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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 Midget and Sprite Technical - 1500 heater tap fix

Has anyone fixed a 1500 (1978) heater tap? Mine is leaking from the tap lever end and there are none available at Moss, Sussex, new on e-bay or MGOC. Car is my daily now and its only a small weep so I can get by for a while. However will be taking heater system appart tomorrow so if anyone knows whats needed before I start and find I can't get it back together so I can do it at same time it would be good. Have whole heap of parts for other car but can't find a tap.
Dave Squire

Dave,

Ashley hinton does a repair kit and bracket.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-midget-1500cc-STAINLESS-bracket-tap-repair-heater-CHA374-/290860406466?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item43b8a196c2

I've bought various bits from him - STR he's a club member and makes alot of the bits Moss etc sells.

R.
richard boobier

Hi,
Got rid of mine ages ago and fitted an in line plastic one worked by a Mini heater cable from inside the car, much more user friendly.
SR Smith 1

Dave

It probably just requires a replacement O ring, remove the screw on the side of the block and pull the tap out. The only problem I had was getting the correct size O ring, the one I used was a bit fat, it makes the tap a bit stiff to move but it does work.

Bob
R.A Davis

Hi Bob, any idea of size? Raining here so no progress on car heater system as under bonnet would get wet but could chase down a washer if I knew the size and material.
Dave Squire

Dave

I can't remember the size, I've got one of the cheap kits that's got lots of sizes. From memory the OD is about 1/4 inch but don't quote me on that.

Bob
R.A Davis

Rubber? Fibre? Copper? don't have any so was thinking like you to get a kit of sizes. Got lots of steel sizes and types of course.
Dave Squire

Dave

It's rubber, the one I've got is a Rolson kit, it's not ideal as the sizes are metric and the nearest one for this job was a bit fat. If you look at the ebay listing Richard posted you can see the O ring in the second picture. Search ebay for O ring kit, there are hundreds.

Bob
R.A Davis

Thats great. As I use the car as my daily when needed I want to be prepared when I get it appart to get it back together and hopefully do it the once. (Until the next few years time anyway).

Thanks Bob.
Dave Squire

if you want a simple method to help with the cooling and help increase the heat you get from the heater just email me
Nigel Atkins

Another vote for Ashley Hinton's* kit - o-ring plus waterpump grease and bye bye leak.

* brought kit on Eaby never turned up sent email and they sent out another immediately (first one never turned up) - just what you need with online trading/
N Kirk

i have thought about fitting one of these
http://www.cbsonline.co.uk/product/12mm_%2812%22%29_Heater_Valve_HTRV12
mark (1977 1500 Midget) Preston Lancs

Nigel

"if you want a simple method to help with the cooling and help increase the heat you get from the heater"

If I increased the heat from my 1500 heater I'd have to consider asbestos socks, If I could get half as much heat out of the B heater I'd be happy and that's after fitting an 88 degree stat, a high output heater matrix and a 2 speed fan, and yes I've checked the heater valve opens all the way. That's what you have to do if SWMBO gets cold feet.

If you've got any tips for increasing the heat output of the B heater I'd like to hear them.

Bob
R.A Davis

Bob, you lucky fellow.

I have to wrap up warm at the moment. Dashed if I know where the heat is going. Its not in the cabin.
Dave Squire

Bob,
I'm with you, even my wife thinks the Spridget heater is hot and that's in winter when the water temp gauge is halfway between C and N

compared to the B the Spridget is a smaller cabin, less hood and slightly smaller windows, and with a possibly better fitting hood plus it doesn't have the fresh air flap (that needs good sealing and even then is only a thin single skin cold metal door)

if you've got the uprated matrix you've probably also renewed the foam around it inside the heater box and renewed the seal on the outside of the box and the one below the heater box (the lack of seal between box and body might make a small difference too)

I think the low speed fan setting is best for heating cabin and fast speed for clearing windscreen (tip, to help clear the windscreen quicker angle the sun visors to deflect the fan assisted air back onto the windscreen and to prevent it blowing passed them to the roof)

B heater valve can be crudded up inside unseen which would reduce the flow of hot water to your uprated matrix so you could try removing that from the engine and checking

also could there be(?) a crud build up at the heater valve aperture (or partial blocking by gasket or sealant) that could be checked and scraped out with a bit of wire

if you find any crud I've got a simple system to help :)
Nigel Atkins

Dave,
does your engine get up to temp (IIRC you have an oil cooler fitted block that off in cold weather or you could fit an oil thermostat)

coolant system cleaned and flushed, seals checked replaced :)
Nigel Atkins

Nigel

I'm sure you're right about the larger cabin etc on the B. I replaced all the seals in the heater including the one at the bottom, although having purchased the rubber block version and decided there was no way I was going to be able to fit it I made my own form high density foam, that seals very well. I've dismantled the heater valve and it's clear, the head is also clear and the gasket, with no sealant, isn't blocking the flow. It's ok with the top up it's just not up to the job on chilly days with the top down. I think the smaller more enclosed foot well on the midget also helps.

I'd be interested in your simple system to help with the crud, not that I think I've currently got an issue but it may be useful in future.

Bob
R.A Davis

no problem Bob just email me to save me boring others here (more than I already do) the notes are nothing special more a reminder for most

I agree that the short Spridget footwells make a difference, I think the position of the fresh air intake and the flap and flap seal add a cold 'draught' to the B

I suppose you've already got the mesh over the fresh air intake chrome grille that would not only cut down on debris but also a little perhaps(?) on the amount of cold air getting in (maybe?)
Nigel Atkins

Nigel

I do have the mesh on the intake it's the original very fine mesh, I've recently purchased one of the much more open meshes MGOC sell and I'm waiting for a chance to try that.

I'll drop you an email.

Bob
R.A Davis

This thread was discussed between 10/02/2013 and 11/02/2013

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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