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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - 1500 engine direction of rotation

Hi All, my first post so appologies if this is somewhere else and I can't find it.

My car has been off the road unmoved (except for transport 2 years ago) for 10 years. Belonged to my brother in law and was serviced just before being driven into a dry garage for storage. When it was transported to my home the transporter guy dropped it in gear (reverse) to get it off the transporter so the engne was free then. We then put it into neutral and pushed it into my workshop. Been on axle stands for 2 years for much welding that got dragged out a bit.

Anyway time for engine start so connected jump leads. Some movement as starter engaged then engine stuck. Checked starter not stuck with spanner on rear of starter. Starter free and tries to engage. Took out 3 spark plugs (now in process of removing alternator to get out plug 1? at front of engine). Tried oil in the 3 cylinders where I can get out plugs - will do same to cylinder 1 when alternator off and plug out. Still solid after an evenings soak of some oil in cylinders.

However, just occured to me that engine may only rotate one way so need to know direction of rotation to try by hand now and then as no permanent midget battery as yet. Will it rotate both ways freely anyway or does it go only one way and if so which?

Also any suggestions (I thought this would be a piece of cake cos it rotated 2 years ago) on what to check, try, etc. would be much appreciated.

Car still on stands as slowly rust proofing recently finished drivers side inner and outer sills, rear jacking, centre jacking, front of footwell, footwell floor, etc. tyres won't stay up either so not able to bump. Electrics work when connected to battery.

Thanks in advance

Dave
D Squire

Hi Dave, welcome.

Answer to one part of your question: It rotates clockwise when viewed from the front of the car. You should only turn it this way and not backwards.

Need a fairly hefty sized spanner for the pulley nut. 46 mm if I remember.

Cheers,
Malcolm
Malcolm Le Chevalier

Hi Malcolm,

Thanks, nothing worse than heave ho'ing and wondering if its the correct one.

Thanks fo spanner size as well; I think I will probably be getting one from somewhere.

Cheers,
Dave
D Squire

It is obviously an Imperial size (1 and 13/16) but it works out to 46 mm pretty much bang on.

There are several of us rebuilding 1500 engines at the moment and loads of great, knowledgeable people here on the forum.

Any pictures of your car Dave?

Malcolm
Malcolm Le Chevalier

Hi Malcolm,

After all that stuggling; the engine moves now.

Perseverance seems to be the way. Just got to get it back together and a fully charged battery and no doubt I will then find out all the other things that need doing.

Just too late this weekend to do any more!

Thanks again,

Dave
D Squire

Hi Malcolm,

Its pretty dire at the moment, covered in layers of dust from great amounts of welding and as I'm a novice but determined welder, grinding!

Will sort something out with any luck in the week or next weekend and post it on my members area.

Thanks again,

Dave
D Squire

This thread was discussed on 27/05/2012

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.