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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Midget 1500 Heater Tap

Hi,
midget 1500 1978.
Just been out for a run and was checking under the bonnet upon my return. Noticed the heater tap, up by the bulkhead was weeping. It is currently in the off position.
What are the solutions? Is it repairable? Can one get a replacement.Part No. 12H1293. Looked at usual sources but unavailable. Can I by pass it?
Thanks....
P Skelton

Hi,


You can bypass it of course, but it means the heater matrix will be full of hot water alll the time, ie to stop heat getting the cabin, you have to shut off the air flow.



I've got an in line plastic valve in place of it controlled by a Mini heater cable on the dash. Gives heat control without scrabbling under the bonnet.


I think Ashley-Hinton used to do a repair kit for the oe tap if you want to fix it.


Regards Steve
Steve Smith Midget 1500

These valves/taps were notorious for leaking, as in the old mk1 Mini days.
I by-passed mine before it started leaking as I wanted to have as much coolant circulating in the system as possible as the 1500 cooling system can be marginal in hot weather and traffic, and the interior heat is controlled by the manually operated flap valves in the central side panels over the gearbox hump.
JB Anderson

The flaps contol air flow, not heat.



If you shut off the flaps to stop the heat getting in, you're also shutting off the fresh air into the cocpit.



Nice to have some control over the interior temp, with a modern plastic type valve it works well.
Steve Smith Midget 1500

There is a refurb seals kit. I have one but can't remember where I had it from. Right now I have no tap and my heater is on all the time. My main problem was the elbow where a hose attaches to the tap was rusted away. I see its available now.

In the mean time (3 years plus) I just use the flaps. And I drive around with the top down unless its raining or so cold I need the heater on anyway. The Midge is back on the road now and promoted to my daily. I do about 5000 a year or so when its not laid up. Been OK with the tap out.
Dave Squire

The side flaps don't shut off air into the cockpit, only into the footwells. There is still (more) air coming through the screen vents.

Closing the flap into the heater unit will shut off all incoming air, except for the draughts.
Dave O'Neill 2

PS I also use the heater incoming air flap which closes and the quarter lites (when the top is up which is not so very often).
Dave Squire

You can see the valve in the background of this pic.


The blue cable coming in from the right goes thro the bulkhead to the dash mounted heater control


Steve Smith Midget 1500

I tried to turn mine off during the some. When I did, coolant gushed out. So I turned it back on and I just get hot instead! ha ha.

Malc.
Malcolm Le Chevalier

Will the valve from a Mini work for you?
J Bubela

Mine just needed an O-ring, I wouldn't spend money on a refurb kit until I disassembled it.
Rod
R W Bowers

Thanks for your comments.Plenty to think about. It is always nice to know other owners have had similar problems.
P Skelton

Your welcome!
JB Anderson

This thread was discussed between 02/10/2016 and 03/10/2016

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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