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MG Midget and Sprite Technical New owner... few technical questions BBS discussion at MG-Cars.net
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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - New owner... few technical questions
| Hi I picked up my first midget this afternoon. R Reg 1976 1491cc. Absolutely over the moon with her but have got a few little questions that I wondered if anyone can help me with. Someone has made a few comments tonight and worried me slightly. When I say worried, I don't mean that I'm not expecting various things to go wrong at some point but obviously it wasn't quite what I expected within the first couple of days! The gearbox makes quite a whining noise in 1st, 2nd and 3rd but nothing in 4th - now this person that I've spoken to is a Triumph enthusiast and knows nothing at all about MGs but has said that in his opinion he thinks the gearbox is on its way out. Other than the whining she drives beautifully. The gear change between 4th and 3rd coming down the box can be a little tough on rare occasions but I put that down to me getting used to the box. It's a very close ratio box (as intended I believe) with a very short clutch. He has commented that he doesn't think the clutch is as it should be either but I don't really know as I've not driven another one to compare. The third "problem" as he put it is that he is saying it's got the wrong coil fitted. The guy who I've bought her from has had electronic ignition fitted to her but as far as I know the coil is as standard. This other chap tonight has said it should not be the one that is on there. Any ideas on this? I'm probably going to come across as particularly thick. I'm not but I've never had a Midget before and haven't tinkered around on cars for about 15 years, and I want to learn as much as I can so that I can undertake the smaller repairs and maintenance myself. Thanks ever so much for taking the time to read this. I really appreciate it. Jue |
| J Williams |
| Congratulations and welcome! Im a 1275 guy myself, but as others will note from 1975 on, the engine and tranny are made by ..."Triumph" anyway others will be along shortly to help You got pics, We LOVE pics!! Theres nothing like driving a midget. definatly make contact with "Rach" here on the BBS, there is a (MGlive) huge event comming up, not sure where or when As Im on the otherside of the pond, but it should be a great show, No better place to be. Prop |
| Prop |
| Your noisy gearbox could be a laygear problem, possibly bearings. In fourth, the drive is direct, so not driving through the laygear, although it is still turning. I would check/change the oil, but not worry too much. Did you drive it before buying and did you notice any noise then? I'm not sure what you mean by the gearchange between 4th and 3rd being 'tough'. Is it difficult, or does it crunch? As for it being close ratio, it isn't particularly close, at least not compared to the 1275 'box. What exactly is the issue with the clutch? Where is the bite point? As for the coil, why does he say it is the wrong one? |
| Dave O'Neill 2 |
| Ah thanks ever so much for the warm welcome :O) I'm really pleased I've found this site. Here's Clarissa - I think she's stunning but I am biased!! Hmmm I didn't realise that 1975 onwards were Triumph. That's interesting. I've had a couple of 1360 Heralds in the past. I'm so pleased with her. TBH he's knocked the wind out of my sails a little tonight, but either way I'm not worrying myself about it. The guy I bought her off has given me 3 sheds and a garage worth of spares including another gear box so what will be, will be. I'm not naive in thinking that a 34 year old car is going to give me trouble free motoring. That's part of the fun of owning a classic as far as I'm concerned. Will have a look for Rach. I'd love to get involved in meets etc :O) Cheers Jue  |
| J Williams |
| Ooh think I cross posted there! Hi Dave. Thanks for your reply. He is saying that the coil should be non ballast resistor and that he believes the one on there is. Re the gears, they aren't crunching as such but it's not as easy to engage 3rd coming down as it is going up. Unless that's something to do with where the revs are. I don't know. Re the clutch the bite is very low. Not at the floor but low. Yeah I did drive it before buying it and can't say that I did notice the noise before tbh. I will give the guy a ring tomorrow and just mention it. It's particularly noticeable when the car is in neutral if that means anything to you? Cheers Jue |
| J Williams |
| "He is saying that the coil should be non ballast or something like that? I'll have to have a hunt on the net for the correct term." He is talking UTTER, UTTER, UTTER cac! The Midget 1500 was fitted with a ballasted coil as stock. The ballast resistor is actually the ignition feed wire to the coil so, unless you rewire the feed, if you put a non ballasted coil on it will be a 12v coil running on a 9 volt feed meaning a weaker spark and possible running problems. Whether you have a ballasted coil or not is irrespective of whether you have electronic ignition (triggering unit) since both types give 12v output. There is a common misconception that such systems require a high output or 'Sports' coil. Unless your engine has been significantly tuned with an increased compression ratio a sports type coil (and these come as ballasted or non ballasted types) is NOT necessary and your stock coil will be fine. The single rail gearbox fitted to the Midget 1500 is generally quite robust with a far 'sweeter' change compared to that fitted to the A Series cars. It is closer ratioed than the equivalent Spitfire 1500 'box in that it has taller 1st and 2nd gears but shorter 3rd and 4th gears. If yours is whining then the first thing to try is a complete oil change, since these 'boxes do not normally whine (you MUST use Hypoid EP90 oil). I suspect, however, given that the 'box is 'baulky' on down shifts, that (as Dave says) you have worn layshaft bearings and probably worn synchros/baulkrings. However it may just be something as simple as a low oil level in the 'box. WRT to the clutch having a low biting point, well this should not be the case. It may be something as simple as worn master and slave cylinder seals leading to fluid blow by. If so this is an easy fix - probably cheaper to replace the cylinders with new rather than trying to rebuild them if you are less than confident. If the fluid looks contaminated (ie dark) then chances are the seals are letting go. Another possibility is incorrect geometry in the clutch release arm. the release arm is held in the bellhousing by a pin that engages in a 'tolerance ring' (basically a press fit sleeve). These rings gradually wear and cause the pin to drop out leading to a low biting point on the clutch because the release arm no longer 'swings' correctly. For many years these rings were unavailable so a common 'bodge' was to use a bolt instead of the pin. Overtightening of the bolt by idiot owners would lead to wear in the housing, a 'floppy' release arm and the same symptoms. HOWEVER, a weakness of these engines at high mileages is wear to the crankshaft thrust washers which can then drop out. This can lead to irrecoverable damage to the number 3 main bearing housing and a block / crank that is scrap if the engine is continued to be run for any length of time. A symptom of this is a clutch that will not disengage. Get an assistant to watch the crankshaft pulley with the engine stationary whilst you depress the clutch a few times. If fore / aft movement can be seen at the pulley when you do this then you have thrust washer wear and the engine will have to be stripped and checked (although you could have the sump off first to check whether the thrusts have dropped). |
| Deborah Evans |
| Oh and welcome to the board. Happy Spidgeting! :) Unfortunately I am a bit of a way from Shropshire otherwise I'd take a look at it for you. If you need Professional help then your nearest Spridget expert is Peter May who is in Ombersley. |
| Deborah Evans |
| OMG... That is Freaken Nice... I love it, what a Gem! Thats certianly going to be a bit confusing to some the fat bumpers with a 69 grill on a 75 midget...Oh I like it!, what does the back end look like (what rear bumper) id be curious as to what seats you've got also. Hope you got a digital cam, cause the others are going to want to see alot more of your ride Prop |
| Prop |
