TC starting handle

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Steve Cash
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TC starting handle

Post by Steve Cash » Sun Dec 16, 2018 1:28 pm

Hello Folks,
I had a TD many years ago in my youth (when prices were a bit cheaper!) but now I've just acquired a TC so this is my first post. Recently tried to turn the engine over with the starting handle and found that the crank rubs against the number plate on the downward stroke. The plate is fixed in the usual position so I'm wondering if I have the correct starting handle or, as the car has a Wolseley XPAW engine, is there some slight difference in dimensions in this area. The handle measures 17.5 inches from the crank to the engagement tip, so perhaps another TC owner can tell me if that is correct?
Thanks,
Steve.

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SavannahDog
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Re: TC starting handle

Post by SavannahDog » Mon Dec 17, 2018 7:43 am

I'd guess it that Wolseley XPAW engine.
Julian Carter
1948 MG TC
1952 Chevy Pickup
1967 Triumph TR4A
1970 Triumph GT6

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stephen stierman
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Re: TC starting handle

Post by stephen stierman » Mon Dec 17, 2018 8:49 am

I don't know what engine or crank you have, but....it could be the engine mounts are a bit compressed or some other issue with the alignment of the engine. Had a similar problem with mine, found upon disassembly that the front engine plate was bent, off side frame rail was pushed in slightly from a side impact and that the rear trans mount had been re welded. Once I straightened all this out things line up much better!

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jddevel
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Re: TC starting handle

Post by jddevel » Tue Dec 18, 2018 9:57 am

Have measured my TC handle and it measures 485mm or just over 19 inches overall so I suspect you may have the wrong handle.

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Duncan M
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Re: TC starting handle

Post by Duncan M » Tue Dec 18, 2018 11:44 am

No TC crank handle should be under 24"

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Steve Cash
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Re: TC starting handle

Post by Steve Cash » Tue Dec 18, 2018 12:15 pm

Hi Chaps, many thanks for replies and info - looks like I may have the wrong handle!
Steve.

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jddevel
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Re: TC starting handle

Post by jddevel » Wed Dec 19, 2018 1:18 am

Interesting. 24" means mine must be wrong as well.

Mike Marini
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Re: TC starting handle

Post by Mike Marini » Fri Dec 21, 2018 6:04 am

Steve,
If you are interested in a longer starting handle, I believe I have one in my spares to sell. Contact me at: mmsheb3 'at' gmail.com if you wish to follow up.
Thanks,
Mike
Thank you!
Mike Marini
Sheboygan, WI

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Steve Cash
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Re: TC starting handle

Post by Steve Cash » Fri Dec 21, 2018 12:50 pm

Hi Chaps,
It appears that 19 inches is the correct length so I need to stretch it or weld in a 1.5 inch extension! Many thanks, Mike for your offer but postage to the UK would be quite expensive!
Steve.

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Gene Gillam
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Re: TC starting handle

Post by Gene Gillam » Sun Dec 23, 2018 6:48 am

The XPAW engine is basically the same engine as the XPAG so dimensionally they’re the same.

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Steve Simmons
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Re: TC starting handle

Post by Steve Simmons » Sun Dec 23, 2018 9:06 am

I believe the correct TC crank is around 27" long overall, and about 22" from the engagement tip to where the bend starts. The diameter is 3/4" with a 5/8" tip where it engages the dog bolt. Early handles were reportedly shorter by about 3" and EXU cars (or home market car with bumpers) require a handle that is an inch or two longer.
1949 TC8975 / XPAG 9609
1948 TC6011 / XPEG1182 (XPAG6472)
http://www.mgnuts.com

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jddevel
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Re: TC starting handle

Post by jddevel » Mon Dec 24, 2018 3:14 am

With so much of my "car find" original I`m wondering why mine was changed. I would add that as the TC was produced in the immediate aftermath of the war I`m sure many parts/accessories were used/acquired on the basis of what was available. We`d virtually run out of iron railings and stairs to melt for war manufacture.

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Steve Simmons
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Re: TC starting handle

Post by Steve Simmons » Mon Dec 24, 2018 11:20 am

After so many decades, anything is possible. Perhaps the original was lost? They certainly did do whatever it took to keep the line moving, but even if they changed out the model of crank handle, I can't imagine they would supply one that wouldn't fit properly. It sounds like yours is far too short so it was probably put in the car as a later date.
1949 TC8975 / XPAG 9609
1948 TC6011 / XPEG1182 (XPAG6472)
http://www.mgnuts.com

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Duncan M
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Re: TC starting handle

Post by Duncan M » Mon Dec 24, 2018 12:57 pm

The TC EXU's (front and rear bumpers) had the longest at near 29" total. FromTheFrameUp in tech tips for "tools" says the shortest 24" total was used in early cars. The intermediate 27" length Steve mentions must be the most common.

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Steve Cash
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Re: TC starting handle

Post by Steve Cash » Fri Dec 28, 2018 9:44 am

Many thanks again for the further info on this subject - the reply concerning post-war material shortages (and quality) certainly affected quite a bit of British industry and well into the 1950s too.
Steve.

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