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MG MGA - Vibrating Noise and Massive Oil Leak Fixed

Well, even though it's the coldest winter in 40 years, I managed to finally get out and fix some of those pesky problems. One of which was an annoying vibrating noise around 2000 rpm. Turns out that one of the carb overflow pipes had been bouncing off the steering arm and pratcially wore a hole in it (the copper pipe that is). Took a look at my old MGA book and found that these pipes should have been routed through a small metal bracket mounted to the left side of the fuel pump blanking plate, right next to the tappet cover vent mount. Found a bracket, bent the pipes to suit and the noise is gone.

The other problem was a massive oil leak. In just 500 km's, highway, I had lost over 2qts of oil. Now the engine is a fresh rebuild and I expected some loss, but not like that. Turns out that the engine side covers were just pouring oil out. One of the gaskets had cracked and both had been compressed way too much. Darn old gasket set with raw cork (go with the rubberized cork). Ditto with the valve cover gasket. Replaced these parts and all is back to that way it should be. Only several drops here and there.

Tom Baker

Tom

I would never have come up with that solution. I thought you drive right-hand cars over there in Japan!

Steve
Steve Gyles

Hi Tom, I had the same annoying vibration on mine when I bought it, but fortunately it was at tickover - so easier to locate. The overflow pipe was rattling against the chassis and pointing down straight at the exhaust pipe ( just right to start a fire). Mine are too short to go through the original clamp you mention - obviously snapped off by a previous owner /restorer. Must get some replacement copper pipe to put it back where it should be . Cheers Cam
C Cunningham

Hi Steve,

Trying to find a RHD MGA in Japan is tough. Ironically, most MG's here are LHD. Just warmed over US Spec cars it seems. Hey, Australia seems closer than the US, why not drop a couple LHD ones on the way?

Otherwise we do drive right-hand cars here. Lots and lots of really unique and nice cars in Japan, much like Europe (or everywhere NOT the United States). One of our club members has a Lotus 11, an Elise, an MGA, a Citroen, and a Super Seven with a Cosworth 4.

One of the other members has special ordered a Bugatti Veyron and went to the factory in December to watch it being built. The only one coming to Japan at this time. I sure feel poor with my A. But you know what? No mater how rich I become (unlikely) I will always have an A in the stable.

Cam, I had a tough time trying to find it. It didn't want to do it with the hood open for some reason so trying to get under the car while having a friend run it up to 2000 RPM was tough. It was really just luck from a close inspection.
Tom Baker

This thread was discussed between 29/01/2006 and 30/01/2006

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