| Hi Jue Nice car and welcome to the group :) Shrops is a great place to live - loads and loads of spridget places over there. It's just a matter of finding the ones that you are happy with. I would also suggest the two garages in Tamworth if they aren't so terribly far away (and I go 100 miles to them if I've got a serious problem and my car is booked in for her respray next year when there's a couple of months I will be prised away from her!). You'll learn that, everyone is helpful and kind, but, sometimes it's hard for people to do more than guess what's going on from the descriptions - so, don't panic that everything that is mentioned in here is going to go wrong with your car ...!!!! (or, even, that every bit of advice is necessarily the right one for you car!) It takes awhile to really get used to what people are saying, but, you'll get the hang of it soon enough :) Would certainly recommend trying out all of the clubs your way and seeing where you "fit" - MASC/MGCC/MGOC - they are all full of enthusiasts and more than happy to show you the ropes and give advice and help to other members. If the car is really new to you, then, oil change everything anyway - sometimes cleaning chrome is more important to engines to some people ;)! Hope you get it sorted soon and enjoy the rest of your time with her. |
| rachmacb |
| Putting oil in the gearbox was one of the best improvements I made to my 1275. Always check the simple things 1st, enjoy. Your car looks great. |
| R Fowler |
| get out in it and drive it like you stole it. I would also endorse Peter May. A real gent who gave me lots of invaluable advice when building my engine. |
| David Cox |
| Morning. Thanks for all your replies. You've been really helpful. As I'm a complete novice to both owning a Midget and "proper" car maintenance I think I'll take her to Peter May and ask him to have a look over her for starters. At least then I'll know exactly what I'm dealing with and then the steep learning curve starts :O) Here's a piccie of the back. Obviously I know she's not original for a 76 Midget with the chrome bumpers and grill etc but she does look beautiful and I'm more than happy with her. I'll try to get a pic of the seats later for you. Got another small problem to sort out now - the fuse for the dash lights had blown when I came to use them last night so got to try and find and replace that and see if I can suss out why it went in the first place! I'll be back with loads more questions probably. I hope you don't mind :O) Cheers Jue  |
| Jue Williams |
| <<..........but she does look beautiful and I'm more than happy with her.>> That's all that matters! ...BTW, my '67 has a switch to turn off the panel lights. Never have understood why that was designed in other than giving you the chance of driving in a completely blacked out cockpit! |
| David Cox |
| Fuses: Since you aren't going to enter a concours, then, the best option is to replace the glass fuse box with a modern one - way less hassle, and usually sorts out the minor problems :) Prop - MGLive is at Silverstone Track from 4-6 June - still time for you to fly over ...! Mind you, just think, there will be hardly anyone around on here, so, you'll HAVE to finish that car!!!!! |
| rachmacb |
| >>BTW, my '67 has a switch to turn off the panel lights. Never have understood why that was designed in other than giving you the chance of driving in a completely blacked out cockpit! Possibly to allow night parking with side-lights on (as was the law back in the day) but with cockpit lights off to save power? A |
| Anthony Cutler |
| <<..........but she does look beautiful and I'm more than happy with her.>> That's all that matters! Thanks David. TBH after talking to that guy yesterday I was quite worried that people would be up in arms as she wasn't original. He even put me off joining the MGOC. As I think I said, his cars are all concours but that isn't important to me as such. She looks stunning as she is to me and me being happy with her is all that matters :O) ...BTW, my '67 has a switch to turn off the panel lights. Never have understood why that was designed in other than giving you the chance of driving in a completely blacked out cockpit! Yes mine has got a switch to turn off the dash lights too. I found out what it was like to drive back in a blacked out cockpit at 10.30 last night!!! Weird to say the least. Not having driven the car in the dark before last night I'm going to phone the guy up and just check that they were working before I brought her home so that might shed some light on what I might have done to blow the fuse. Thanks Rach - that's another job to add to my list :O)I just hope I can do all these jobs. Oh well there's only way to learn. |
| Jue Williams |
| blow me Anthony: your memory is better than mine ! I do now recall that parking-light law now you have prompted me! makes sense I suppose even if the panel lights do only consume a small amount of power...as Tesco say "every little helps"..! |
| David Cox |
| PAH - it's your car - do what you want with it! You can contact all of the clubs, and join whichever one suits you (or two, or even three!) and whatever else you want to do - it's nothing to do with anyone else! Could be rude about all three (MG Moaners/MG Can't Drive/Moan About Other Cars) - but, it'll only start a fight - and - it's no-one elses' business! The best way to find out is to have a jolly good look around their websites, go to a meeting, meet plenty of the members - then decide - or don't decide - no-one HAS to be a member!!!!! As for the change, it is pretty easy, but, if you don't want to get into the electrics, it'll take whomever you decide to trust with your car about 20mins max, so, won't cost hardly anything :) My dashlights were out for ages, but, that's coz the bulb blew and it was too cold to fix it and I don't have a garage :( Was kinda fun guessing the speed I was going - don't some over-paid consultants make people do things blind to improve their skills anyway ... ;)! (Before anyone hijacks the thread to go on about clubs - I AM a member of one, and have alot of good to say about the other two - I'm taking the michael, and it's a joke!) |
| rachmacb |
| I know a Toyota dealership which charges £85 per hour... so 20mins = more than not very much! Jue: start to learn about your car and fix it yourself..lots of fun to be had abd there'll be lots of helpful advice on this BBS. Just don't be shy and don't think that ANY question is daft! I've asked my share! |
| David Cox |
| Well yes, but, at least one of the two MG garages over that way charge £18 an hour ... ;) |
| rachmacb |
| Jue, I'm only 20mins from Shrew near Ludlow. I would be happy to come and have a look around your car. I have a lightly modified 1500 about the same age as yours. My gearbox has a very slight whine in 1 2 and 3 and goes silent in 4th. I have put 2000 miles on it over the last 6 weeks and it is no worse. |
| Nick Sayle |
| Jue, that is one SPLENDID-looking Midget! It's a very nicely done conversion, and I love it. As for the gearbox noise, I'm with the folks above who suggested changing the oil in the box. If nothing else, you can make sure it's got the right type then (85/90), and not engine oil, as was used in the earlier models. By the way, using the fat bumpers at the rear hides those ugly flats under the lights rather nicely, doesn't it? Stay in touch - this BBS has been a godsend during the 15 years I've owned my '78. Cheers, -:G:- |
| Gryf Ketcherside |
| Hi Nick. It's really good to hear from you :O) Thanks for your kind offer. I might well take you up on that or I can drive her down to you - it would be nice to meet someone else with one and get a few pointers if you're sure that you don't mind? I've just spoken to my next door neighbour who is a Landy enthusiast and he has rebuilt more than a few from scratch. He's had MGBGTs in the past and he had a good listen to her and said he's pretty certain it's the layshaft or thrust bearing but not to worry about it. He said just enjoy her and drive. TBH I'm going to keep driving her and not worry about it - it's a noise at the end of the day but she is happily changing gear and driving so until that starts to become a problem I'm going to enjoy her. I'll deal with the gearbox and the clutch then. I've attached another pic - the seats this time for Prop to have a mooch at :O)  |
| Jue Williams |
| Hi Gryf. Just seen your post :O) Thanks for your lovely comments. She is gorgeous. I will get the gearbox oil checked but it's looking like it is a layshaft issue atm. I asked the guy who I bought her from about when he checked the gearbox oil and he said he hasn't in the two years he's had her but that he "assumes" the garage that serviced her had. I doubt that very much. It will be one of my first jobs to do :O) Cheers |
| Jue Williams |
I'm probably adding too many pics now but this is one of the engine bay...
