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MG MGB Technical - Midget motor in MGB?

I have a 1978 MGB and about 12 years ago I had to
have the engine replaced due to a cracked block. I remember that it was hard to find a block, but finally did. I probably have driven the car about 10 times in the last 12 years, but I am now wanting to restore it and have been driving it to work and back. I went to the parts store to get an oil filter and discovered that the oil filter on my car is for a midget.
Does that mean I have a Midget block? How do you tell?
If so, does that mean a reduction in HP.


Dawn

A midget had a much smaller engine, like a 9 or 1200 cc. I not certain but I dont believe it would fit a B without some modifications. What filter (part#)was it?.
william fox

Look on the block on the carburetor side, near the oil pan. If it is an MGB engine, it will have "1800" cast into the side of the block.
Paul Noble

Have you tried to purchase an MGB filter and then compare? If you look at the left side of the block, above the engine mounts, you'll see the raised number 1800 (you may need to wipe off some of the grease and grunge to see it). Midgets did not have 1800 cc engines, so this way you'll know it at least started it's life out as a standard 1.8 liter engine. I it highly unlikely you have a Midget engine.
Barry Kindig

I've read somewhere (memory failing) That some 'B's come factory with a midget filter assembly, or something of that manner. Could be you have a 'B' motor w/ a midget filter assembly.
Luis

Sorry, I meant to say "came". I don't think you can still order one today. :P
Luis

Luis,

Sure, you can order a brand-new MGB today. It just doesn't come with all the options, like engine, transmission, axle, interior, brakes, ... paint. :)
Paul Noble

Maybe you got an older engine with the spin-on oil filter conversion fitted .
Clive Skelhorn

Yeah, definately check for the 1800 thats cast into the side of the block. You might have a 1500 cc Midget motor in it. But, I think that if that is the case then youre MGB trans wouldnt have matched up to it. Do you have the spin on type oil filter? On the late model B's, it will be a spin on that is upside down on the passenger side of the block.
Jarrod Hills

Dawn-
The spin-on cartridge oil filter for the MG Midget and the hanging (bottom-load) one used on some 1970-1974 MGBs have the same part number, hence your parts man's comment that the car uses a Midget filter. To fit a Midget engine into and MGB would require the installation of the Midget's non-synchro-1st-gear transmission, not to mention a lot of modifications to the car itself. There is no rational reason for anyone to do this as the car would be a slug.
Steve S.

My chrome bumper 74 mgb roadster has a filter that
hangs down rather than the inverted type seen on
most MGB's. It uses the same filter as a Midget,
Purolator #L10028 is the Purolator part #. I bought
the car used but I know it has an 1800 MGB engine
and I believe it has the original filter adapter.
Both types of filters are listed in most filter
catalogs, you select your filter dependent on
your filter position. FWIW, Clifton
Clifton Gordon

Dawn,

Steve and Clifton are correct. I checked the Moss catalog, and worked backward through our sourcing and factory part numbers. They both used the same filter. I'm certain that some parts stores that don't specialize in our LBC's aren't certain what's what. An MG is just an MG to the.

Funny Story:
I got a call from a smalltown parts store several years ago.

He said, "Got me a MG here, and I need me some sparkplugs."

"What model MG is it?" I asked.

"Convertible."

"No, no. Is it an MGA? MGB? Midget?"

"Must be that midget one, it's awful small."

Craig Cody

Dawn, You should have a engine that right under the spark plugs it will say 18V-883-AE-L then a series of numbers. Other engines will be 884-890-891-892-or-893. There are other numbers and letters that go with the basic block that determine (OD), (HC), single or multi carb. If you do have Midget oil filter, change it out for the correct one. Better oiling is all that your engine will benifit from.
Victor Gardino

This might unwind the thread a bit but I'm gonna insert it just he same.
Craig: Whatever complaints anybody might have about Moss' parts/delivery/performance, and whatever their basis, it is good to see that Moss, either officially or unofficially, is monitoring this website. Craig, whether you're only here because it is your job and you're on the boss's time or if it is because you have an genuine interest in this kind of misadventure, it is good to see that you (or Moss)are (is) paying attention.
You'll hear from me again if the seat covers I just ordered arrive screwed up; otherwise keep on keepin on.
Marvin Deupree

Dawn, I don't see a need to change the filter to the
inverted filter, even though the filter is smaller it does not affect the performance of the oil system.
MG must have thought they were adequate as they did
install them on some MGB's. It has two advantages over the inverted filter, less messy to change and no worry about overnight leakdown. My opinion is that if the filter is your only problem you need to find something else to worry about. If you think the Midget filter is small take a look at the size of the filter for a Nissan Frontier PU. FWIW, Clifton
Clifton Gordon

Dawn-
Unless you intend to rebuild your engine as a very-high-performance engine that would require a high pressure/high volume oil pump, then filtering system that you've got will be just fine. No need to change it. The reason that MG went over to using the inverted (upside-down) filter was that it was difficult to get an oil filter wrench onto the hanging filter within the confines of the MGB's engine compartment. The inverted filter is much easier to loosen, but makes a terrible mess as the oil drains out unless you have a partner to hold a plastic bag around/under it. As they say, you don't get something for nothing!
Steve S.

This thread was discussed between 25/03/2002 and 27/03/2002

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