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MG MGA - 1600 MGB clutch cover change

After some good info from Barney, I found that there may be some interference with the MGB clutch cover and the MGA bell housing (Borg and Beck clutch cover) due to a possible design change.
Has anyone done this change recently? What clutch cover did you use? Thanks Neal Turner
neal turner

Do you have a 5-spped or not?
dominic clancy

Thanks for your reply Dominic, I have an 18v engine and a stock trans hook-up and want to use a MGB clutch plate but it seems that there is a bit of diffuculty with the fit of the newer Borg and Beck pressure plate, though I havent tried it yet. I am already set up with an MGB trans cover and bearing fork on a fresh overhaul. I am hoping to find an alternative pressure plate or new old stock Borg and Beck p plate. If not I will have to go to the MBA pressure plate set-up. Thanks, Neal Turner
neal turner

I recently fitted the B clutch in my A. The pressure plate just touched the bell housing in a couple of places but a quick grind with a small angle grinder soon resolved it. It depends on the bell housing casting ( ie thickness ) if it touches or not.
A J Dee

Thats good news AJ, On Barneys web page CT-102A there is shown an old type Borg and Beck pressure plate with a tapered crown and beside it shows a newer style with a more squared crown. Which one did you install? Thanks, Neal Turner
neal turner

Sorry for the delay. Think it was the older tapered one - got it new old stock at an auto jumble.
A J Dee

Thanks for your reply AJ, I guess that I will look for another brand of clutch cover.
Does anyone know of a suitable MGB clutch cover of the same quality as the Borg and Beck? Neal Turner
neal turner

I had the same issue with a 5-speed conversion, and also had to grind the bellhousing to solve it. It wasn't the grinding that was the PITA bit the repeated assembly / disassembly of engine to gearbox. It worked fine after the fourth time.......
dominic clancy

Hello, Looks that I am on the hunt for a new old stock MGB pressure plate by Borge and Beck. If anyone has one that they would like to get rid of please let me know. Thanks, Neal Turner
neal turner

When doing the MGB cover conversion, always do it with engine out and bolt it up on the bench and try and turn it. I had one guy put the whole unit back in the car before trying to turn it and finding out it was seized solid.

The interference is usually fairly small. If it sezes when the transmission bolts are tightened, loosen them until it will turn and turn it over a couple of times, then remove the trans and have ago at the bright spots inside the bellhousing with an angle grinder.
Bill Spohn

Thanks bill, I have just bought a Laycock brand clutch cover from E-Bay (nos). I am also looking for a new old stock Borg and Beck. I have some feelers out but am not getting much. I will keep looking on E-Bay. Thanks, Neal Turner
neal turner

This thread was discussed between 25/07/2011 and 03/08/2011

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.