late mga or early mgb timing cover as per Barney Garlord recommendation but no luck..so far. Any advice would be gratefully received..
..if no luck then looks like its time to install a dog hair felt seal and see if I can reduce the leak and minimise my staining of the planet...a question though. How do you install the pulley to ensure the timing notch is correctly oriented..is there a keyway or ...?
n ferguson

The pulley is keyed to the crankshaft.
Ed Bell

Heritage Parts in Sydney should have a timing cover on the shelf
S Sherry

Thanks to all for your advice..now know what to do and have found the relevent part, a used late model Mga cover which takes the lip seal ( parts being shipped to me from Heritage...thanks for advice S Sherry of Sydney).Just the nuckle bruising work now ...and I finally can get one more grotty felt seal out of the car.
Neil
n ferguson

This thread was discussed between 19/04/2009 and 22/04/2009

MG MGA index

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