MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - To 'engine stand' or not to 'engine stand'

I'm about to pull the engine out of my 78 MG midget and have what might seem to be a really stupid question. Will those engines go on a standard engine stand? The reason I ask is the 1500cc engine seems to have a very thin wall where the bell housing mounts on. It appears that the bell housing has the thicker side. I've also never seen one of these engines on a stand before. So, sorry if this is a really dumb question! Also, if it will go onto a stand, what size bolts would I need to get? Tanks ahead of time for your help.
DLW

DLW,

haven't done it with the 1500 engine but have with the A series. Recommend you do it though as it'll sav the sump gasket being put under pressure, compressing and then leaking.
Much easier to clean and paint it and add bits to it when it's 3-4 foot up in the air!
I used longer bolts through to the back of the engine where the bell housing fits, sorry don't remember their size.

Jeremy
Jeremy 3

It's going back a while for me, but I had a Triumph 1500 on a stand circa 1994. I don't remember any problems. But then again I've forgotten more than I know.
CJCharvet

I don't know what a "standard" stand is, but my 1500 fit nicely on my El Cheapo Harbor Freight stand. I too was a little worried about the thin back plate, but it came through unscathed. Sure made the scrubbing up easier!

R
Richard 1979 1500

On the 1275, I have always seen them mounted on the side of the engine, I wish I new more because Im going to be in that situation my self soon, Im planing on getting one from Harbor Freight(Im glad my ansetors are dead...they would be so ashamed to see the direction I have gone with el cheapos...LOL), Id spend a few extra dollars and get the 4 legged stand instea of the 3 legged...the 3 leg always looks like it would tip over just by itself W/O the engine.

Might try calling a britsh car repair and ask how they do it.

prop
Prop

It's nice to know that it can be done because I want to clean the engine and strip it down this winter for a rebuild. The stand is a 750lbs stand from an auto parts store, it just says "standard" on the sticker. I assume they are all the same, just different ratings in how much they can hold. I guess I will pull out one of the bolts between the bellhousing and the engine and just try and match it up with longer machine bolts from the hardware store. Thank all you guys for the info.
DLW

Here you go Prop,

http://www.spridget-tech.com/Engine/Engine_Stand_Adapter.pdf
Trevor-Jessie

Thanks Treavor,


That was really nice of you, is that your design, I like it, Im going to use it...simple and straight forward.

prop
Prop

Not mine... I assumed it belongs to Chris (the owner of the site).
Trevor-Jessie

This thread was discussed between 25/10/2008 and 27/10/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.