 |
| Jue Williams |
| I'm about to throw out a 1500 gearbox, condition unknown, if you, or anyone else want it let me know, it's got as far as the scrap pile but not to the scrapyard. Paul |
| Paul MkIMkIV |
| Thanks very much Paul. I've got another one here as a spare so I'm ok but thanks for the offer. Much appreciated. |
| Jue Williams |
| Jue, Having read through this thread, I just went out and topped up my gear box oil. I managed to get 750ml in before it over flowed. OOOPS!!! It has now lost the 1st 2nd 3rd gearbox whine. If you want I have made up an easy fill load of tubes and bottles to save the hard work. I live in Wigmore just over the boarder if your ever in the area bring your car round and we can try filling the gearbox, it really is only a five minute job |
| Nick Sayle |
| I just went out and topped up my gear box oil. I managed to get 750ml in before it over flowed. OOOPS!!! It has now lost the 1st 2nd 3rd gearbox whine <<<<< funny that ...! |
| rachmacb |
| I have to say: that is, by far, the prettiest '76 that I have ever seen! A very, very nice conversion. Enjoy your ride, and welcome to the fold! Norm ":oD |
| Norm Kerr |
| Thats nearly an armful!!! made a massive difference. |
| Nick Sayle |
| WOWSER!!!! Jue, your midget is beautiful, i don't think any of the purists could argue the fact!!! I just wish mine was half as nice!!! (or even half finished!!!) Kind regards, John.. |
| j b biggs |
| As for filling the gearbox with oil, I use a plastic squeeze bottle that I got at a beauty supply place. I think they use them to apply color to hair, but they're handy for other things as well, such as adding oil to Midget dampers, water to the battery, etc. I filled the bottle with 85/90 gear oil, fitted a clear plastic tube to the nozzle, slid underneath, stuck the tube in the fill port, and squeezed merrily away until the box ran over. The reason for the little squeeze bottle is that it proved to be much easier to pump oil with one of those than with the large bottle that you buy the oil in. Although having said that, you can also fill the tranny from above - and use the larger bottle if you want - by running the fill tube down from the engine bay, fitting it in the port from underneath, and then going back topside to squeeze oil down the tube. If you remove the air filter box, you should be able to shine a light down from above and see the port, so you'll know when it's overflowing. Cheers, and good luck. Oh, by the way - very nice interior! My car spent its life with black insides until I worked it over last Fall. Piccies here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/safety_fast/sets/72157622081163601/ One more thought - your neighbor said something about "...or thrust bearing but not to worry about it." Actually, if it really is a thrust bearing going bad, you don't want to let it go. The consequences can be loud and expensive... -:G:- |
| Gryf Ketcherside |
| If it's a thrust washer you HAVE to do the check I stated earlier lest you destroy your motor. If, on the other hand, he means the release bearing, then I doubt this is the problem since it would 'chatter' in all gears at all speeds. |
| Deborah Evans |
| Jue with the lovely Midget Hi and welcome As you've been advised ignore any comments that can take the pleasure of the car away It's yours and it is lovely, I like it lots Taking a gentle ride down towrads Nick would seem a good idea and filling the gearbox oil is an even better one maybe you could talk Nick into topping yours up and get the benefit of a ride oop north a bit in a quieter car Any advice Deb (and Rach) gives you will be worth following any of the main MG clubs will give you support and succour if you ever need it too enjoy your car nice! |
| W Mohan |
| Thanks everyone for your fantastic advice and support. I'm going to see Nick at the weekend and he's going to show me how to check and add gearbox oil and also top up the oil on the rear axle if she needs it. Hopefully he might be able to shed some light on the clutch too, though I am starting to think that it probably does need replacing although it isn't causing any problems apart from being very low. The one thing I possibly didn't mention yesterday about the gearbox noise is that when it's in neutral it still makes the noise but not when the clutch is depressed. I am as certain as I can be that the noise wasn't there when I test drove her so it's obviously started since I've been driving her around. Does that indicate anything different than what we've talked about already? I spoke briefly to the guy I bought her from and he just said that it wasn't making a noise before. BUT when I asked him when he had last checked the gearbox oil he said he hadn't in the two years he has had her but possibly the garage had when she was serviced! I doubt it somehow! I'm going to pop to Halfords for the EP90 so I'll pick up some engine oil at the same time. Is there a specific brand that you have found to better for your engines? I'm used to buying fully or semi synthetic but I know this won't be any good for the midget. Thanks again. You've all been really helpful. And all the wonderful compliments about my lovely Midge are very very welcome Speak to you all soon Jue |
| Jue Williams |
| Jue Halford sell Classic Car Oil (in a green tin with a Midget and some other cars on it) so pick up some there This is 20/W50 and is not just good enough for OUR cars (cue warm and cuddly feeling) but is the oil they were designed to run on Its about half the price you'd pay for a semi synth too (not that it matters but it has a delightful classic car oil smell too :-) ) I think it's about £17 or a 5litre can also when you are in our company we dont mind if you call the tin a "gallon can" we loves a bit o' nostalgia try not to worry too much these noises (blimey, you should hear my gearbox, like strangling a herd (flock?) of mangy cats The most important question are you really loving it? Funny thing is "there is nothing, absolutely nothing, quite as good as driving around in a Midget" I bet you already agree with us |
| bill sdgpm |
| No-one seems to have mentioned that there is no fuse for the dash lights ! the dash lighting shares a fuse with either the left or the right sidelights. If both sets of lights are operating then it is more probable that the switch that switches off the dash lights is broken or unwired. You should have three large switches, 1: picture of widscreen wipers - windscreen wipers, Off/Fast/Slow - feed from ignition and battery 2: picture of lights - Off/Side/Main lights UNFUSED!! feed from battery 3: Picture of speedo - Off/Lights - feed from sidelights fuse (i.e. switches on with lights) Be especially careful with the switches, as I say, some of the feeds to the switches are unfused and the dash is made from sheet metal which means that you can easily short the backs of the switches to the dash |
| Will Munns |
| Thanks Bill. I'll go and pick up a gallon can in a bit ;O) Honestly, I've had her two days nearly and I am totally head over heels in love with her. She is absolutely wonderful to drive. I ended up with a migraine from smiling so much the other day ha ha. All my friends who have been duly collected and taken for a token ride around the town were the same and just smiling. She has just got so much character and feels like a friend I've known for years already (that probably makes me sound a bit mad)! I love the noises and little whines that come from the gearbox - I do just need to get this one checked out though lol. I think I mentioned my Heralds that I had in the past and driving Clarissa has just brought back so many happy memories and I know she is going to give me plenty of new ones. Thanks Will - that has confirmed my suspicions although I still hadn't got round to looking at the book to check about fuses. I spoke to the guy yesterday about the dash lights, as it was light when I looked at the car initially, and then when I brought her home it was the same so it wasn't until I tried coming back from somewhere in the dark that I realised there was a problem. He said that they were working before he fitted a new radio 3 weeks ago and that he hasn't driven her at night since so I think he may have well broken a wire somewhere. I'll have to have a good mooch around later and see if I can spot it. On another note, the previous weekend to me buying her, Clarissa had driven the ring of Kerry two weeks ago and done over 800 miles in a long weekend. That's another reason for me to not worry too much. Logically, if she's capable of doing that happily then there can't be much wrong. I'm hoping to drive her south for a few days to visit family in Hampshire once I've got her checked over and I'm happy with everything. I can't wait for all those beautiful country lanes and the South Downs. Perfect Midget territory. |
| Jue Williams |
| Hi Jue, If the previous owner has just fitted a radio, the chances are that he has just knocked a wire out of one of the connectors up behind the dash. Try peering up behind the dash with a torch and see if you can spot any bullet connectors waving free. (I presume that you are a contortionist as well?) A little noise in the gearbox is really nothing to worry about but topping up the oil may well be sort it with a bit of luck. Low clutch pedal is unlikely to be wear in the clutch - in theory this would raise the bite point but as these are hydraulic clutches they are self adjusting. But low bite point, plus the slightly "tough" (notchy?) change could indicate that the clutch needs bleeding. All easy jobs, but the main thing is to drive it and continue to enjoy every minute! Guy |
| Guy Weller |
| Thanks Guy. Contortionist skills are not really my forté but I'll have a look and see if I can squeeze myself in to have a look at the connectors. I think it probably is that tbh - hopefully anyway :O) I intend to enjoy every single second - just wish the sun would come back out. I think I've jinxed the weather since she came home. Cheers Jue |
