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MG MGA - MGA Hazardous Conditions Checklist

I’m planning a summer driving Safety Hazard Inspection tech session for our club’s MGA’s & MG T-series only and am preparing a checklist of potential hazards that should be looked for.

Items to check that unless corrected could result in a serious injury or tragedy, might include:
- nuts loosening or missing from bolts at leaf springs
- bolts missing (or loose) that hold the swivel at the (inboard) base of the triangular spring pan to the cross member of the chassis
- steering wheel retaining nut loose enough that it could vibrate off in time, resulting in steering wheel lift off while driving
- rubber boots over connecting cables on starter in engine compartment

If you have a checklist (your own or a club’s) that you could share with me (my email is above), it would be most appreciated! I welcome any other suggested items or suggestions as well!

Thank you in advance,

Safety fast!
Paul Hinchcliffe
60 MGA-1600
Paul Hinchcliffe

An obscure one is to check all the grommets are in the unused holes in firewall and all other gaps between engine compartment and cockpit are sealed. Otherwise this can lead to fumes in the cockpit, can be particularly nasty if the hood is up. Been there, had the headache.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Hi Paul, One of the most dangerous items has proved to be the nut behind the steering wheel - or does this only apply to BMWs ?? Thanks for the tip about holes in the firewall Steve - good job I never have the top up - must get those grommets fitted.Cheers Cam
Cam Cunningham

Cam & Paul

The biggest offender on a number of cars (we discussed it last year) is the gap between the outer skin and the firewall in the corners up under the instrument panel forward of the windscreen stanchions. You could almost drive a bus through the gap in mine - quarter to half an inch in places.

Steve
Steve Gyles

leaking brake lines
loose lug nut
leaking carbs & fuel lines
loose wheeel bearing
missing or loose w/w spokes
steering shaft u-joint
too much free play in rack & pinnion
faulty or non functioning E-brake

and when all else fails .....check the driver !
Gordon Harrison

Steve,

What do you use to fill the gap you mentioned.
Regards
Nigel
Nigel Munford

Nigel

I used whatever I could find in my 'odds and ends' box. I believe it was some heavy duty garage door sealing rubber that had lost its adhesiveness. I am always reluctant to throw things away - "will come in useful one day". No doubt some one will be able to tell you a more suitable caulking material. It made a terrific difference to the temperature and also air quality in the cockpit. Well worth doing.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Battery or Batteries clamped in position
Fan blades secure
Seat backs secure - drivers seat collapsing when braking hard is a surprise!
No fuel leaks - anywhere.

Paul - please share the final list with us.

Nigel Steward

Carb overflow lines installed correctly routing the fuel around the exhaust mainfolds and onto the ground.
Steve Mc

Nigel:
I used 3M Strip-Calk Part# 0511135-08578 (black). 1 box containe 60 ft of 1/8x1/4 body caulk in 1 ft long strips. Had to roll a bunch together to fill the gap. The stuff is pliable and easy to use. Got it from a body shop supply store.
Good luck Randy
R J Brown

Dare I mention bodged or chafed wiring (also going through panels without using grommets)?

In addition to what has already been mentioned, add anything that would be tested in an official roadworthiness check (lights aimed correctly, direction lights functioning correctly, perished wiper blades, scratched or pitted windscreens, worn or leaking shocks, no big oil leaks, brakes unbalanced or ineffective, fuel/brake lines/hoses in poor condition, weeping at tank sender (usually very close to more chafed wiring), worn or perished suspension bushes, missing rebound straps, horn broken, seat belt mountings or fittings damaged, any sharp rusty edges, condition of tyres (amazing what some people go out on), play in kingpins/wheel bearings/splines, leaking oil seals at hubs, low hanging cables, exhaust gas tight at joints and secure (no holes), anything loose that shouldn't be, strange fittings in the cockpit that present dangers, seats secure on floor, doors open and close without problems...)
dominic clancy

This thread was discussed between 02/05/2006 and 03/05/2006

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