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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 TD TF 1500 - Stuck Themostat

I’m a little embarrassed to ask this: The ambient temperature is about 25c./78f. My TF is running about 50 degrees c. I figure that is too cold. My question is: If the thermostat is stuck open, shouldn’t it reach normal operating range (about 80 degrees c.) but just take longer to get that hot?
David Werblow

Hi David, with a stuck or missing thermostat the engine will probably not reach normal operating temperature.

The thermostat opens and closes during normal use to get the engine up to temperature and once there it's job is to keep it at operating temp.

Cheers,

Paul.
Paul van Gool

David, I have just had the same problem. I removed the thermostat, tested it for opening temp in a pot of hot water using a coffee thermometer. It was spot on. I assume my guage is reading low. Regards, Richard.
R Payne

Well Richard, I would have preferred otherwise; the 82 degree thermostat is fine, opens at about 78 c. and closes completely when cooler. I guess we really can’t complain if the temperature gauge gives up the ghost after 53 years.
David Werblow

Gentlemen: QUERY: As a matter of interest, what is the correct thermostat for a '55 TF, as looking at the Moss Internet catalog, all of them refer to temperatures (I assume) of 160 degrees, or higher. Further, they are noted as applicable to "most British cars" - but not MG's specifically - which automatically makes me skeptical. Any advice would be appreciated.
RUSS YOUNG
RUSS YOUNG

Russ,
The one in my car(a 1250)is marked 82 degree c., made in France. I figure that is closer to 180 f. than 160 f. I purchased mine from Abingdon Spares.
David Werblow

David - There are several places that can repair the temperature gauge for you. They are: MoMa - MoManm@aol.com or 505-766-6661; Nisonger Instrument Sales & Service - www.nisonger.com; John Wolfe & Co. - http://www.antiqueinstrument.com/; APT INstruments - http://www.gaugeguys.com/ Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

DAVE: Thank you - I have a 1250 cc motor also, altho it has been bored out at least once, and "trued up" also, so I am not really sure what it is now. RUSS
RUSS YOUNG

Dave D.
Thanks for the names of shops that can repair gauges.
Nisonger had done my tach. and speedo a couple of years back but they were not able to fix the TF clock. I called John Wolfe & Co today he said, "No problem with the clock." So I'll send them a few things come December when I put the car up.
David Werblow

This thread was discussed between 03/09/2007 and 10/09/2007

MG TD TF 1500 index

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