| Jue Williams |
| Jue: I am following this thread with interest. Your enthusiasm is all very familiar with how I felt when I first got MY Midget...albeit way back in 1975...! Not too sure about your comments about the weather. Midgets don't dissolve if they get wet, so enjoy it in all weathers! |
| David Cox |
| Hi David I loved the "Midgets don't dissolve if they get wet" comment. Very true :O) I wasn't sure how effective the wipers would be but I've just been caught in a spot of rain and they were great so I've nothing to fear now. Jue |
| Jue Williams |
| URGENT for Paul MkIMkIV, Cumbria, United Kingdom ''I'm about to throw out a 1500 gearbox, condition unknown, if you, or anyone else want it let me know, it's got as far as the scrap pile but not to the scrapyard.'' Paul, if nobady has beaten me to it I'd love to have that gearbox. Mines rapidly running out of synchromesh and I fancy trying to rebuild one myself to see if I can! I'm in newcastle upon tyne so can collect. Dont know how to contact you direct but will check back here and I'm sure we can work something out. Richard |
| r parker |
| Hi Just another quick query for you all - I've been to Halfords got my gallon tin of classic car engine oil BUT they don't sell EP90 Gearbox Oil anymore. They had EP75/W80 and EP80/W90. The guy in the shop picked up the latter and said this one is the one you need so I brought it home. Now I've looked at it and it says Gear Oil - Differential on it!!!! So I'm assuming that's the wrong one? So... I popped to a local Car Spares place which has got a very good reputation and asked them. They also said that EP90 isn't being made anymore - they stock pretty much everything but Morris Lubricants is local to us and they had EP80/W90 in there but only a small container so they are going to order a litre of another brand in for me for tomorrow morning. They said that the EP80/W90 just means that the oil is thinner at lower temperatures but when the engine warms up the oil will thicken to the right consistency is that right? I just need to check that I'm getting the right one. Thanks Jue |
| Jue Williams |
| Wipers? There was a debate on here a little while ago as to how fast you need to drive in the rain so as to not get wet...... and spray the screen and windows with "Rainex"... it helps dave |
| David Cox |
| Texaco petrol stations sell EP80 and EP90 round here. a lot of tractors use it. There is a tractor workshop in my village where I can buy it, so it is still made |
| Nick Sayle |
| Bung it in it won't do any harm (better than no oil) |
| R Fowler |
| If my 76 were that nice, I would still own her. Real nice car good luck with it. Bob |
| Bob 76 Midget |
| Jue you can use the EP80/W90 in the gearbox, the reference to differentials simply shows that it has sufficient strength to operate under the severe stresses inside a differential, not that it cant be used in a g/box... The noise still occurring when in neutral simply shows that the gearbox shaft bearings are running noisy. When you dip the clutch the shaft stops turning until drive is fed back into the gearbox A strong probability is that the noise will quieten substantially when damped by oil in there |
| bill sdgpm |
| Jue VERY nice car. Don't worry about what the naysayers have to say about the 1500. Check out this link: http://www.mgmidgets.net/techdata.htm It's a nice torquey little engine & properly maintained, you'll have no problems. I, like you, absolutely love mine...just wish it looked as nice as yours, but maybe one day. Make sure the thrust washers are up to par, if not it's not a hard job to replace them with the engine in the car. Enjoy your ride, Dave :) |
| Dave Rhine ('78 1500) |
| Thanks Bill. I was probably being a bit dense but when I read Differential on the label I assumed that meant it was just for the diff and not the gear box. Whoops! I've got a lot to learn as you may have gathered ;O) I'm going to sort the oil out at the weekend so will hopefully know a bit more about what's going on with her. Keep everything crossed for me that it is just the oil! Thanks Bob & Dave. You've all paid such lovely compliments about Clarissa. It's fab to know that everyone else thinks she's gorgeous too :O) |
| Jue Williams |
| Hi All, The option to turn of the panel lights appears on a load of cars of the period (my lotus elan has the option).. I was told it was to help your night vision when driving with headlights that were not much better than a pair of candles! Whatever, I have tried driving at night without them and it is most odd! Tim |
| T Dafforn |
| Travelling at speed on deserted moorland roads on a fine dark night, top down with the dashboard lights off is superb. Just the engine note to drive by. No distracting speedometer or rev counter just the feel of the car, the howl from the induction and roar of the exhaust. Guy |
| Guy Weller |
| ..........and the tinkle, tinkle, tinkle as something metallic falls off the bottom and bounces off the road into the heather never to be found! Nice car Jue. Don't be pt of by the idiot telling you all the things that he thinks are wrong with it. As David said earlier "Drive it like you stole it" That's what they're for! |
| Matt1275 Bucks |
| to add to guy wellers comment and the lack of dash lights 11pm, back country 2 lane roads, cool of the night, roof down, and great tunes on the radio THEN ADD ....the STARS out in full bloom. GOD its just heaven! Prop |
| Prop |
| Matt1275 Bucks....LOL, that Or WHAM, BAMB!!! where the heck did that Deer come from? |
| Prop |
| That's a very nice looking Midget, chrome bumpers really make the cars look more fun. My first taste of MG driving was a 1500 Midget - I absolutely loved it, to this day it was definitely the most fun driving I've ever had. The engine seemed right for the car as a driver and the exhaust note still gave a sporty 'rasp'. Being a young buck at the time, the car got well used and enjoyed. The only problem I experienced was a broken rear spring caused by an early morning drive across a field at Glastonbury. So many fun memories of that little car and our 'adventures'. Your car looks like it's been very well looked after, so I doubt if you have anything to worry about. Drive it and enjoy it, it's what they were built for! |
| Mike |
| Well I'm taking her to see Nick this afternoon for a gearbox top-up so hopefully we will see a difference. I'll let you all know how she gets on :O) Looking forward to the drive - it will be our first proper afternoon out, a nice round 80 mile trip in the sunshine. Heaven! Jue |
| Jue Williams |
| Hmmmm, if it survived the ring of kerry then you can be sure that it's bolted together well! worst roads in europe - although I havn't tried romania yet (i'll let you know tomorrow - at the boarder now). The best bit about the ring of kerry is the number of people who want pictures of the car or to sit in it (after having owned one in the 70s), also schools of children who involantraly wave as you burble past. Part of the cost of ownership, and remainds you that you're not the only one who understands:) |
| Will Munns |
| Will that is spot on. The guy who owned her and took her to Ireland said they got badgered constantly by people who wanted to look at her. He said they had to be quite abrupt in the end or they would have still been there ;O) Are you on a road trip yourself then? You're not lucky enough to be doing this http://www.inyourpocket.com/img/uploaded/transfagarasan-romania-top-gear.jpg are you? |
| Jue Williams |
| ... BILL - you could well be right - and I don't say that often ;)!!!! Dare ya :) |
| rachmacb |
| Guy and Prop. You pair of poetic softies! Got to agree though, especially if, like me you are wearing a WW1 leather flying helmet. And, No I'm not posting a picture. Bernie. |
| b higginson |
| Jue, you have to feel sorry for young Will He and the light of his life (she is with you isn't she Will?) are touring the world or Yoorup whichever attracts the most in a godforsaken VWDub Camper I know We tried to stop him but you know how headstrong these lads are dont you Will I hope you are having a great time mate, dont forget to come back and see us some time will you By now I suspect Jue has discovered quieter less chattery motoring. And prolly stopped off at the Plough for some fine ales, going north Rach? Me right? shouldnt think so ;) |
| bill sdgpm |
| Well I'm back :O) and I've been very good and not stopped off at any pubs on the way back! That's not to say I don't fancy one now though. I should imagine Nick is exhausted from incessant questions and chatter. He was brilliant and so very very helpful - Nick I really can't thank you enough for putting my mind at ease about Clarissa :O) The gearbox took about half a litre of oil so was obviously quite low, however the noise hasn't stopped but she certainly isn't causing me any problems with selecting gears now. Nick has looked all over her and had a good listen and is pretty certain that there is nothing seriously wrong and that it's just probably wear on the clutch. He said it wasn't anything like as loud or as bad he thought it would be which is brilliant. He also didn't think the clutch was particularly low so I think I let the guy with the Triumph wind me up a little and I certainly won't be asking for his opinion again ;O) He has had a look at the dashlight for me and the switch is broken so he has very kindly offered to swap it over for me and as she is a little bit flighty we are going to put new shocks on it later in the week or so. I'm going to put some new bushes on it myself as Nick has shown me what to do and I'm quite handy with a spanner ;O) Then fingers crossed everything should be pretty much perfect. Tripping around Europe in a VW Camper sounds fab but I'm hankering for a drive to Monte Carlo now in Clarissa :O) |
