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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Fork play on 5 speed conversion

Hi,

I'm currently working on a 5 speed Ford T9 conversion, I bought the kit a month ago. It is for my 1275 MG midget.

I would like to know if any of you can help me ?

Is it normal that in this type of setting the fork has a side to side play in the bracket (0,5mm on each side of the fork)?
Note that the fork is brand new ( the old one was bent) and the pivot bolt also.

Kind regards
J.D John

On mine the fork was slightly opened up, in that I mean that the sides weren't parallel. Tightening up the bolt obviously closed this up but I think I used a thin washer or two to lessen the gap. I used a good quality long bolt and used a locking nut plus another lock nut just in case!

The secret it to get as little play as possible while still allowing free movement in the slots of the fork. I greased it up well and also the input shaft cover where the release bearing carrier slides.

It seems a bit 'Heath Robinson' but mine has been fine for 10k miles or so.
John

Oh yes, make sure the bush is good in the fork. They are available from Moss etc and easy to change.
John

And that the plastic saddle that the fork connects with is new.
GuyW

Yes, the fork and the bush is new.

My bracket was also opened.

As I tightened, just a little, the pivot bolt the tension generated makes that the fork wont move in the to elongated holes, like it should.

When I try to reduce the side play by tightening the pivot bolt, the roller bearing wont move freely when it goes towards the clutch.

J.D John

I do remember that the first time around mine took a little setting up and I think I ended up finding a point where it was still a little tight but where I thought it would bed in. The last time I had the engine out it didn't need much attention just a bit of grease I think.
John

Ok many thanks!

I will put one or two thin washer to reduce it.
J.D John

This thread was discussed between 28/04/2017 and 02/05/2017

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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