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 TD TF 1500 - TD Operating Temp., The Sequel

I first want to thank everyone who responded to my first query regarding TD Operating Temp. The number of responses was overwhelming and quite educational. And so,,, to the bottom line.

Some new information: The radiator has been cleaned and inspected. The water pump is new. The fan belt is taught, with about 1/2" play. It appears that I have one of three issues to deal with (my winter project):

1. The thermostat is not opening fully.

2. The thermostat is opening too much. Not likely, I think, since this would be beyond it's structural parameters. (I hadn't expected this, but would assume it to be feasible from people's feedback.)

(Did I mention that I had the housing milled and a "modern" thermostat installed. I've not had any adverse responses regarding this procedure, so I don't think this is a problem.)

I do believe the thermostat is opening, at least. The bypass heats up after starting the engine, then the radiator heats up quickly, at the point the thermostat would be opening.

I think I can check the above by taking the thermostat out and putting it in a pan of boiling water to observe it's response.

(Also, I did check the temperature reading of the dashboard temperature gauge by comparing it with a laboratory thermometer reading of the radiator water temperature. They are within a degree.)

Alternative number 3 is the timing. First, I was advised that a slight advance would give better engine responsiveness... about 3/16" on the circumference of the timing pully... I'm not sure what this equates to in degrees. More lately, however, I've been told that an advanced timing can cause engine overheating. And so, this is another option.

These will be the focus for my resolution of the problem. Again, any advice would be appreciated. Thank you, everyone, for your support.
gary dewitt

Gary,

If my review of the previuos thread is correct, I believe that your operating temperature is within normal parameters (I can't offer personal observations as my '51 TD doesn't have a temp. gauge). Therefore, I don't think that spending alot of time and money on the issue would be worth it unless you have experienced other "hot" running problems.

Also, running too lean may make the car run better, but also hotter.

Larry
Larry Thompson

You would be well advised to slacken off the fan belt because, with 1/2" deflection, it is so tight that in a very short time you will ruin the rear bushing on the dynamo, and that will result in the the unit burning out when the commutator touches the field windings. I habitually use nearly two inches of slack, which makes the belt appear to be on the point of popping off the pullies. The water pump will still work satisfactorily.

Geoff Love http://www.englishconn.com
Geoff Love

Check the mystery holes.
Jack Williamson

This thread was discussed between 18/10/1999 and 19/10/1999

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.