| Jue Williams |
| I had a good look round Jue's car. It is really nice!!! Whoever did the rubber to chrome did a brill job. Even the round in fill under the rear lights are right. I managed to get 500ml of Hypoid 80/90 in and seems to be quieter. Front anti roll bar bushes are shot and the front shock are ever so slightly weak. Apart from that it is a very well sorted car. Electronic Ignition, Hot oil pressure is around 40 psi (I'm jealous) Has new rear axle and U bolts loads of ancillaries have been replaced in the engine bay, together with an oil cooler. (has to be next on my list) The only thing that threw me was the panel lights. I checked with my headlight switch and found all the wiring correct, but the dash light would only work when the side lights are on. Once the secondary position of the headlight switch is thrown to the mains and side position, the panel lights go out. This is such a minor thing but so annoying when its something so simple. I'm thinking it might be a faulty headlight switch. answers on a postcard please. Its so cool to see that silly grin that these cars give drivers new to them, saw that today. Midgets are FAB!! |
| Nick Sayle |
| I'm glad Nick set your mind at rest Jue. WELL DONE Nick! That certainly is one nice looking Midget! WRT the panel lights going out, it might be something as simple as the switch being not connected properly - I know you checked it against yours Nick but there WERE different batches of switches produced over the years that differ internally (good old Lucas!) - I've lost count of the number of times I've seen similar problems on Spitfires and TRs. The first time I came across it it really stumped me for a while. I'd go back to basics, get a multi-meter and check connectivity between the terminals as the switch is rocked. |
| Deborah Evans |
| Once again, Deborah hits the nail on the head! I have just been scanning through loads of old Lucas books and sure enough, there are at least 4 possibilities!! It has only just dawned on me that by swapping over the two "outs" on the switch and keeping the feed where it is will sort the problem. Sometimes the simplest things tax my simple head. |
| Nick Sayle |
Thought you might like to see a pic of Clarissa and her new friend Bluebell lol. Hard to believe they are the same model when you look at them side by side. I was lucky enough to drive Bluebell (Nick is very trusting) and crikey does she shift! She was amazing to drive. |
| Jue Williams |
| Ah well, see, Jue. Save your pennies then come and see me for a 1500 motor that will tear the road up! Great photo' of two gorgeous looking Midget 1500s! |
| Deborah Evans |
| Deb,the only reason my car is so fast is I have no girl friend or life and access to a good Meddings milling machine with a J4 rotating head! a dremel and far to much free time |
| Nick Sayle |
| You proposing to me Nick? :) Ah a man with a Meddings! I could do WONDERS! Never know, your car could be FASTER!! |
| Deborah Evans |
| The only reason(s) my cars are so fast is that: 1. I binned my ex husband and I have no boyfriend atm (nor am likely to, being the ancient dragon that I am). 2. Despite Serial 1 (or because of) I can concentrate on what I love doing (tuning the nuts off 60's sports cars!). Now, of course, IF I met a man as has my love of tuning 'Classic Sportscars'(like THAT is going to happen) then life would be peachy! |
| Deborah Evans |
| deb If only I lived in the Uk then you would be a happy girl... or a miserable girl can you change my spark plugs, You mean it needs gas to run, can you check my timing, Honey i got a flat, my washer fluid is low, who will fill it. Honey I got an oil leak, dear the car is running hot agian, it wont start, inspection time can you get it to pass....LOL Prop ...yeah I still got a school boy chrush on deb |
| Prop |
| Prop, If I was where you are, then your engine wolud have been built 2 years ago and producing reliable bhp (probably around 120 bhp) hon. BUT YOU TURNED ME DOWN YOU BASTARD! YOU COULD HAVE MARRIED ME AND HAD ALL YOU WANTED! ROFL J/K! Seriously hon, Given what you've paid out, why not get me an air ticket and I'll come over and sort your motor once and for all?!! |
| Deborah Evans |
| LOL - take her up NOW - you ain't ever ever gonna get a better offer - and at least your car will be running! Probably would have worked out way way cheaper, and a whole load quicker :) |
| rachmacb |
| the transfagurian road was on the list (before topgear!) but we may be a couple of months early and cant find internet references to the open-ness of the pass. going to have to try physical localaity instead! if you have the time pop in at the blog: adventures-of-jules.blogspot. com |
| Will Munns |
| LOL. Yeah sure, Ive seen that movie before... "Get my car running really happy and gitty, Use my car, Abuse my car, then start driving a new car because of that new car smell, then aboundoed my car with the new car for some other cool smoking bad boy rat rod in need of your female wonten mechanical ways that needs saving cause you can (fix him)". YOU GARAGE WRECKER! LOL. But I still thank your a sexy kind a girl. Prop |
| Prop |
| Deb... how much would a short 1500 block with a balanced crank new rings and rebore cost me. oooww and a fast ish boy racer cam (nothing too extreme) and a lightened flywheel. Different thing, and this one has been floating round my head for years. what would happen if I was to squirt pure oxygen into the manifold? |
| Nick Sayle |
| Richard You can contact me on simpsonpaul at mac full stop com (spammers!) re 1500 gear box I'll put it to one side for the moment. |
| Paul MkIMkIV |
| If you put pure Ox into the manifold, you'd need to increase the amount of fuel by ~5 times. Having sad that, i can imagine the increase in heat in the combustion chamber would cause a degree of plasticity in the piston head, valves... I think it would be good for somewhere around 50-200 revolutions, so would advise you hang on tight and enjoy the ride... A |
| Anthony Cutler |
| Pure O2 and I doubt there would be much left to get into the combustion chamber, more likely it would go up in a fire ball explosively before it got there. I recall reading years ago that a small percentage increase in O2 levels would increase combustion rates by 25% or more. A small controlled input might work but nitrous would probably be somewhat safer. I have heard of O2 injection, IIRC it was for an Gale Banks offshore marine racing Diesel and the engine didn't come on the cam before the propellor power requirement matched engine output, the solution was a short period of additional O2 to get the engine on cam and away it went. |
| David Billington |
| If your going to inject pure O2 then dont stop at half way... "Cryogenic Fuel Intake System"... Yeah thats right "FROZEN FUEL"...BABY! Thats the 2nd half to what your thinking Ive kicked it around for about 3 years, I may do something in a couple years down the road, it does look like fun, and the 3 years ive been reading and studying, and watching it, its devoloped into some real ground breaking stuff and the prices have "frozen" thur the floor... esp. with multiple companys making the parts now...DEI is still the gold standard, and ahead of the curve.. imho. then you add in... high compression ratio, some forced induction, a dissy-less edis crankshaft pulley ignition system and you got yourself a real fire breather of ultimate cool factor http://www.designengineering.com/catalog/cryo2-system-components Prop |
| Prop |
| Hmmm, Well you get the idea... its not the link I had intended but still a good one, scroll down and look for... "CryO2 Cryogenic Fuel Bar" and "CryO2 Fuel Chilling System" as thats the real meat and patatos, but the cryo2 air intake stuff is a good add on addition Prop |
| Prop |
| Just for anyone who is interested - Peter May now only supplies spares and does not undertake any work. The labour side of the operation is done by Midlands Classic Restorations who are next door. |
| Jue Williams |
| MCR is run by fellow racer Dom Mooney who races an exquisite lime green Frogeye. Dom is quite a Midget expert albeit more on the A Series engined cars. For expert advice on the Triumph engine and gearbox, one of the best around is Mark Field at Jigsaw Racing Services in Corby. |
| Deborah Evans |
| >>>>>>>For expert advice on the Triumph engine and gearbox, one of the best around is Mark Field at Jigsaw Racing Services in Corby.<<<<<<<<< Piff,... Yeah like sure! Id have a hard time beliving he is half the expert that you are deb, your so into those 1500s Id bet you know what temp the metal was poured into the cast to make the blocks Personally id go to Deb 1st before I went to a deb wanna be. Prop |
| Prop |
| Thanks Prop. I wasn't sure I was allowed to advertise here hence I recommended Mark. If, however, Jue wishes to use my services that's all good for me. :) |
| Deborah Evans |
| considering Corby is three quarters of the way to Cambridgeshire from Shroppy I'd drive the rest of the way if it was me (so very rarely, somebody take notes, I agree with Prop this time...) |
| bill sdgpm |
| >>>>>>>For expert advice on the Triumph engine and gearbox, one of the best around is Mark Field at Jigsaw Racing Services in Corby.<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>Piff,... Yeah like sure!<<<<<<<<< Having wasted £,000s I would second this comment Give John a ring at http://www.jyclassics.co.uk/ But he's a Truimph not MG man so don't know if he'd do the work but I'm sure he'd help with advice as he's a good bloke |
| N Atkins |
