MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Thermostat replacement 1275

Hi,
Just a simple basic question concerning fitting a new thermostat to my 1275 Frog. I'm going to use a Klingersil gasket, which is new to me. Does this need any sealant, and if so what would you recommend.

regards,
Nick
J.N. Williams

Hmmm... got a photo and a discription

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

HI Prop,
Its a standard 3 hole thermostat cover - the klingersil gasket was recommended rather than the usual material. I suspect it doesn't need any sealant, but want to confirm this from somebody who has used one.
Nick
J.N. Williams

Nick

As long as your thermostat housing and cylinder head surfaces are clean, free of old gasket material and undamaged, not warped and your studs are OK, and nuts torqued OK, then should be fine without additional sealant. Many of us, however, may use a bit of their favourite sealant as well (e.g. Blue Hylomar) 'just in case'. Try it without sealant first - easy to remove and put a bit of sealant on if needed.

Do not go mad on tightening the nuts on the thermostat housing - just enough to make the seal (the Haynes Manual and factory Workshop Manual will have the correct torque figures).

Hoses and clips OK? Also correct antifreeze mix in?

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

Thanks for the advice Mike - will take up your points.
regards,
Nick
J.N. Williams

As Mike says, and with regard to torquing up the 3 off bolts, bear in mind they do sometimes bind unduly in the threads in the block - due to water ingress causing corrosion and deposits within.

This sometimes gives a false impression of having torqued the housing up adequately when in fact there is still a path for water/steam to escape.

Clean all the threads out as much as possible - compressed air works well - and grease the bolts lightly.
Mark O

Loads of copper grease on the studs to prevent electrolytic corrosion sticking them to the alloy housing.
Jeremy Cogman

This thread was discussed between 07/06/2015 and 08/06/2015

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS now