Search found 305 matches

by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Wed Aug 12, 2020 8:07 am
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: TC wire wheel restoration
Replies: 5
Views: 753

Re: TC wire wheel restoration

As an added thought, the GB Pound is about $1.30, so the last set of new wire wheels shipped from the UK cost me about the same as rebuilding originals. I see little benefit in re-using original wire wheels, as the rims have probably been banged around and are no longer true. New wheels are availabl...
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Sun Aug 09, 2020 4:46 am
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: Compression Ratios, rebores and head skimming
Replies: 26
Views: 4850

Re: Compression Ratios, rebores and head skimming

If you compare the two pictures above, you can quickly see the difference in head thickness, and therefore compression ratios. One indication is that the bottom of the spark plug hole has been cut away, leaving a sharp edge that can cause running-on. As a rule of thumb, if you can see the recessed a...
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Thu Jul 30, 2020 5:50 pm
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: ARP Flywheel Bolts Available - MGT Repair
Replies: 5
Views: 841

Re: ARP Flywheel Bolts Available - MGT Repair

Robert - the holes go right through the head, as you can see in the upper left bolt above. Yes, they are for lock wire. I don't want to tell you how to use lock wire, because it is devillishly hard to explain. I can refer you to the archives of the mg-cars.org.uk site, where there are numerous examp...
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Mon Jul 27, 2020 9:34 am
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: ARP Flywheel Bolts Available - MGT Repair
Replies: 5
Views: 841

Re: ARP Flywheel Bolts Available - MGT Repair

Those holes nearly doubled the price of the bolts, but I insisted on them.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Mon Jul 27, 2020 4:27 am
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: ARP Flywheel Bolts Available - MGT Repair
Replies: 5
Views: 841

ARP Flywheel Bolts Available - MGT Repair

Among the most highly-stressed fasteners in XPAG/XPEG engines are the four bolts that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft flange. These relatively small bolts, along with two tapered locating pins, are all that restrain a heavy 24-pound flywheel spinning at thousands of revolutions per minute. If ...
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Sat Jul 25, 2020 4:48 pm
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: MG TC 8204 is now licensed in The Netherlands - and up and running!
Replies: 2
Views: 722

Re: MG TC 8204 is now licensed in The Netherlands - and up and running!

Congratulations on running the gantlet! It is often a lot of work. And bravo for your maiden voyage. May you do many more - it looks like a lovely car

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Fri Jul 24, 2020 1:26 am
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: Rebuilding XPAG 9204
Replies: 44
Views: 8708

Re: Rebuilding XPAG 9204

I am certainly late to the party, but the first part of an earlier multi-part question was about whether there was any advantage to brass Welsh plugs over steel ones. I was replying to that, and nothing to do with flywheels. And my mythological reference was because I was trying to balance the fact ...
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Thu Jul 23, 2020 6:58 am
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: Rebuilding XPAG 9204
Replies: 44
Views: 8708

Re: Rebuilding XPAG 9204

I am sailing between Scylla and Charybdis, since I do sell brass Welsh plugs (see mgtrepair.net for details). I can confidently assure you that the steel plugs will and DO rust out internally - probably half of my orders every year come from people who write, "The steel core plug under the exhaust m...
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Sat Jul 18, 2020 8:42 am
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: Crankshaft oil slinger problem.
Replies: 7
Views: 1299

Re: Crankshaft oil slinger problem.

The slot is just there to enable you to slip the slinger over the crank nose with the key in place. The pulley holds the slinger tight.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Sat Jul 18, 2020 3:47 am
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: XPAG Deck Height
Replies: 5
Views: 919

Re: XPAG Deck Height

There are a few reasons for this to happen. The engine may have been line bored, which effectively raises the crank in the block, pushing the pistons up. Also, given your high compression, the head and block habve no doubt been surfaced more than once, removing material from that area. Most pistons ...
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Thu Jul 16, 2020 3:11 am
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: The Early MG factory
Replies: 3
Views: 781

Re: The Early MG factory

Yes, you go to the Archive page and log in. You can then search the archive, a tremendously useful feature.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Mon Jul 13, 2020 10:28 pm
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: The Early MG factory
Replies: 3
Views: 781

Re: The Early MG factory

If you go to the mg-cars.org site and search in the archives for "Pathe films" you will find a number of posts on the various Pathe films about MG cars from the 20's to the 50's. There are always new things to learn,.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Thu Jul 09, 2020 5:14 am
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: Compression Ratios, rebores and head skimming
Replies: 26
Views: 4850

Re: Compression Ratios, rebores and head skimming

Well, let's think for a moment about the down side of a high compression ratio. 1) need premium fuel 2) will have to advance timing to avoid pinging (plinking or pre-detonation); Distributor rebuild and advance re-curve will be beneficial 3) high-compression engines tend to run better at higher RPMs...
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:37 pm
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: TC sump baffles
Replies: 5
Views: 1261

Re: TC sump baffles

The early TD (and I assume TC) sumps holds about 5 US quarts; later TD and TF sumps hold a quart more. Racers and spirited drivers would often install a larger sump on an early car, for better lubrication and cooling. Unfortunately, there can easily be mix-ups over time, in dipstick length and marki...
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Wed Jun 24, 2020 5:00 am
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: Just when you think it's safe to go back into the water....
Replies: 10
Views: 1703

Re: Just when you think it's safe to go back into the water....

If one steel core plug is leaking, others will surely join the chorus, and start to leak without warning. Brass ones are without question the best, and will never leak.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Mon Jun 22, 2020 1:43 pm
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: TC 5 speed box
Replies: 10
Views: 1809

Re: TC 5 speed box

In my experience, 92% of all TC boxes are just fine; I have probably stripped a dozen, and 10 of them needed nothing - NOTHING. The needles all were in spec, the gears were all fine, and the box needed only a good clean and re-assemble. A 5-speed does indeed change the feel of the car, but I think i...
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Wed Jun 17, 2020 3:23 am
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: steel panel removal from wood
Replies: 6
Views: 1429

Re: steel panel removal from wood

My experience (limited) is that not a lot of effort be put into removing the various pins, as the surrounding metal inevitably gets chewed up. I found that after using a sharp chisel to cut off the heads, I could easily pull the remaining shafts out with nippers or pliers.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Sat Jun 13, 2020 6:35 am
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: TC Bumpers
Replies: 14
Views: 2389

Re: TC Bumpers

The original EXU bumpers were curved in profile from top to bottom, really smaller versions of the TD bumpers. Whenever you see the flat-bar bumpers, they are aftermarket. I knew one TC owner who added aftermarket bumpers because he claimed his wife, who drove the car, "can't drive worth a damn, and...
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Fri Jun 12, 2020 6:10 am
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: TC Bumpers
Replies: 14
Views: 2389

Re: TC Bumpers

First, do you have an EXU? That was the variant for import to the US, with special features like bumpers and turn signals. (The Guarantee Plate will be stamped "EXU" if it is.) I don't believe the EXU features were required by US law, but were thought of as features closer to the current US car. If ...
by Tom Lange, MGT Repair
Sun May 31, 2020 10:52 am
Forum: TABC Chat
Topic: Loss of water?
Replies: 19
Views: 2855

Re: Loss of water?

19/32"; you may have to cut it down a bit. The end nuts will need the rocker shaft clips removed.

Tom