| Thanks Bill (blush). Nick, "Deb... how much would a short 1500 block with a balanced crank new rings and rebore cost me. Oooww and a fast ish boy racer cam (nothing too extreme) and a lightened flywheel." Depends on spec: To supply a fully built short motor; bored to size and decked, new pistons and rings (piston heights equalised), crank regrind and balance, Tri-metal Mains and Big Ends, thrust washers, new oil pump, lightened billet flywheel, sports camshaft, new camshaft followers, linebore and fit camshaft bearings, improved oil supply to centre Main bearing, gaskets, core plugs, uprated Big End and Flywheel fasteners (ARP), uprated Main bearing cap fasteners, vernier duplex timing gear, alloy engine backplate, lighten balance and polish con rods. That would come to around 1600 GBP. |
| Deborah Evans |
| I've spoken to Chris May this morning and he put me onto Dom at MCR so I'm going to pop and see him next Tuesday. Deb, I would LOVE to come and see you (apart from appreciating your fantastic advice, I'd love to see your car - very envious) but you're probably a little too far for me to risk so early into owning Clarissa. MCR is under an hour away so I'm going to ask their opinion on the clutch and whether it's worth leaving it or getting it done now. TBH I know if it is the release bearing it will probably set me back up to £500 (according to what Dom said this morning) but at least then it would be sorted full stop. From what Nick said, I should have another fair few thousand miles worth of driving on that clutch but I'm just going to see what Dom thinks before I make my final decision. Either way it will give me another nice opportunity to take Clarissa a bit further. Jue |
| Jue Williams |
| Once you've got to Corby - all the hard driving is done - and you don't have the joy of driving around! However, since I don't know where in Cambs Deb is - then I am probably talking out of my rearend ...! Rach - the north is so much better than the south ;)! |
| rachmacb |
| Well I'm about an hour north of Birmingham then I would think Corby is another 1-1.5 hours south of there isn't it? Then however far to Cambs... Unless Deb fancies a little drive to Shropshire :O) |
| Jue Williams |
| Nope - Corby is only about 45 mins along the M6 and then A14 max. It takes me less than 2 hours to get from north Cambs/Norfolk to Tamworth |
| rachmacb |
| Crikey that's quick! Well Tamworth is just over an hour from here cos I go there regularly. Is that driving in your Midget though or something else? I could do it a piece of cake in my normal daily run about but don't want to push Clarissa too much atm. |
| Jue Williams |
| Midget - it's a few minutes less in my other car |
| rachmacb |
| Ok here's a question then - am I being a bit too careful with Clarissa? I've been driving her about 50-60mph where as in my other car I would be going quite a bit quicker. I just worry about pushing her too much - am I being paranoid? lol |
| Jue Williams |
| LOL - the sooner you try - the sooner you'll know what she can do ... If she falls to pieces - don't blame me :) There's no reason at all that she shouldn't manage 80mph easily - and probably more - but, then again - we should be going at the speed limit .... |
| rachmacb |
| I think if I hadn't got that slight noise on the gearbox/clutch I wouldn't be worrying so much so the sooner I get her double checked the quicker I'll be going lol. Nick took her out for a spin while I had a go in Bluebell so I'll have to ask him how fast he got up to in her and how hard he was accelerating. Yes obviously I would fully intend to stay within the speed limits ;O) (in towns anyway). |
| Jue Williams |
| Is it still there - even after the oil? Mind you - if it goes in and changes gear ok - then, a good run at a decent speed wouldn't be too bad anyway, from the looks of her - she's never been driven properly for a long time ...... Don't ask - just do! |
| rachmacb |
| :O) Yeah it is still there exactly the same tbh. Though Nick thought it wasn't as loud as he was expecting and the guy I spoke to this morning (Chris May) said they are noisy boxes on the 1500 so perhaps some of it is that I'm just not used to it. She does change gear happily and I'm not having any problems with that at all or anything it's just the psychological thing with me and the noise! Nick is going to put two new shocks and anti roll bar bushes on her soon for me so once that it is done and I've been to Ombersley next Tuesday I'll give her a good go :O) I'm quite happy going fast - loved it in Bluebell (Nicks Midget) and the Scoob that I've had in the past, just paranoid about Clarissa being a little old lady. Saying that pretty much everything has been replaced on her so she's not old really! |
| Jue Williams |
| LOL - is she actually much older than Nicks?!?!?!?! The gearbox is totally different in the 1500 than anything modern, so, yes, if you're used to that, then, it will be a bit "clunky". Mine will make the odd noise and be awkward sometimes to get into reverse, but, there's nothing actually "wrong" with it - and certainly nothing that slows me down! I think she's only a year older than mine - and certainly younger than some of the K's - many of whom drive way way way faster than me - and, Bill's Lara can go wellllllll over 100mph - on a track of course ;)! |
| rachmacb |
| No she's only a year older - Clarissa is '76, Bluebell is '77. Bluebell looks like she means serious business whereas Clarissa looks like she wants a stroll to the Post Office ha ha. TBH the gearbox has exactly the same sound as the one in my old Herald 1360 (think it's the same box from what someone else said) which is possibly why I'm skitty about driving her any harder. Obviously I need to get my head around the fact that there is a world of difference between a Triumph Herald and a Midget in terms of speed and handling. I think most of it is probably in my head so perhaps I just need some earplugs lol. I might try and go out there later and get a sound bite of the noise to stick on here so you can all hear what I mean. If I can get it to upload that is :O) |
| Jue Williams |
| Meh - one year is nothing - and - go on to the general board and ask Arie what speed HIS midget goes at ...! And his is a '75 - YES it's got another engine in it - but, it just shows that you shouldn't be scared just coz they are old! Mind you - do remind him that I'm gonna whip his boney ar*e in that race ...!!!!!! To be perfectly honest, if you never open her out and give her a decent run - you might as well just drive her to and from the post office - coz that'll be all she will manage - they are sports cars - no matter how old they are, and have to be driven as such. The 1500 engine especially seems to get seized up really easily. Yes, she's a pretty car, but ... |
| rachmacb |
| Right that's made my mind up. When I've got the all clear about the clutch/gearbox next week and the shocks/bushes have been done I'll take her for a proper ;O) drive! Nick said he'd had 105 out of Bluebell which really surprised me tbh. I wouldn't have thought that was achievable when I've been pootling at 60mph everywhere. Can I ask your opinion on something else please? She's been converted to unleaded and the guy I bought her from said she doesn't need any additives dropping in the tank but is it worth doing that anyway? What do you all do and use? Thanks for your help Rach Jue |
| Jue Williams |
| You're welcome :) I add 1/4 a bottle of redex every 4th tank - seems to work that way - but I suspect you'll need to learn where her limit is! They don't need it, so he is right, but, I just find that a little bit of help is good. |
| rachmacb |
| Thanks hunni :O) Without being thick, what difference does it actually make? What do you mean by learning where her limit is? |
| Jue Williams |
| hmmmm - each car is different, and, you've got to find out what her own idiosyncracies are, so, how much I put in for my car is probably not the same as you'd want to put into yours. I've got a really standard set up - and so the carbs are a bit of a pain in the neck (well, ok - a total pain in the neck ...!), and I find that, if I stick it in, they run a bit better than if I've not - and the pinking comes in later ....... I used to always think that pinking was just the engine under pressure, but, Bob told me that it can also be the petrol, which kind of figures as I can belt her a bit more welly with it than without :)! |
| rachmacb |
| Ah right ok. Well I'll pop to Halfords and get some tomorrow and try perhaps 1/8th next time I fill up and see what happens ;O) |
| Jue Williams |
| Halfords - supermarkets - garages - all sell it :)! Use the recommended dose and see how it goes - might take a couple of tankfuls - suppose it depends how the previous owner used it ...? You'll know more after you've been up and had her done :) |
| rachmacb |
| You make it sound like she's going to be neutered in your last sentence ha ha!! I know the previous owner didn't use any additives at all (the same as he didn't use gearbox oil apparently!) so will have to see. She runs well tbf so it will be interesting to see if it does make any difference. |
| Jue Williams |
| You make it sound like she's going to be neutered in your last sentence ha ha!! Hmmmm - that'll make Bill win the debate as to which sex you are ... - if you were a man, then you'd never have said that, just be sat whincing :)!!!!! |
| rachmacb |
| ha ha ha I've been sussed!! It's made me laugh out loud tho that there was a debate! I thought it would have been pretty obvious from my comments previously! |
| Jue Williams |
| ....... - and - perhaps it was ;)! Well - by them that is ... I don't think I'd given it much thought until it was mentioned - then I came home and looked - it was the neutered thing that REALLY gave you away though |
| rachmacb |
| ha ha ha ROFPMSL!!! Ruddy MEN!! I'm ALL woman boys! |
| Jue Williams |
| WOOOHOOO!!!! new manifold and 108 over my resumed mile!! just got back to change underpants!! Jue.. get your car up to 60ish then floor it and hold it. It wont break. Dont you dare pay 500 quid to change the clutch!! |
| Nick Sayle |
