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Well, as the originator of all this, I think Brent has it exactly! Back to the starting point ... use the combination of filter to do the filtering and magnetic sump plug to collect the metal debris - and also to act as a tell-tale for inspection. The system works fine, and has worked on these engines for the last 50 years. I guess one could fit an extra drain at the front end of the sump for a second magnet but it really is not worth it. Guy "Guy Weller" 12013... MORE
I started this exchange, questioning the worth of using a magnetic sump plug. Apart from suggesting that a magnet "in the oil stream" at or near the filter might be more effective, I also questioned if use of a magnet might actually magnetise some of those metal particals so that they would then attach themselves somewhere else where they are definately not wanted! Using super-strong magnets on the filter could be going the wrong way!! Not much discussion (if any) on this part of the theory. Guy "Guy Weller" 11986... MORE
If a small metal particle is suspended in oil the viscous surface tension of the oil to metal, is probably high enough (even hot) to not let the particle change trajectory towards a side magnet as it zips by in the rushing oil stream. I do believe the 'reservoir's (sump) of oil moving more slowly would at least let gravity take over and settle to the bottom. Even a rare earth magnet (read as...super strong) used in the drain plug, is not going to magnetize a tranny case to any extent that would attract a metal particle. The reason... MORE
Geri- Thanx for filling me in on the rootes-type blower you are using, Geri. I am using 1.5 rollers with a Cooper S cam in my "new" Rivergate engine. What problems have you been hearing about with this arrangement? I experience none. A flowed head, say with 1.4+ intakes and 1.215 or so exhausts sounds like a plan, Geri. Should make quite a difference. MiniMania also has the aluminum variety with 1.4 intakes but stock size exhaust valves. I am happy with mine. The alum. head IS flowed in that it's ports and comb. chambers have been resdesigned so... MORE
Bob, Magnuson produce the so called 'Magnacharger'. They are a US firm (were in Santa Ana, Ca) and this blower is a gear synchronised lobe (or roots) type unit, employing 3 lobes on each rotor. They produced a range of sizes that will suit most size of engine from bikes to small block V8s. His main interest seems to have been bikes which is why they are particularly good for our small motors. Magnachargers were made in 40, 60, 80 and 110 cu in versions of which I have an MC 80 ie the 80 cu in version. These... MORE
Bill, After I install the ring and get the bolt started before I tighten it down I twist the canister back and forth while pushing it upward to help seat the ring. But if canister is bent at the top then you should get a new one. Mike K. '63 Sprite '79 Midget kna331@... 11964... MORE
Bill, Its just not worth fooling around with that old canister. I put on a spin-on adapter (got it from either Moss or Vic Brit, can't remember). It was as easy job to do, its never leaked a drop (altho the engine does leak elsewhere like any good LBC) and its a snap to change the filter. I think I paid around $90 for the adapter and would recommend to you. Alex '61 Bugeye "Alex del Russo" 11962... MORE
Hey gang, Doug Pletcher was helping me tune my SU2s a while back and when the piston on the rear carb was lifted the idle went down even after adjusting the mix ture. Could this be a symptom of a loose throttle shaft? I tried spraying s ome WD40 around the area but no real change in idle. The engine runs really strong but has a steady stumble at idle. Thanks, TimS '63 Sprite MkII Detroit "Summers, Tim" 11944... MORE
Tony, No, but the system seems tol have been converted back to a contact-breaker system from an electronic system that I guess was stock on the 1500 engine. Thanks Mike K. kna331@... 11935... MORE
Mike, It seems to me that the thin wire is acting as a fuse for some other problem - as Guy Weller suggests, possibly a short on the primary side of the coil, or possibly you have somehow got the 12V+ (or +) end of the coil primary connected to the contact-breaker instead of the "low" or CB (or -) end of the coil primary. ON NO ACCOUNT even think of putting in a bigger-gauge wire. I'm assuming you still have an original contact-breaker ignition system, and that it hasn't been converted to some kind of breaker-less electronic system... MORE
Hi all. I am trying to start a '79 Midget with a 1500 engine. First off the Distributor is from earlier year, looks just like the one out of my 1275 just a different vacume adv. unit on it. Problem is I keep burning out the Low Tension lead wire (from side of dist to contact breaker post) Changed the condensor, checked all leads in the area, from coil etc. I would think it has something to do with the voltage regulator? Is it inside the alternator on this car?? Also can I use a larger gague wire for... MORE
Surfing the net I find a picture about a Midget turned into Viper style......if anyone want to see it just ask..... 1955 Jorge 1973 Midget 1275 RWA Far South PS: Queens show, also seen here at TV. "Jorge Dimitrakis" 11917... MORE
Just an almost new crossflow radiator collecting dust, I'm afraid, Gerard! Keeping an eye on and following that "knocking" engine thread. Dying to know what he finds when he removes the head. Cap'n. Bob '60 :{) PilotRob@... 11912... MORE
