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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - 948cc Sprite dipstick marks

Hi

Does anyone have measurements please for full and empty level marks on a 948cc Mk2 Sprite dipstick - my recently purchased 1962 car has no discernible marks.

Do all the A Series engined cars have the same dipstick marks and sumps, even if early cars have an angled top to the dipstick? (I.e does a 1275 dipstick fit and read correctly for a 948 engine? If not, does a 948cc Morris Minor one suit, as well as a Frogeye one?)

Thanks
Mike
M Wood

Mike
I can measure mine when I get home
But from memory oil capacity is 7 pints, just ensure you have the correct amount of oil in the engine and then mark the stick with a blunt blade (screwdriver) using a hammer to hit the blade. It should then leave a indent that you can use as a full mark.
Ed
Ed H

Mike
Mine is a straight dip stick. 245mm from base to the point where it comes out the block. Full mark is 49mm from base. Its Always been in the engine (948) since I've had it but cant say if its an original.
Ed
Ed H

Mike
I was right workshop manual states 6 pints (approx) + 1 pint for oil filter and piping
obviously if you have an oil cooler you need allow a touch more.
Ed
Ed H

Ed

Thanks very much for your really helpful answers, and taking the time and effort to measure bits on your car.

Is your car a Mk 1 or 2 Sprite, Mk 1 midget - as a new Mk 2 Sprite owner are there any parts availability issues I should watch out for? (Clutch parts and some trim bits?) My car is a bit scruffy 948cc Mk2 with later front disc brakes (putting the correct Sprite Mk2a 1100cc master cylinder on it - previous owner used orig bore set up), standard steel wheels and a hardtop for standard sidescreens.

Best wishes
Mike
M Wood

Mike, the model won't matter - what's important is that Ed has a 948 engine so will be identical to yours from the POV of oil, sump, dipstick etc
David Smith

With the somewhat unknown history of some of these cars I think that the only sure way is as Ed first mentioned - by putting in the correct amount OF oil and using this to check and mark the dipstick. When I got my car it had no dipstick at all. I got a replacement from another engine and had to re-calibrate it to my car. I am sure I wouldn't be the only one to do this!
Guy W

Mike
Mine is a mk1 frog but agree with guy , my dipstick I have marked again as the "full" mark was always a little out (The tip gets peened over each time its dropped in which in turn changes the length of the stick)
Ed
Ed H

Ed,
it sounds like you might not have a grommet on your dip stick
Nigel Atkins

Nigel
It does have one but never had one when I 1st got the car, and looked like it hadn't had one for some time

Ed
Ed H

I'd guess many have it missing

I've always found a car finds it's own levels which may be just below what ever 'Max' there is to go by, but it takes regular and/or frequent use to find this level
Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed between 28/12/2012 and 29/12/2012

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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