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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Clutch Fork Pivot

When the pivot bolt has been inserted through the clutch fork bush and screwed into the other part of the housing, and the tab washer turned over, is there any point in having a nut on the other end of the bolt, except to keep it tidy?

The parts diagram shows a spring washer and plain nut, but if I put any slight torque on it, the clutch fork begins to get pinched. I think I would prefer a simmonds nut.

Nick and Cherry Scoop

Presumably if the bush arm nearest the nut is threaded as you have shown it, then the purpose of the nut is to lock the bolt from turning in the arm, and changing the clearance that you have set. Given that there will be a little 'take up' in the thread in the arm, you probably need to start with a little more slack on the bolt before you then hold the bolt head and tighten the lock nut.

You may also need shims or thin washers between the bush arms and the lever.
GuyW

Thanks Guy. No room for shims really, but I've tightened the bolt to what I felt was reasonable in an alloy thread, and not pinching, then tightened my simmonds nut until it began to pinch and backed it off just enough. The tab washer under the bolt head should keep it all from moving. Not much stress here.

Moving on towards getting the engine in, I've opened the gearbox bolts bag and found this. For the speedo cable, but I can't remember where - or indeed what the cable route should be.

Nick and Cherry Scoop

Nick,the cable runs under the sloping footwell panel alongside the steering column, emerges into the engine bay where it ccurves down and back on itself and under the back of the engine where it's held in that spring steel clip, before curving up and back again to meet the gearbox in the correct place.
The clip is bolted to a bracket that picks up on the lower two abckplate bolts. It also has an extension bar that goes sidways beneath the floor and connects to a circular clamp that holds the exhaust pipe firm.


David Smith

close-up
If you need the other bits I have several and would be happy to send you a set.

David Smith

Thank you very much, David. The Frog exhaust steady is a bit different, but I know it's in the next bag along the shelf. I shall trial fit it with the clip tomorrow, and see whether I need anything. Thanks again.
Nick and Cherry Scoop

Broke the steady bracket out of its bag today, but didn't fit it because it needs painting (and the exhaust isn't in yet). I'm told we may get several warm and dry days next week - and I can't wait. I have such a queue waiting for paint. Doesn't everybody?
Nick and Cherry Scoop

Yes absolutely. The painting and reassembly of various bits and pieces (and remembering/working out where/how they fit) is one of the more enjoyable parts of the restoration IMHO.
Nice weather too, great combination!
Jeremy MkIII

Definitely a good painting day, today.

Dave O'Neill 2

Nice window decorations, Dave !
Starting to make that same exhaust steady right now, as I’ve never had one. Those pictures are very helpful, Dave S. And thanks for the detail on Speedo cable routing too.
Andy
(Drifter, sorry)
A Cross

AAaah! The beloved bricks that you're shortly to leave forever.
Nick and Cherry Scoop

Indeed. Not to mention the double-glazed garage window!
Dave O'Neill 2

This thread was discussed between 12/04/2018 and 14/04/2018

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