| *oops* I thought I'd just see what they had to say re whether it's worth leaving it or just getting it done and out of the way. Hey well done 108 is fantastic :O) Out of interest, how much do you think you got out of Clarissa the other day? Granted I was in front of you, so I know it wouldn't have been that fast but would be interesting to know. TBH I'll feel better once the bushes are sorted - her being a bit flighty makes me a tad nervous so that will be a very good job done. Sussex were very good. Ordered shocks and bushes yesterday and they came this morning. |
| Jue Williams |
| did you get the orange ones? I totally understand you waiting until the front is tightened up. As soon as you get time get down here and we will change the shocks and bushes at the same time. Weather looking good for it. Then once its done, floor it!!! I didnt watch the speedo when driving Clarisa, I was more interested in seeing my little car disappearing up the road! I kept up easily enough though. Ordered an oil cooler kit today, seems daft not to fit one as its such an easy job with big benefits. ooow!!! and I bought a 74 grill too. Boy never grow up, their toys just get better!!! |
| Nick Sayle |
| Jue, great looking car ! Good luck with it.... I just read through this entire thread, Now I have to take a nap..... Paul |
| Paul W 1976 1500 |
| PMSL @ your little car disappearing up the road!! I'm sure I wasn't going that fast!! Yours does go though - fair do's! Yeah I got the orange ones. I'm sure that once they and the bushes are done it will make a massive difference. Bluebell felt like she was glued to the road compared to Clarissa!! Let me know when you've got some time and I'll pop her over. 60mph max southbound and who knows what north bound ;O) You're really going for it this week then - new manifold, oil cooler. 74 grill will look cool too. I don't think girls ever really grow up either. I know I never will cos it's more fun that way! Thanks Paul. Yep I've had quite a few questions hence the length of the thread lol. Enjoy your nap :O) |
| Jue Williams |
| I will admit that when Im belting along at silly speed I do hover my foot over the clutch pedal in case the engine decides to blow and lock up. Yeah I bought some toys this week, needed cheering up. any time is good for me to do the suspension, its such a simple job, it wont take long. |
| Nick Sayle |
| lololololol @ the debate over Jue- man or woman sorry Jue that made me giggle matey. Jue put your foot down in Clarissa, come pick me up in Cambs it's not far! |
| LJ Darlow |
| Jue midgets ant there to be driven at 50-60mph.stick the pedel to the floor and unleash the manic grin,(beleive me you will have a manic grin).my midget hits 100mph plus at least once a week. i find that at 50 i have a happy grin, at 60 a soppy grin,at 70 i start looking scariy and 80,90 and above i scare myself when i see myself in the rear veiw mirrer. |
| roy j |
| Jue, Rach will tell you that I had NO doubt from the start but then I'm an old geezer see! You do have to give that smashing little car plenty of lemon once the shocks and bushes are sorted We'll have you ordering the Frontline/DB suspenders next, toys for the CAR and fer Goddd'ssake wait 'til it breaks before you do anything to the clutch, old gearboxes do make noises. Oil, use and love is all they usually need Consult with Nick before you leap into the unknown oh yes, I get to Swavesey ( a few inches north of Cambridge onna map) in about an hour forty minutes from Streetly, Corby jusr over three quarters of an hour from here. All woman? Surely that the only sort... |
| bill sdgpm |
| LOL Bill - I was being POLITE and NICE and NOT telling who was in the debate ...! |
| rachmacb |
| he he rach polite? natch I never thought anything else of you Deb said "MCR is run by fellow racer Dom Mooney who races an exquisite lime green Frogeye." This one is it? nice car  |
| bill sdgpm |
| It must be my age, but I love Weller wheels! |
| Nick Sayle |
| Aye that's Dom's Frogeye. Was that shot taken at the joint Peter May / MCR Mince Pies 'n' Mulled wine 'do' in late '08? If so I was there with my Nitrous Injected TF. |
| Deborah Evans |
| BTW Jue the gearbox in a 1500 Midget isn't the same as in the Herald. It's the later 'single rail' 'box also fitted to the Spitfire 1500, Dolomite 1500 and 1850, and the Morris Marina. In many respects it's not as good as the earlier 3-rail 'box fitted to the Herald and earlier Spitfires. I might get out your way later in the year - I have an aunt living on the Welsh Marches I've been meaning to visit. Rach, "The 1500 engine especially seems to get seized up really easily." Not if it's properly built 9and looked after) it doesn't. There really isn't any need for fuel additives when using unleaded fuel in the Triumph 4-pot unless you run a psychotic amount of static CR. Triumph cylinder heads suffer very little valve seat regression with unleaded fuel. Having said that, all the heads we do have new hardened seats fitted. Redex itself does very little (and bugger all for the Octane rating) aside from having cleaning agents in it, which ALL GOOD fuels have anyway. You'd be better off (and save money) by sticking a tank of Shell 99 or BP 97 Octane in every now and then. If you are finding Redex is helping then it's likely you have underlying issues in the fuel system and that the carbs need overhauling / setting up properly. Oh and I am just outside Wisbech BTW. |
| Deborah Evans |
| Deb... So is the single rail Marina box the same? do the splines match up? I am hunting down a Spitfire Overdrive box as I don't really want the hassle of fitting a Ford box ( I also really like the way overdrive works for my old fogey type of driving) Would an Ital box fit? |
| Nick Sayle |
| LOL - think mine just need chucking in the bin, but hey - it keeps me happy and the screwdriver in use :) If that's the case - then - 45 mins max from Corby for your drive Jue!!!! |
| rachmacb |
| The Marina 'box is basically the same as the Midget 1500 'box and yes the splines match (I'm not sure about the Ital however although I THINK it had the same 'box). However it does have different ratios although off the top of my head I can not quote these, although from memory 1st is too tall for a Sports Car. The Spitfire 1500 'box again has different ratios to the Midget - lower 1st and 2nd and higher 3rd . The best 'compromise' is to use the Midget 1st and 2nd with the Spitfire 3rd which gives you the best close ratio set up for a road car. Failing that get a Spitfire 'box. The O/D version uses the J Type O/D which is far stronger than the earlier D type O/D (as fitted to the early 3-rail 'boxes). Torque through this O/D will not be a problem since it was also fitted to the 2L Triumph GT6. Indeed I have run a J Type in a Spitfire with a 2.68L (overbored TR6) engine with total reliability. There is a caveat however. You need to be careful in sourcing a 'box because there are 2 types: Early types had a 'scroll' type oil seal at the front of the first motion shaft. Later types had a lip seal. If you have a later type bellhousing then the early type 'box will not fit and vice versa. Having said that, if you DO end up with a mismatch between the 'box type and the seal type in your bellhousing it is relatively easy to change the seal set up in the bellhousing for the correct variant. If you are going to fit an O/D 'box (given the extra weight) then I would suggest you shellm out some 'Sponds' and aquire an alloy bellhousing which will save a LOT of weight. You'd also need to make up a rear mount system for the 'box by modifying a Spitfire rear mount. Additionally you would need to have your propshaft shortened. Then it's just a case of wiring up an O/D actuating switch on your dash/column stalk/gearlever top as well as wiring up the relay and O/D inhibitor switch. PS did you see my quote (that you requested) for a short 1500 engine? |
| Deborah Evans |
| yes got the engine quote. I am sort of thinking about buying a spare engine and going for it myself. Not so much for the cost involved, but just as a hobby/project. I love pushrod engines and fancy the challenge. I still have the use of a really nice engineering workshop but will have to farm out the grinding work. I can do flat either on a reciprocating bed type or a 42" Lumsden rotating table type but the crank and bores would not be possible. The shop has a massive water bed plasma cutter too so I can cut up all the shiny bits while I'm there. I know I will have to buy a lot of new parts but I can manage all the rest of it. If I mess it up I will buy one of yours, but if I don't try I will never really understand the engine. I have heard that the right combination of bow and OD that you can get away without changing the prop shaft. I thought these were meant to be simple cars! I'm really lost now on gearboxes, I'm good with my hands but the brain suffers a little. So I use the 1st and 2nd from the box I already have, that sometimes sounds like next doors cat on the roof and use the 3rd and top from a Spit. I have already worked out the mods needed to the tunnel, doesn't look too bigger deal nor the cross member. I want to mount the switch on the steering wheel as I did with my B. I often find the need to indicate switch out O/D and turn all at once, so I mounted a switch on the vertical spokes of the steering wheel. it worked and was really good fun to use. Has anyone ever fitted a dolly sprint 1850 with O/D bow into a Midget? Why not Bseries and box. head to busy now!! going to watch BGT re run of dancing dog |
| Nick Sayle |
