MAIN
Engine (internal)
Previous Page | Next Page
I've just recently bought an 1967 Austin Healey Sprite that was in need of some TLC, however I've also since found out it's got a few parts 'missing'! One of those was the flame trap that connects through flexible hoses the block to the inlet manifold (it doesn't have the 'Y' connector). Since fitting the missing part it now won't run properly. It has started to kick out loads of white smoke & a little bit of blue. We've compression tested the engine, fitted a new head gasket & set up the carbs so they are fine. We've now... MORE
Ah, hah.... I see, Jason. Well, as Amy is fond of saying, just because a part is new, doesn't mean it's "good" or will give the expected service life. You didn't say anything about the cooling system temperature so I shall ass-u-me it remains "unchanged". I'd go through the steps of a major tune-up starting with compression and leak down checks. I know it's a PITA when you just got it done a couple of months ago but the problem is bound to make itself known as you go through logical steps. Coils underperforming can be a bear to... MORE
Hi, "Cheers"... Let's get our parts straight, first. I am a little confused by your terms and the way they are used. The PCV system on the '67 is very simple. It consists of a factory diaphragm type PC V valve mounted on (in) the inlet manifold, which is fed via a flexible hose from the vapor/oil separator (aka "flame arrestor) mounted on the timing chain cover on the front of the engine. It is a "graduated orifice" (diameter of hole specific to the application). It is an "outlet". The "inlet" consists of a graduated orifice embedded within the... MORE
Jason... Sounds like the problem is on the "other side" (electrical) of the engine, assuming compression and leak down figures do not indicate mechanical problems. When was the last time you replaced wires, dist. cap, plugs, points, condenser and/or coil? Actually, best to do a major tune-up in which case you'll most likely come across and/or solve the problem, in any event? Cap'n. Bob '60 :{) PilotRob@... 24756... MORE
Hello Folks Thought I would toss this out for a little help. I have a 1971 MG Midget 1275 I got in last night to take a drive and she really had a hard time having any get up and go. (she would go about 70 but it had a hard time to get there) So I checked the oil in the dash pots that was good So then I checked to see if maybe the choke was stuck open looks good So then I took a look at the fuel filter I took it off and blow it... MORE
Assuming the repair was correct and remains good there is a slim chance it might be the gear reduction box. The shaft is spinning when you disconnect it with no load or pressure from bends in the cable. Have you squeezed the end of the rotating shaft to see if with some load pressure the shaft continues to turn? It might be that the gears or the bearings in the rear reduction box on the back of the generator are worn and causing slippage. It the bearing hole is enlarged it would allow the gears to offset enough to... MORE
$1000.00 takes this car home. Forced to sell, getting married and need the cash, bonnet alone is worth $1200.00 andI have put more then that just into restoring the bonnet. It is one of three known Thomas Denner Bonnets left in the world. The car is RHD with a new rack, and tie rods imported from the UK, most parts to finish it needs paint and body for the rear half and there is no motor or trans. I also have custom made glass side curtians. Photos are uploaded to this sites photos section. Southern California 909-947-8099 Mike "Michael"... MORE
Hi afminc13, It can be done but not easily. In my opinion, not a good swap even if it was easy. The reverse is much more easily accomplished (A-series into a later RB car). Motor mounts are different and the frame crossmember where the steering rack mounts needs to be cut and reinforced differently to accomodate the crank pulley. I recall there is a drivers side footwell modification that needs to be done and maybe even the passenger side. If you want to go to that much trouble, I think there are better options, such as a rotary swap.... MORE
Can a 1500 engine and trans from a 1976 midget bolt into a 1973 Midget? A good "MG" friend feels it should not be a problem, but I thought I would post the question to see if anyone has done this before. Any suggestions / advice would be greatly appreciated. "afminc13" 24693... MORE
Still do one cylinder at the time starting with the one farthest from the master cylinder, or can one do both rears at the same time? Steve Quandt "Steve Quandt" 24683... MORE
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
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
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
Greetings, I was looking at the photo section and noticed the "Hot Rod Midget". I was very impressed and I'd like to hear the story behind the project. Trevor "Trevor J." 24532... 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
Hello, i'm new to the group and I am looking for just a few bits,..mostly a period radio, a stock muffler, and (I realize its a stretch and yes, I know I can get one on e-bay or through the standard mail order companies, but it never hurts to ask) a black carpet kit for my 1962 midget. I also have a spare copy of John Blaggots book "Mighty Midgets and special sprites"...its very nice book and its in perfect condition. aaand while I have your attention, I have oil running out my back left hand side rear wheel... MORE
I just looked at the Hot Rod Midget photos . . . love it. I too wonder whose it is ???? Don "Don May" 24533... 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
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
