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Whilst we're on the subject of carbs etc would anyone be able to answer the following; I wish to ditch the take off from the rocker cover that then splits via the T-piece and plugs into the inlet manifold. Number of reasons being that the hoses are in a state and are cracked and crazed, aren't clamped at any point and I'm sure aren't helping therefore to maintain a constant mix/tune. Add to this the fact that I am also trying to "de-clutter" the engine bay. I propose to fit the cover take off with a small pancake filter,... MORE
Got my brakes all back together and they are working great - thanks to everyone for the help. Now I'm refurbishing the side curtains and have a couple of questions. First, is the Plexiglas panel closest to the windshield supposed to move. Mine don't on either side. Second, does anyone have any tricks on getting the rubber gaskets in? The bottom and the side closest to the windshield went in fine (except that they came apart at the corner - I guess I'll use super glue), but I'm having a heck of a time with the long part that... MORE
I'd suggest that brake calipers and drums get too hot for powder coating. Powder coating melts at relatively low temperatures (thats how they make it stick to stuff) There are other, more appropriate coatings for brake components- similar to powder coating, but ceramic based. Try asking at race , hotrod , or aeronautical components suppliers. Alternatively you can buy 'brake caliper paint' in spray cans- sometimes its pretty good but usually its disappointing. Good luck! G "Grant Bowyer" 7314... MORE
Anyone have any experiences, good or bad, with powder coating brake calipers and drums? Cheers, Steve Clark Southampton, Uk "Steve Clark" 7290... MORE
If your brake fluid turns to powder you may also find that your brakes start to smoke, your horse starts to talk, and your cat will walk backwards under the full moon. I believe he's thinking of what happens (allegedly) if you mix dot 4 and silicon (dot 5) Apparently, in the early days of silicon fluid, it coagulated if mixed with conventional brake fluid. Never seen it happen myself. BTW I've got a nice bridge for sale if your friend's looking to invest... "Grant Bowyer" 7228... MORE
Of course he was serious, Reggie!! Anyone knows Autozone carries blinker fluid, available in many different weights, depending upon outside air temperature! Cap'n. Bob '61 :{) PilotRob@... 7236... MORE
Hey, Brad- Somebody answered you on this who thinks you have a cat?? Hah, hah, hah!! Your brake fluid will turn to powder? Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! 3 & 4 are similiar formulas, my friend; no problem. Not so with 5; silicone formula - different. Mix away! (Now, about "your" cat, Brad... what kind were you thinking of? Heh, heh, heh!). Brad with a cat....yeah, rrriiiiiight!! :) Cap'n. Bob '61 :{) PilotRob@... 7229... MORE
Anyone give me a starter on this one? A friend has an MG VA saloon and we are restoring the hydraulic jacking system to working order as well as the remotely controlled suspension. What hydraulic fluid and suspension fluid should we use? We really need the original as we are not sure about modem ones being compatible with the old seals. We are trawling through the literature to see if we can find out what the old seals were made of and what original fluids were recommended. Thanks Terry "Terry Isherwood" 7175... MORE
Someone told me that my blinker recently stoped making the clicking noise because my blinker tank is out of fluid and the blinker cam can not actuate the blinker push rod to start and stop the light. They want to charger me $259 for the repair.....I went to the local autoparts store and they told me they dont carry blinker fluid.......is this a common problem????? And to think, this guy was serious!!! Had my face hurting and sides burning. Reginald I. Durant Single-Dad Drama Major Bartender Verano Place Housing Assistant University of California, Irvine 68 Midget GAN4U 61741 G... MORE
I do have more than 3 clicks (quite a few more), so I'll try that, but would that cause it to be soft and then get firm after I pump the pedal? rlirwin@... 7092... MORE
I am replacing the wheel bearings on my bugeye with disc breaks. When I pulled of the hub the inside race of the inside bearing stayed on the spindle right up against the collar. Have tried to find a bearing puller as it instructs in the Haynes manual, but the car parts stores don't seem to know what I mean. I've removed the backing plate and tried a punch, but that doesn't seem to work. I've also tried pounding a small screw driver down between the race and the collar, but no movement either. Any ideas on how to... MORE
Reassembling my front breaks and the instructions that came with the kits said to reassemble the pistons in the same direction that they were originally. They were installed with the cutout in all different directions. I assume that this is incorrect, like other thing have been on my car when I've gotten them apart. The haynes manual for my son's MGB says that the cutout should be aligned toward the hub. Does this sound right for a sprite (bugeye with later model disc brakes on front)? Also, which holes in the brake shoes do the springs go in? Any... MORE
