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 - TF Clutch

Looking at recently restored mgtf 1250(500 miles on restoration). Clutch and gears work fine; there is good pedal/floor clearnace, but clutch is very quick on release. For instance, when re-starting from start on a hillside, easy for engine to stall since clutch engages so quickly. Rebuilder of clutch states this is o.k; will get better when broken in. Question: In your opinion, is the quick clutch a rebuild problem or will it get better with wear. I am sure I can get used to the feel after a while, but before purchasing the car, I would like to know if I am looking at problems on down the road. Thanks so much!
E. Hines

Sounds like the clutch is engaging at the wrong point in the pedal travel. That's generally adjustable, and even if parts are need (clutch rods, etc.) is generally doable for under $150.

You may want to consider the clutch mod found here, it is easy to do and is very effective at increasing feel:

http://www.oconnorclassics.com/techtalk_clutch.php


If you like the car you can pretty much figure that this issue has a simple fix.

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

Dave's suggestion should make the clutch much more managable, but if it doesn't, then a resurface of the flywheel is probably in order. If this is the case, I would suggest learning to live withit until such a time as the engine needs to come out for another reason, because resurfacing the flywheel is pretty much an engine out procedure. In the meantime, there is something you should do religiously, whether the clutch is grabby or not. Learn how to use the hand brake to start out on an incline, then do it any time you are on enough of an incline sufficient to allow the car to roll back when the brakes are released. The rear axle half shafts in the T series cars are a major weak link in the drive train and the majority of broken axles are the results of trying to catch the car as it rolls back by quickly releasing the clutch. On the other hand, the original rear axle half shafts are still intact in our TD what we have been drivng in the hilly parts of Western Washington State, including the infamous virtical streets of Seattle for over 30 years because we always use the hand brake for starting out on hill of any kind. The flyoff hand brake used in the T series cars makes this particularly easy to do. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Check the rear axle U-bolts. Loosen the locknut (they should be doubled) and really tighten. This narrow spring perch is all that keeps the axle from winding up, and if things loosen (really frequent), it makes it lurch at takeoff. George
George Butz

Thanks to all of you for the advice. It is very encouraging and I will use it. Happy motoring.
E. Hines

This thread was discussed on 16/06/2007

MG TD TF 1500 index

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