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Dave.... Same principle as A series or any other head. Larger intake valves improve breathing in terms of "mass flow" at the expense of "velocity" in terms of low end torque. Like everything else, it's a compromise situation, as in upgrading cam. You give up a little at the bottom or a little more in the middle and top. Cap'n. Bob '60 :{) PilotRob@... 24667... MORE
Jeeze! What a day, eh?! :( First you lose the water you need, than you get a load of it in the wrong places.... this does bite the big one. It's a matter of wait and see, Brad. The damage (if any) often does not show up immediately, but downline a couple of thousand miles or so. You can get a head start on this though, by taking a compression and leak-down ASAP and noting the figures...save 'em. Take another "set" a thousand miles or so down the road and compare. If they are basically the same, you most... MORE
Can you wait for the lettering spacing. I am having new outer sills fitted and the new ones do not have holes for the letters in them so I am recovering the old sills and going to make a paper pattern for the fixing holes. I will reference the front top and bottom of the sill on it. Then scan it in and anyone can have it. My master plan was to stick the paper on the sill with wall paper paste and drill through for the fixings then soak off the pattern. Terry "terry.isherwood" 24660... MORE
Brad, A couple things. Hopefully you have dodged a bullet. I have heard stories of A-series engine overheated to the point of seizing up but running again once cooled down. I'm not saying that no damage occurs, but while not good, not necessarily fatal either. I would keep an eye on your oil because symptoms could be delayed. A weakened head gasket or crack around a valve could develop problems later. Other things I've seen as evidence of overheating are damage to pistons and rings from the swelling. Pistons will show significant scuffing on the skirts where they hit... MORE
According to what I have read many times, both groups were ordered to work independently, but the secretly broke the "rule". Gerard The except below is from the Midget Sprite Club site, attributed to (c) Mick. S. Maguire M.I.E.E.E "1961 saw the introduction of the replacement for the Sprite Mk I, the car had undergone a major restyling. The front end was restyled by Healeys at Warwick along more traditional lines: the one piece front end of the frogeye was gone, being replaced by a more traditional layout of fixed front wings and a separate bonnet. The rear end... MORE
Oh yes I have! I'm Thinking of taking a little further training, and then starting a new career as a contortionist! It makes it a lot easier to lift around without the engine and transmission and the back axle and the ... Well just as a bodyshell really! R. "Roger Stinson" 24618... MORE
That will be where someone has jacked the car up with a trolley jack without a load spreader. Definitely not as it left the factory. ;-)) Seriously though, I don't think it will make any difference to the alignment whether the engine is in or out, unless something is seriously weakened. R "Roger Stinson" 24613... MORE
No, No, No! The Spridget sare unibody constructtion and as long as no structural panels are removed, the car does not flex (as in the Big Healeys or MGA's). The curve in the frame is that way to set the wheel castor. The frame will not straighten out when the engine is back in, nor should anything be done do accomplish same. That will permanently ruin the car! Sheesh, for a purist, you should know this!...'-) Gerard "gerardchateau" 24614... MORE
Thanks Steve. I know my limits too, which is why my engines going to a specialist for a rebuild, I wouldnt dream of touching it. Bodywork however is another matter : ) Nigel "amukdigiphoto" 24607... MORE
It probably makes no measureable difference. The structure of these cars is quite strong, and the engine/trans weight is not far from the front axle centerline, so I doubt there is any change in panels fit you would be able to see. The factory certinly didn't care, and with even slight effort, your car will be straighter than when it was new... "Jeffrey Holmes" 24604... MORE
A quick update on the progress of the Midget. I've got primer coats on the underside, a coat of stone chip and seam sealer on the seams. I decided to turn the car over and continue with the primer coats on the other panels rather than complete the underside with top coat, turn it over and put the wheels back on. It suddenly struck me while I was prepping the engine bay for paint, that with the engine in, the body alignment may be slightly different. The question therefore is this - should the two outer wings, bonnet and... MORE
Kelly Not much to go on here! If I were in your shoes, I'd reject it out of hand and say nope, I wan't the original one - don't just accept what 'they want to give you'. The original's were tubular shaped, and came in two flavours a permanent bolt on one and a clamp on one, both made from tubular material, one I think is available in stainless steel, and one in chrome. If you really have problems locating one, or identifying your original one, I could scan my Moss brochure and show you the different types. Nigel... MORE
