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MG MGB Technical - 1979 - Motor mounts - Spacer required ?

I am installing new exhaust system in 1979 mgb roadster - US Spec - and am having problems with clearance between catalytic converter and steering column. Question is: Did MG fit a spacer to driver's side engine mount, to boost clearance between these components ? Right now, with no spacer fitted, there is a hard interference. I purchased the vehicle 2nd hand, with a bodged exhauust system fitted, and rotten engine mounts. Mounts now replaced, and starting on returning exhaust system to original spec. Have found no reference to spacer in Moss or Victoria British catalogues.
If spacer WAS fitted, how thick ? (I am sure it is no longer available, and I will probably have to machine one to fit.)
Thanks for assistance !
Chris
Chris Craveb

Chris. Just installed a rebuilt engine in my daughter's 77. It had two spacers, about .050" (I did not measure them) on the left motor mount. My LE had one spacer. As I remember it was a "shim as required" thing and there is no standard number. You should be able to use a motor mount as a pattern for making shims--they are the size of the steel base. Or, contact GBMG@aol.com and order a couple. Making them out of steel or aluminum will take a hour or more. I suspect they can be purchased rather inexpensively. Les
Les Bengtson

Chris,

My 77 has 2 shims on each side. As Les says, should be easy to make. They are a rounded-off diamond shape with holes drilled in the "ears" for the motor mount bolts. I haven't checked the catalogs, but I would think Moss or VB would have them.
Paul Konkle

Chris,

I am currently rebuilding a '79 B. Put in two new motor mounts and shims...purchased from either Moss or VB, I forget which one! My car has one shim per side, about an 1/8" thick. I think I still have the old ones somewhere in my garage, glass beaded and primed. If I can find them, hopefully I did not throw them away, you can have them for the price of the stamps to mail them to you. But as the others said, it would really be no big deal to make new ones yourself. With new motor mounts and shims, I have about 3/8" to 1/2" clearance between the edge of the cat and the steering column.

Engine mount and shim listed in VB catalog, page 98, item no. 17, "mount packing", $2.37 ea.

Larry Y.
Larry Youngblood

Thanks one and all. I figured someone out there would know ! Appreciate the quick response.
Larry, don't know how I missed these - I ordered replacement mounts from VB; but swear on a stack of bibles that I did not see these components shown !
Cheers

CRC
Chris Craven

Chris, if you still have your old engine mounts and the metal is in good shape, just hack off the rotten rubber and mounting stud, then all you will be left with is the diamond shaped piece of metal.

That is what I did to get the extra "spacers".

Good luck!

Mark
Mark

This thread was discussed between 05/09/2001 and 06/09/2001

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