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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Removing Spark Plugs

Every time I have to remove spark plug No 1 on my midget 1500 I have to slacken off the alternator- remove the fan belt so I can slide the alternator even further back to get a plug spanner onto the plug!
Is this normal?
Bill.
W Wood

It is on mine...I curse the engineers every time I do the job!
Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

I had the same problem for years and then I changed the fan belt..somehow I had got a longer one which moved the alternator further away from the engine when tensioned correctly, and I could then get my plug removing socket in to the plug recess without any trouble.
Unfortunately I have no idea what fan belt I am now using(ie what car it is from), but perhaps you could remove your existing belt, move the alernator to the position that gives access to the plug and use a piece of cord or similar to fit round the pullies to measure what length of belt you need and then go to Halfrauds and have a rake into their array of belts and see if you can find one of the correct length.
Could be a bit hit and miss allowing for the V shape in the pullies and the need for tension adjustment, but it certainly makes life easier for me!
JB Anderson

Sorry about my spelling, for "pullies" please read "pulleys".
Dunce.
JB Anderson

The GM/Delco alternator conversion on my 1500 is about an inch shorter than the Lucas unit, allowing access to the #1 plug w/o moving the alternator.

Oh, and it puts out 40 amps, costs half what the Lucas does if a rebuild, but also available brand new for about the price of the Lucas (a nice option), installs fairly EZ (bracket to pulley distance essentially identical, creative bracketing choices may be required).

Highly recommend the next time your Lucas rebuild takes a dump.
Richard Reeves

Reading Richard's post above, I remember I changed my alternator some time ago and that could be the reason the access to the plug is improved rather than just the fan belt being longer.I will have to check tomorrow to be certain.
JB Anderson

Good topic - I've had to remove the belt and swing the alt for years to access #1 plug.

Great advice, you guys.

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

another reason to get an A-series midget ;)
Onno Könemann

its a triumph.... The devils play toy
Prop

Hi,
Thanks again for the advice - my alternator looks fairly new so will have to wait till it falls sick! I like the idea of changing the belt for a longer one- will keep that in mind for next time.
Bill.
W Wood

Bill

I assume you have a Lucas alternator, if so is it a 16ACR as it should be? If a PO has fitted a 17 or 18ACR as a replacement this could explain your problem. The bigger alternators are longer than the standard 16ACR. I've got the correct one on my 1500 and have no problem. The adjuster is about halfway along its slot so I assume my fan belt is correct.

Bob
B Davis

Nope - never had to do that - so not a good reason for the a-series ...!

I'm not sure what exactly you are describing, as it is one of the few parts that are easily reachable - can you put a photo up?

Prop - when YOUR car actually runs - THEN you can complain about other people's ... but, do bear in mind, that I am begining to think that a) yours is never going to run, coz you don't want it to; and b) my engine will be out, car welded and panels changed, engine worked on and back in LONG before yours will ever be contemplated on running ...:)
rachmacb

Prop's car has been setting so long that if he had installed a solar collector on his gearshift knob the battery would be overcharged.
Sandy
SANDY SANDERS

Ooh! A new joke line:

"Prop's car has been sitting so long_________________"

As to Bob's point about the different Lucas units: the 2 Lucas rebuilt alts I have purchased (Moss/VicBrit) since I've owned my 1500 were both long enough to interfere with #1 plug removal. They measure 6 1/4" from pulley nose to rear. What is the length of the 16ACR unit? FWIW the GM/Delco alt measures 5 3/8".

Richard Reeves

This thread was discussed between 18/09/2010 and 21/09/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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