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MG MGA - Gradual shift towards metric on MGAs!

I have noticed a gradual shift to metric on MGA/B replacement bits.
My recent cast iron water pump for an 18GB engine has 4 x M6 screws to hold the fan pulley.
The oil pump assembly bolts are also M6 (2 off).
The Rolon duplex timing chain tensioner release mechanism now needs a 3 mm allen key (MGB manual says use 1/8" allen key).
Now carry 10 mm combination spanner in the tool box!
We can add these to Barney's grievance about BA screws being replaced with Unified screws in some windscreen replacement parts.
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

Maybe the Chinese are moving away from USA influence?
Dirk
Dirk Van Ussel

Barney's right about one thing... They will keep doing it (along with the general quality fade) unless we send the parts back as defective.

Edit to add; of course he's right about a lot of things, but this is one that I think needs to get more traction.

-Del
D Rawlins

Struck some Magnette engine mounts the other day
The studs on them were that fat they wouldn't fit through the holes and they were fu754ng whitworth
Where did they land from
William Revit

It only stands to reason,the Chinese have heard that some are adding air,electronic ignitions,electric steering and all other such tomfoolery that even Syd Enever would tell you to just buy a modern car,that they figured why not go all the way and turn our beloved MGA into a Chinese Volvo or MG ;)
gary starr

Well, all the ball bearings are metric, and so are the spark plugs!
Art Pearse

> It only stands to reason,the Chinese have heard that
> some are adding air,electronic ignitions,electric
> steering and all other such tomfoolery that even Syd
> Enever would tell you to just buy a modern car,that
> they figured why not go all the way and turn our
> beloved MGA into a Chinese Volvo or MG ;)




D Rawlins

But you don't need metric wrenches to work ball bearings and spark plugs.

My traveling tool kit has gained a few pounds because of the requirement to include metric wrenches for the non=standard parts. I'm pretty sipped about it, because the box is now overstuffed and hard to get every thing back in after using it. May have to buy a larger traveling toolbox, or maybe a separate tool box just for the metric tools.

The stupidest replacement part was clutch cover bolts that came with 5/16-24-UNF threads and 12-mm hex head (made by putting UNF threads on a standard 8-mm bolt blank). There should be an info note in the parts catalog every time a non-standard replacement part needs a non-original tool.
Barney Gaylord

I seem to recall that I shortened some fine thread Grade 8 bolts for my clutch cover bolts to avoid using the replacement bolts du jour.

-Del
D Rawlins

This thread was discussed between 30/12/2016 and 31/12/2016

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