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MG TD TF 1500 - 1953 TD Engine question

I have a nicely restored 1953 mg td. I bought this 2 years ago and it starts easily and runs well.

I am concerned that it may not have the power that it should. It is very sluggish on pickup.

I also have an MGA 1500 and seems to have way more power and pickup - even though the engine is only slightly larger.

What should I have checked on the TD engine?
--compression, plugs, etc.????

Does anyone know an appropriate time for say, 0-40 mph on the TD? It is hard to know what is normal.

It is a great little car, but I don't want to miss an opportunity to have it run it's best.

Thanks,
Bill from Ann Arbor, Michigan

W Chandler

First, let me complement you on your beautiful car. It is gorgeous. The car should feel peppy.
The first thing I would check is the points and condenser.
Second, I'd check the dwell and timing. Dwell needs a dwell meter, the best way to time is with a timing light with an advance knob on it, search the archives for the instructions. I would also make sure you have a good rotor and the cap and wires are in good shape. You may want to invest in a new rotor and also carry a spare from Jeff at advance distributors.
Third, I would check the plugs. Are they a nice whitish tan color? While the plugs are out, I'd check the compression.
Lastly, I'd check the carburation. Are the throttle shaft bushings ok? Is the mixture all right?
Keep us posted.
-David
D. Sander

Very nice car, Bill. As David says, check all of the obvious stuff and also the oil level in the carb dashpots; low levels will cause the engine to run lean on acceleration. Also, fuel level in the float chambers. Performance is difficult to quantify. These cars are very low-powered by today's standards. I will say that these cars have to be revved aggressively in order to get out of their own way! I usually run out to at least 3500 rpms or more between shifts. Forunately, these engines are very free revving.
You are very fortunate that you have one of the most celebrated MG authorities anywhere, right in you state. Take a look at John Twist's website: http://universitymotorsltd.com/
He is in Grand Rapids. I don't know how far that is from you, but he might be able to give you some specific data and help.
Steven Tobias

The 1953 "Autocar" road test had the following acceleration times (but not 40mph!)

30 ... 6.3
50 ... 15.6
60 ... 23.9
70 ... 39.6
Geoff Ev

....so basically, you use a 'calendar' to check 0-60

There will be a big difference between the MGA 1500 and the TD 1250 with stock gears ... (you will run out of 1st before you have gone 15 feet?)
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

I would get electronic ignition. I got "a new car" when I changed a few weeks ago. But the car will never feel quick, I mean like a modern car.
Raymond Wardenaer

Bill, when all the above is checked and you still don't have the anticipated result, you might check the time chain. I had the same on my TD, an aftermarket time chain was used with the 2 marked shackles each 14 shackles from each other whilst the correct one should be 13 left, 15 right. This makes a lot of difference in power. you could easily find this out because exhaust fumes are coming from the carburators when the time chain is offset.
Regards, Dirk
Dirk Roels

If I lived in Ann Arbor, It would be a simple choice. Take it to John Twist and have him go over it. He will tell you with the first test drive. And if it is not running as it should, it will if you let his shop do it.

Not that you probably can't check it yourself, but as I found this summer. Sometimes having it gone over by someone else sometimes is the best thing you can do.
Bruce Cunha

I would second (or third) the recomendation of going to see John Twist. Was the second thing I did with my car 10 years ago and I'm 6 hrs away. (Your about 2). Best thing I ever did.

John drives an MGA and has owned a TD in the past so he can give you a very good idea of what to expect.
He is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

David Sheward

"....so basically, you use a 'calendar' to check 0-60"
Furlongs per fortnight Cheers -Dave
David DuBois

is the spark advance working and or timing set right? If that is off she could be a dog as well. Also the dashpot oil as mentioned.

Remember, it's 50hp and 2000lbs. It won't be quick in the best of circumstances. Although I have accidently chirped the tires a few times in first gear.

Like I told my brother when he asked me about how quick it was. I said I'm not worried about getting there quick, just about getting there :)
L Rutt

Bill,
Your best bet is to grab a six pack (better make it 12 pack and not light beer) and tool on over to Ann Arbor Hydraulics one of these warmer afternoons. You know that shop on Carpenter with the robots on the driveway and firetruck in the front lawn?
By the way, if you are comparing your TD performance to that cream colored TD that lady drives around there, forget it, the TD is supercharged and my wife drives like a maniac. If you want to know how well yours can really perform, go for a for a ride in it with her behind the wheel!
email jrnorthrupsr@Yahoo.com for a headsup.
Jim
Jim Northrup

...will add another post... the 1250 is less powerful compared to the 1250 MKII ... you can really feel the difference....the MKII is less powerful then a 1500 MGA....you can really feel the difference.... and if you have stock gearing in the diff, you will think its less powerful cause its working its little ass off at speed.....

Before doing a whole lot of expensive tests...drive someone else's TD and compare.....
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

I second Gordon...it may seem that the MGTD 1250 is only slightly smaller than the MGA 1500...only 250CC...but the TD is a square rigger...built when aerodynamics were an afterthought...the MGA is sleek...that makes those 250cc's worth about another 250cc's at least...plus the MGA's 1500 is a B Series engine...I think a bit more powerful than the XPAG 1500...
Bob Dougherty

This thread was discussed between 03/11/2011 and 08/11/2011

MG TD TF 1500 index

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