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 MGA - Running in

It seems to be the general advice when starting up a rebuilt motor, to run for 20 mins at 2500 rpm or thereabouts, to make sure the new cam and followers are adequately lubricated as they bed in. I am curious as to whether this practice is followed by new car manufacturers, and if not, why not. I would be surprised if they took the time to do this.
A Pearse

No need for new engines, no pushrods, but mainly much higher machining tolerances.

The basic principals of the engine haven't changed much over the last 50 years, but the manufacturing equipments and methods have changed beyond all recognition!
Neil McGurk

What Neil says is correct that with overhead camshafts (no pushrods) four light valves per cylinder instead of two heavier valves, sometimes roller tappets, different tolerances and materials etc. the running in of camshafts is not as critical today as it was.
However most maufacturers do still give their engines a "bedding in" run before fitting to a car.
With the MGA we are talking about 1950's and 1960's engines and lubricants.
My first hand experience with BMC manufacture in Australia at that time is that they did give the engines a hard run immediately after engine assembly, before fitting in the car.
I have attached a photo of Morris Mini engines getting this treatment at the BMC factory in Sydney, Australia.

Mick


Mick Anderson

This thread was discussed on 28/07/2008

MG MGA index

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