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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Midget Mk2 Questions

Hi

I hope some of you guys can help!

I went to look at a midget Mk2 at a reputable dealer. The car seemed in very good order and drove well. However, all I know about these cars is what I've read on the web over the last few weeks.

The dealer offered to put the car on the hoist when we got back. I was very perturbed to see water coming from the rad area and oil on the bottom of the sump and blown back along the gearbox casing. Looking at the engine from under the bonnet I could see no leaks high up.

I was told that because these cars have no expansion bottles then the radiators do this after a run. Is this correct? It wasn't a warm day by any means and I didn't get held up in traffic at all. I have visions of running the rad dry on a long distance drive or overheating on a hot day. The temp gauge seemed fine on the drive but is there a problem with the thermostat?

With regards to the oil I was told that somewhere (I'm sorry but I can't remember where!) there is no oil seal on the midget and they naturally leak.

I realise that these are old cars but I would appreciate some advice on this before I part with my hard earned!

Thanks

Steve
Steve

Steve

He's right... and yet you should still take care.

1. If you overfill the earlier radiator, then the exces volume of water will be expended when heated up, and some may come out when the engine is switched off (heat soak can cause temporary local boiling. The trick is to determine whether this is indeed the case, or there's something more sinister like a head-gasket fail.

The correct water level is some inches below the cap. Check for HGF e.g. with a compression tester; also, with the engine running, there shouldn't be a stream of gas bubbles coming out of the coolant (take a look with the cap off).

2. The oil leaks past the rear scroll (on the crank, not a seal) when the crankcase vacuum system is not working. Some drops are inevitable but there should not be a regular stream at idle. Check the crankcase vac pipes are in place and working properly, esp. the regulator between the front timing cover and inlet manifold. At idle, the engine speed should rise when the filler cap is removed.

HTH

A
Anthony

Anthony

Thanks for your prompt reply and the advice.

I've decided against this particular car for another reason but the information is useful when going to view in future.

Still on the look out for a good early Midget or Sprite!

Regards

Steve
Steve

There is someone on the general page selling a frogeye!

Carl
C Bintcliffe

This thread was discussed between 24/09/2008 and 25/09/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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