| Thanks for all your replies. Sorry for not being around tonight but Clarissa had a date at the pub :O) I didn't push her too much top end (70mph) but I did try the accelerator a bit more *beams huge smile* VERY PLEASED :O) Thanks Bill - I'm reassured to know that SOMEBODY was in NO doubt :O) Honestly a girl could get a complex coming on here ha ha. I will bow to Nicks far superior knowledge and not do anything with the clutch. I'll cancel my appointment next week at MCR and just wait and see what happens. Though that Frogeye is absolutely beautiful and would have been worth a proper look!! Thanks Deb - if you are ever up this way give me a shout - what part of the Marches does your Aunt live? She may be as near to Nick as me so we could have a mini meet :O) Nick I'm free anytime after tomorrow so just let me know (either here, text or email) when suits you best and I'll pop over :O) This will make you chuckle - I've just come back from the Pub (IN THE DARK) and the dash lights have now decided to work on their own, which is even weirder considering I thought they had been disconnected on Sunday? The switch isn't even working so very strange! ha ha Off for an early night tonight, so I'll say night night and speak to you all tomorrow. |
| Jue Williams |
| Jue!! yours and everyone else's Midget always do things like that. However, in your case, I bypassed the faulty dash rocker switch by inserting a double bladed low amperage fuse into the two wires that went to the switch. It is highly possible that the connection wasn't making good contact or it could just be monsters behind the dash. They tend to live there at times. Given that I never have the first idea what day of the week it is at any given time, just let me know when you want it done. Im not busy any day until the Canadian F1GP week after next |
| Nick Sayle |
| Jue, My Aunt is near Leominster. If I came over it wouldn't be in the Midget (unless I trailered it) since he is a pure race car and no way road legal! Of course I could bring the NOSCAR (nitrous injected TF)! Oh and for who ever it was (cannae remember) who asked about injecting pure O2 into the cylinders - the combustion temperatures would melt the engine! THAT'S why some of us use Nitrous Oxide (because it has a higher O2 content than air, but is safe if you set the fueling up correctly). |
| Deborah Evans |
| Nick, That quote consisted of around 1200GBP for parts and basic machining. The rest is my time and labour, to disassemble the motor, clean it thoroughly, put it together right, check, disassemble and rebuild several times (machining as necessary) until it is spot on perfect, measuring all tolerances and optimising, then re-build into a working, RELIABLE unit that will take the increased performance. Sounds expensive but the extra 400GBP is based on 16 hrs, @ 25 GBP per hour, and is the result of using someone who has been building and racing these motors since 1983. You pays yer money and you takes yer choice... Dolly Sprint box won't fit - it's TOTALLY different from the Dolly 1850. MGB box will not fit neither (too long, too long a first motion shaft, no bellhousing available to match to the Triumph 4-pot, and no-one would try because it's a clunky heavy POS compared to the Midget 1500 box! Oh and: "I have heard that the right combination of box and OD that you can get away without changing the prop shaft." Sorry but no you can not. If you fit an O/D 'box to a Midget you HAVE to shorten the propshaft. In this sense you are worse of than doing the conversion on a Spitfire because the latter has off the shelf (exchange) parts. |
| Deborah Evans |
| Can't sleep so I'm back on here :O) Deb - Nick is very close to Leominster and I'm about an hour or so away so let us know if you are ever over this way. Would love to meet up and see the NOSCAR :O) and I'll just have to pop down to Cambs to see your other baby. I'm so jealous of that one, but not at all surprised that to hear he's not road legal. He looks absolutely stunning! Nick - is this Friday ok with you or is that too short notice? I can pop down morning or afternoon whichever is best for you. The Gremlins are obviously in situ behind the dash then :O) the dashlights didn't want to come on again after I parked the car and came back to it but I flicked the headlamp switch off and on again and it worked so perhaps it's a loose connection somewhere. |
| Jue Williams |
| >>>>>.yes got the engine quote. I am sort of thinking about buying a spare engine and going for it myself. Not so much for the cost involved, but just as a hobby/project. I love pushrod engines and fancy the challenge<<<<< Thank You GOD!!! My replacement has ""FINALLY"" made himself known! Now I can finish my engine and get on with life. Yeah go for it!, Make it super complex, and whatever you do, dont leave a single nut screw, washer, part, un-touched with a grinder or un-modified in some way,,,, you really want that engine to be special, So make sure Everything is after market super expensive and carries promisis of great expections and make sure all the parts come from differant companys and manufatures... dont worry Im so sure everything will fit like a glove the vary 1st time. Just throw away the phone # number to the CNC shop, cause you wont need it... Oh and definatly use parts from other cars that look similar, if those parts worked on the engine it came from then surely it will work just fine on yours... just powder coat the whole thing, it will be pretty. And above all, it wont take you longer then a saterday afternoon to build, so dont even worry about putting your life on simi permenate hold Your the MAN! I so envy you, I wish I could build "another" high performce engine like starting in 2 weeks after I get my current one finished and running. you know what the best part is, its going to be so freaken expensive you no longer will have to look at a woman on the street and debate with yourself about asking her out or not, cause friend at 11pm on friday night your going to be so broke and greased out with engine lube your new girlfriends name is "Rosey Palm" and she has 5 beautiful daughters.... And she will be around a long LONG Vary LONG time. Prop... Im so glad to be pass the torch to the new guy |
| Prop |
| Jue, Friday is fine for me, about 1 ish would be perfect giving enough time to test drive it on a good road towards the pub Deb, I know you are right and I know I will make loads of mistakes, but the goal is not to throw in a perfect engine but to learn. However, my intention overall is to go for fuel injection as this is well within my engineering capabilities where as boring honing and balancing isn't. I have already gone through a load of possibilities and done a lot of research and now fixed on my design. If I build up my head and injection system within my given budget it would make far more sense to use one for your blocks. |
| Nick Sayle |
| Nick, 1pm is good and a test drive after to the pub sounds even better :O) See you tomorrow - and thanks ever so much again. You're a star! |
| Jue Williams |
| Am I sencing an applicalble nursey rhyme taking place here on the BBS? how does it go? Nick and Jue, sittin in a tree, 1st comes the K. I. S. S. then the wedding using wedding cars tunbridge wells ring.... Prop |
| Prop |
| hardly lol a man and a woman can have a similar interest and not jump each other. |
| LJ Darlow |
| Very tuneful Prop. You'll have to audition for America's Got Talent when it starts ;O) lol |
| Jue Williams |
| where's my buzzer! |
| LJ Darlow |
| Thats sad... Im still holding out hope for me, deb and rach, (Hey if it was okay for the bible....Then) Prop...always thinking to the future LOL... HAHAHA |
| Prop |
| Well the shocks and anti roll bar bushes have been replaced (thanks very much Nick :O) and the handling is loads and loads better but... it's still a bit twitchy. Everything on the suspension and steering has been checked and is perfect so we swapped the two front wheels over and tried Nicks (very low tread) front wheels and the handling was spot on so... my question is the tyres that are on Clarissa look like new with stacks of tread left and are Goodyear GT3 155/70s - does anyone have any experience/knowledge of these. I understand that they are pretty soft and we are as certain as we can be that the tyres are causing the problem. I am not aware that the car has been left standing on these tyres as I was told that she had been driven pretty much all the time but obviously I can only take the sellers word for that. The guy I bought the car from said that the pressures should be 22psi front and 24 rear but that sounds incredibly low to me tbh. I've put them up to 28 tonight but it still hasn't made any difference to the handling. Do you suggest new front tyres (back don't seem to affect handling at all) and if so which harder compound brand is better to go for? Cheers Jue |
| Jue Williams |
| Jue most likely the wheels got balanced and mounted at a modern shop.... MMmmm MMMmMMm Not good, the ol roystyle wheel is a 3 part welded wheel and is not balanced on the center hub, its centered on a differant concept, so the modern shop most likely thought the wheel was warped or bent and loaded up alot of weights ... you need to take to a hole in the wall hop thats really old and works with classic cars,,,it needs balanced with a finger do-dad try starting another thread calling it (help balnace a rostyle wheel... the others can help you way more then I Prop |
| Prop |
| prop, they are minilites running Dunlop SP3's. When we fitted my Uniroyal 680's the problem went away. |
| Nick Sayle |
| Jue, The pass was closed, but we drove past the warning sign and all the way up to the tunnel (which was shuttered) - so we got a good drive, if a little rock strewn and ice walled http://adventures-of-jules.blogspot.com/2010/06/life-on-ok-probably-not-actually-open.html |
| Will Munns |
| Hi Will. Ah that's such a shame, but at least you managed to see some of it :O) I had a quick look at your blog the other day and it sounds like you're having a fantastic time. I'll keep an eye on it and see where you've managed to visit. Enjoy it and stay safe. |
| Jue Williams |
This thread was discussed between 26/05/2010 and 07/06/2010
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