Guys- Rec'd this off the Judson List this AM and am posting this FYI on behalf of fellow Judon lister, Rudy Streng, to whom all replies should be sent. ("No financial interest, etc.") For Sale Judson Supercharger Model SP Once fitted to my 59 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite. In beautiful and good working condition including front pulley, new vanes and top oiler. Only forced to sell due to other pressing commitments. Shipping or delivery to be worked out at your cost. I am offering it to the list prior to posting it on E-bay. Rudy Streng Lenoir, NC CAWS52803@... Cap'n.... MORE
Anybody have a top water elbow for a later 1275 to use with a crossflow radiator thay wouldn't mind parting with? This type faces the opposite direction from the downflow radiators. If you're using a downflow with your 1275 chances are you have one collecting dust somewhere. Contact me offlist of you can help. pixelsmith@... Thanks. Gerard Gerard 11893... MORE
the cost of the filter and could save a whole engine! Sorry Cap'n - now I have given you something else to worry about! Guy "Guy Weller" 11846... MORE
LOL, Dave! Chip Detectors by Ronco!! Of course.... "A great Christmas Holiday gift"!! Don't know if those magnetic belts for filters work or not but, I see no reason why they would not "hold" metal particles to the inside of an oil filter cannister. Easy enough to check out so why don't I do it. Sounds like a good idea. Let's see if Triple J or Autozone has 'em... I'll give them a try and let all know what the inside of the filter case looks like when we take it apart next oil change. We've been using magnetic... MORE
You'll be better off with the regular levers if you get them from Peter C. at nosimport@... according to fellow listers who rave about the quality of his rebuilds. Matter of fact there is an article about this at pixelsmith@... check it out! Otherwise, I don't recall any complaints from fellow listers who use the multi-adjustable Spax set-up anymore than I recall any complaints on Peter C's lever-types. The Spax is supposed to be adjustable in both compression and rebound modes, I believe. If I am wrong in this respect, I'm sure will hear about in no time! :)... MORE
During my re-build, I installed speakers in the 'out board' foot wells, ie between the foot well and the wing. I had to make some enclosures to eliminate noise form the engine compartment and also to keep the speakers dry. These had to be installed with the wings removed. I also have two speakers in the usual place in the back panel. The head unit is in a bespoke panel between the gearbox and under the dash. Very pleased with the result. Geri 67 Sprite "G & J Swann-Price" 11799... MORE
Putting a Midget 1500 'box into a 1275 can be done but it is not a simple task and I would not recommend it just for synchro on 1st gear. However I have just undertaken a similar swap on my 1275 Sprite. But I have used a Triumph sourced overdrive gearbox to give me 7 useful ratios as well as synchro on 1st. Another reason for going the o/d route rather than 5th gear is I wanted to keep the car in period and produce something the factory should have developed if they had not have been starved of... MORE
Hey all, When I bought my 78 midget, it had an old wooden shifter knob on the stick. It was in bad shape, so I removed it. Left was the old rubber sleeve which I finally removed by scraping the teeth of a spanner agains the actual tip of the stick. I bought a new knob from ebay, but I'm finding it impossible to install. I have a clean stick top, and a mint condition, new shifter knob. Does one soak the knob in warm water to loosen up the inner rubber sleeve? Any comments are welcome. :) Also,... MORE
Hey, Geri- I will probably "do" a Judson on my "tailored" (8.3-1, alum. head) Rivergate 1293 motor, once broken in. Depends on whether we can find the right grade of Delrin for vanes, etc. The Judson, being a vane type blower has "compression" heating problems and generally available low-lead hi-test octanes being the garbage they are, does not help this situation considering oil to lubricate the vanes must be brought into the "combustion process", further degrading octane, accordingly. What can you tell me about the Magnuson which I know nothing about? Is this a gear driven, lobe-type unit or... MORE
Well, Peter: Maybe the calipers and maybe not. The pads require "friction" with the disc without the pedal being depressed to get the pads to "back off" just to the extent they do not "bind" (a bit) upon the disc after the brake pedal is released. So, it you have the car jacked up and have just released a just depressed brake pedal, simply turning the roadwheel will not be a conclusive "test". This is especially true with new pads which have all their original "thickness" and have not worn down even a little bit ("broken in", so to... MORE
Replaced the pedal return spring and the front rubber hoses. Still no full return of the pedal. The old hoses looked fine inside (even dissected them). Still, they were old. The calliper pistons seemed to still have firm pressure on the pads even with the brake hose disconnected. Had to push the pads back off the rotor to get the hub to turn freely. Should I have had to do that even with no fluid pressure applied against the pistons? The callipers didn't look in too good of a shape - old, rusty, bleeder screws seen better bleeding days,... MORE
All, Has any body made a list of the different bearings used in a Midget . designation like NJ 1-3/8 or size and type e.g. ID 1-1/2"x OD 3" x 1/2" W Roller brg. All the standard ones for Wheel bearings , Gear box , Engine - are there any more? can you fit alternative bearings ? Regards Alan "alan.east-jones" 11783... MORE