"I could never do that now". I, too, thought I had finally "grown up", Don May. Guess this comes at 70 rather than 60? ...the triple racing stripe goes on momentarily and now I am thinking of a "MARK I" windshield banner in tasteful silver with black block lettering. Both of these additions should make the insurance company most happy. Actually, such additions would have made the airplane a bit faster as well....but the Company frowned upon personalizing it's aircraft....they were no fun at all. Cap'n. Bob '60 :{) PilotRob@... 24570... MORE
Welcome, Sam... Suggest you follow DLancer's advice and be prepared to do both rear brakes as well (unless the other side is basically new) as that oil usually renders that particular side useless in this respect.... Afraid I do not have the parts you seek, though I do already have a copy of Blaggot's fine book, thank you! As far as additives go, don't exactly know what motivates you in this, Sam. Usually, a quality brand is all that is required along with oil/filter changes every 3K or so. It is the additive package which is usually the difference... MORE
The story.for those who tuned in late..... 1275 rebuilt to 1400cc,9.75 : 1 Cr 643 cam, weber 45DCOE. Engine sat for 16 years after rebuild,started for the first time last july, 2000 miles since. Burns and leaks oil. Compression test results: Cold no plugs 195,205,200,205 Cold 3 plugs 205,203,195,192 Cold 3plugs oil 230,225,225,215 Hot compression test -no plugs 205,210,210,210 Hot 3 plugs 175,185,190,185 Hot 3 plugs oil 225,210,210,200 It was suggested that I switch to a vented oil filler cap to reduce smoking and it appears to have cut it down but did not stop it. Need to drive... MORE
Do you all prefer Moss Motors or Victoria British Columbia for body part and accessories? I need the chrome, the interior panels, the turn signal needs to be repaired as does the horn. virgina '65 "Virginia" 24511... MORE
Indeed so . . . California live oaks grow rapidly, this one has doubled in the past ten years and now is about 50 feet across. I have little choice but to be a shade tree mechanic as there are two more on the lot, 45' x 150'. Good thing the house is tiny. They drop leaves year around and now acorns shells come raining down as the squirrels toss them totally unconcerned for my safety. The trees mock me as they are a "protected species" and know I can do nothing except thin the branches and cut off... MORE
Hello Group. Just started to rebuild a mk2/3? midget. Stored in dry conditions for 9 years, from elderly relative. Main bodywork panels repaired or replaced. Engine out, with other various components etc. Where do I start first? A list of your top ten major jobs to do first!!!!! That should be enough to frighten me, before we get started. Regards Sue & John Daniells Lincolnshire England "Sue" 24477... MORE
All good points.... and yes....since you have to pull the engine to replace the clutch, always do so whenever the engine has to come out (unless you know it's basically brand new) for whatever reason...matter of economics...quite right, Bill French! :) Cap'n. Bob '60 :{) PilotRob@... 24481... MORE
Good Question, but before any one of the many experts can respond you both must agree on what is your objective. Get running and enjoy. Rebuild, show and drive. Other. Why was the engine pulled? Did the car run or was their a problem? While the engine is out, and I assume the Trans.; Take and inventory to see what is there and what's not. Inspect the Trans. gears and see if all turns O.K. Inspect the braking system. Remove the interior stuff including the seats to inspect cockpit. From there it depends on what you two decide you... MORE
Hi, Sue... Were it me, I would start with suspension and hydraulics (shocks, brakes), detail the engine compartment while the engine is out and go from there. Cap'n. Bob '60 :{) PilotRob@... 24478... MORE
Welcome Sue, To add to Bob's suggestions. Often oxidation on electrical connections is a major problem with cars that are old and particularly if they have sat for long periods of time. There are many spade wire connectors on the backs of switches, gauges, lamps and the wiring harness has many bullet in line connectors, in black insulation tubes. At minimum pull off and push spade connectors back on, or bullet inline connectors apart and back together several times to break the surface crud. Spray with some WD40 before and after you do this. If they look very oxidized... MORE
Hi Drew, I don't know if this is a help or an answer to your question, but I think I would approach it this way. You want your tie rod ends to be as straight (horizontal) as possible at rest. This is for something callled "bump steer". The more angle you have to the tie rods the more toe-in/toe-out you will have as the cars rises or drops. You'll know your upper limit (chassis rising- wheel drop) by your bump stops. Racer's (at least Chuck's blue #50) had adjustable bolts used as bunp stops to limit travel. Lower limit...... MORE
What's the normal suspension swing on an early (62) Spridget ? I installed a tube shock kit (by "We Race" or some other name like that) and I need to get a set of shocks to fit. When the car is at rest the distance between the mounting points is 12". I have a heavier "non-standard" engine, 400 lb springs and a =BE" anti-sway bar. What kind of suspension travel should I include in figuring out the overall compress and extended shock lengths=85. plus or minus 3", 2", plus 3" & minus 2"=85 etc. etc.?? Cheers, -Drew Drew @... MORE
I run with an additional strap from a starter bolt to the bulkhead earth point i.e. straight to the battery. Guaranteed good starting and reduncancy should the original break. "Jeremy Cogman" 24464... MORE