Kelly, when was your brake fluid last changed? If its old it will be full of water and the water might be freezing and forcing its way past the seals... (OK so its a long shot...) G "Grant Bowyer" 6944... MORE
In the Austin-Healey Sprite Mk. I and II driver's handbook the Hydraulic dampers are covered on page 54 . This is in the "every 6,000 MILES (9600 Km,) section" "The fluid in both the front and rear dampers can be topped up without removing them from the vehicle." .."When the damper is thoroughly clean, remove the filler plug and fill up to the bottom of the plug hole with Armstrong Super Thin fluid No. 624 If this fluid is not available a good quality mineral oil to specification S. A. E. 20/20 W can be used." I do not... MORE
It has been years butI have a 1960 BUGEYE and can't seem to locate whether the rear as well as front shocks have a place to fill the resovoir.I looked in Haynes Manual and see nothing. If so what type of fluid is used. "Lacoco, Mark" 6930... MORE
Does anyone have any tricks that they have used for installing the dust seals and retaining ring for the disc brake caliper pistons. The instructions that came with the kit suggested using a special tool that doesn't seem to be available. Thanks Bob Irwin rlirwin@... 6904... MORE
Graham True, the o-rings don't come with the rebuild kit - I didn't have a problem ordering them a couple of years ago. Try asking (in the UK at least) for o-rings for the 12" wheel Mini - the calipers are identical to Midget ones other than the mounting bolt holes... The pads are the same too so if you can't get uprated Midget ones order Mini (1980 onwards) pads. James "jamesbilsland" 6827... MORE
Tim There is no reason why caliper halves should not be separated as long as they are reassembled correctly and new seals are used. I had a set of 'split/rebuilt/reassembled' calipers on my FISC race car for a couple of seasons with absolutely no problems. I think the 'no splitting' rule came about because manufacturers are paranoid about safety and brake systems and do not want enthusiastic idiot owners to risk their lives - the way I look at it though is that I have a greater interest in my own safety than some dumb kid sitting at a... MORE
I rebuilt my disc calipers and after separating the caliper halves I read that you're never supposed to do that, opps. Does anyone know why other that the chance of getting debris on the mating surfaces? Also I found my disc cups to be worn on the sides where thet would stick on, perhaps that's why your calipers are sticking. I bought new cups, have yet to install them. TimS '63 Sprite MkII Detroit, Mi "Summers, Tim" 6824... MORE
That's just a little tough to do with the brake hoses off. Allen Hefner SCCA Philly Region Rally Steward '77 Midget '75 Midget "The Project" '92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport - - - - - - - - - - - ajhsys@... 6822... MORE
I think that it's probably a good idea to replace the front rotors and start with a good working system on my bugeye. The next question is how to get the front hub off the car. The book mentions a hub extractor and possibly the need for a bearing extractor if the back race stays on the spindle when removed. Are these actual tools that you can buy at an auto parts store, or will a rubber mallet work as well. Also, the book says that I need to torque the nuts that hold the hub on properly. Sounds... MORE
I think that it's probably a good idea to replace the front rotors and start with a good working system on my bugeye. The next question is how to get the front hub off the car. The book mentions a hub extractor and possibly the need for a bearing extractor if the back race stays on the spindle when removed. Are these actual tools that you can buy at an auto parts store, or will a rubber mallet work as well. Also, the book says that I need to torque the nuts that hold the hub on properly. Sounds... MORE
Bob, The reason(s) that your brake pad is stuck to the rotor is not because of pressure (as you have found by removing the hose). There are metal particles in the pads, as well as the resins that hold the pad material together that have oxidized and chemically welded themselves to the disk. chances are, that becauses of this chemical reaction the disk is most likely pretty well pitted by now. As an addenum I add this short story about the same situation (tires rubbing the brake hose). When I bought my first midget (a nice blue 1965) The... MORE
Bob, If the disk is worn, grooved or thinner than normal from being turned before, you should replace them. They're cheap enough that turning is probably not worthwhile. You can probably get them from your local auto supply like Kragen's, Pep Boys, etc., but if you have problems, I can get you a source. Since you'll have the hubs off to do this, it is a good time to inspect wheel bearings. Clean and repack them if they are good or get new ones if you're in doubt. Definately replace the grease seals. Gerard "gerardchateau" 6800... MORE
Got the brake hoses off and was hoping that the pads would let loose of the right hand disc when I removed the hose and let off any pressure in the line. But that didn't happen, the pads are still tight up against the disc. Would this indicate that I'll need to rebuild the caliper? Thanks Bob Irwin rlirwin@... 6806... MORE
