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MG TD TF 1500 - Waking up a sleeping TD

So this guy brings me this TD that hasn't run in years, and was accidentally stored on a dirt floor for a few years. The wood is very weak at the doors and the latches are pretty beat up. There are a few other horrible things, but the car is mostly all there. The moist environment has raised havoc with the underside of the chassis, brakes and suspension. But it has a new wiring harness of pvc in a braided outer wrap.

The engine was rebuilt just before storage as were the carbs. I drained the fuel tank, and removed the filter someone had installed just after the tank. I rebuilt the carburetors and although some parts were clean, anything exposed to the old fuel was gunk, as were the float bowls, but the filters looked new. I cleaned the fuel pump and allowed it to pump fuel from an auxiliary tank and flushed the lines. Has 60 psi oil pressure at cranking speed. It wouldn't start, so I wiped the contact breaker points and it fired.

I do this with the rocker cover off so I can see if the valves are operating, but also because I like to know that the rockers are getting oil. And they aren't. So I pre-oiled them, installed the fuel line splice, put a couple of gallons in the tank and made sure that the car would drive, it pulls to the right so I guess I'm going to inspect the brakes next.

I loosened the banjo nut at the head and oil squirts there, so I know the oil is getting to the head. I removed the rocker shaft, and it has pedestals with holes in all of them, so I know that it isn't the wrong pedestal blocking the oil hole in the head. It's hotter than a pistol out, so I take the shaft into the garage and disassemble it. Hmmmm that doesn't look right. The multiple holes for the rockers are underneath, and the single hole for the pedestal is on top, but in the front. The rocker shaft is upside down and backwards. From a reputable shop, no less.

Problem solved. It's a lot easier to sell a running car than a non-runner.

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

Now we know why you've been quiet lately - busy guy. Any pictures?
efh Haskell

Nice detective work Dave.
Bruce Cunha

This thread was discussed between 17/07/2010 and 18/07/2010

MG TD TF 1500 index

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