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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Checks to do whilst sump is off?

Hi, I will be giving my midget an oil change and general service this weekend and will look to replace a leaking sump gasket.
I was wondering whilst the sump is off is there anything that i could/should check?

Thanks
Mark
Mark Whitmore

Whip the bearing caps off, mains and big ends (DO NOT muddle them up), and take a gander at the bearing faces.
Deborah Evans

I take it that providing I dont mix them up, and providing they are in good condition they can be refitted?

Not had much to do with the inside of engines (but willing to learn!)

Mark
Mark Whitmore

Assuming that it's an A-series, you can only check the centre main and the big-ends. Also the thrust washers, as the lower ones will come off with the main cap.

Watch out for oil dripping in your eyes ;o)
Dave O'Neill 2

I would be prepared to replace the b/e shells, if the engine history is not known.

Also I've replaced the centre main with improvement in oil pressure (as a stop-gap that worked for years) and the thrust washers (all 4 of them).

Neil's right - even if the sump's been off for a week, the engine still waits until you're correctly positioned to release one last drop into the eye.

A
Anthony Cutler

Heh heh, as soon as you turn the crank you will learn the hard way how much oil it can hold..

And don't forget to torque all the nuts to spec.
Alex G Matla

Agree re centre main. The front main is secured to the front plate, and has a gasket there if you disturb it then it will leak oil until that gasket is replaced too. Fortunately the centre main is the one which usually has the most wear, so it is definitely worth doing just that if it looks worn.

When refitting the sump gasket, make sure you have enough crush on the bearing cap seals.

Also, I have found some bearing cap seals don't fill the width of their cavity properly and can result in oil leaking between the joint where it is spot welded onto the sump.
Paul Walbran

This thread was discussed between 18/03/2010 and 21/03/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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