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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Half shafts

Are there any distinguishing marks or features on half shafts that might identify them as anything out of the ordinary?
Guy W

a groove on the splines indicates later shafts of stronger material (was it EN17?). kind of looks like a circlip groove.

no groove is earlier (EN8?).

I think that's about it.

Malcolm
Malcolm Le Chevalier

Guy,
I lifted this from Archive but I've no time at the moment to cross check if it's correct but it might ring a bell with you or others -

"... only pre 1968 shafts are EN7, later ones, including 1500 ones, are EN17, supprisingly no change in part number, but EN17 is marked on the 'domed' outer face of the later shafts"
Nigel Atkins

OK, thanks.
No "circlip" type groove - just straight splines.
Some very vague raised letters on the domed end but not distinct enough to make out what they are, - or which way up to read them!
I guess they are just standard original ones.
Guy W

Normally it's the groove that is the main clue.
Rob Armstrong

Green dot half way the starboard (right) shaft. If you always use the shaft on the same side you prevent fatigue.

Flip
Flip Brühl

They are from my Frog, which has a very indeterminate history. So they could be original, or just as likely have been swapped in from something else. Just thought whilst they were out I would see if there was anything to learn.
Guy W

AFAIK Frogeyes used the same shafts as A35s - part number 2Axxxx

These were superseded by BTA501, then BTA806 (with the groove).

There was also a Special Tuning halfshaft, part number BTA940.
Dave O'Neill 2

Are those part numbers marked on them Dave? There are some letters or numbers but they are hard to discern. But it may be possible to work out if I know what the options are!
Guy W

Yes, they should be stamped on the ends.
Dave O'Neill 2

I think the earlier A35 shafts had poor identification. I have the original shafts from my Frog (which I changed to the later 806 shafts when I fitted the 1275 engine)and they have very vague markings whereas the later ones are very clear and have the groove.(or is that in the groove!)
Bob Beaumont

Bob, that's a pretty accurate description of what I have. So I settle for them just being A35 ones. Just wishful thinking on my part that a PO might have spent some cash and got some good upgrade versions!
Guy W

I have a spare set of later EN17 shafts if you are interested Guy? I am actually up in Cumbria (near Carlisle) from tomorrow until the 27th, shout up and I can pop them in the car. A tenner each sound reasonable?

Cheers,
Malc.
Malcolm Le Chevalier

Give me a shout offline if you fancy, malcolmlechevalier at gmail dot com
Malcolm Le Chevalier

This thread was discussed between 21/12/2016 and 22/12/2016

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