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 - Timing Chain Cover 1275

I am now confident that the front oil leak is from the chain cover. I have removed the radiator, engine mounts, exhaust and other bits and pieces. I have attempted to lift the front of the engine (1275) with a jack/wood packer but it binds before I can get enough room to fit a socket on the pulley nut, never mind pulling the pulley off. Please, please tell me that I can change the cover gasket without lifting the engine again.

A plea for help

Jan T
J Targosz

Which part is binding?

I've removed the timing cover many times only by jacking the engine.
Dave O'Neill 2

I have a thick damper pulley on my 998 and I can still get the nut high enough to get a socket spanner on it. Did you loosen the gearbox mounting bolts? Shouldn't be necessary as the rubber mountings are quite flexible. Normally you can tilt the engine until the clutch housing just touches the heater shelf, which gets the front high enough. The 1275 should not be any different from mine. The engine block is taller but the gearbox casting is the same as my 1098.
Les Rose

I have a RWA Heritage shell and had to release the gearbox bolts, that allows you to pull the engine forward just a tad without the gearbox mount coming out of the tunnel.
Then you can jack it up enough to allow timing case removal.

Details should be in the archives as I’ve noted it a couple of times but I know it’s not easy to search !

R.
richard b

Search "Timing chain cover" (all of the words) in both technical and general, and in the title. A number come up. All say about the same for removal.

Undo engine mounts, jack up engine at front. It's tight but can be done with thick damper. I had to 'crush' the bell housing against my heater tray to get sufficient lift.
anamnesis

And in the technical archive 2011.

Title.
"Success - 1275 Timing cover oil leak solved".

That thread may also help with your persistent leak.
anamnesis

I did mine last year and it was just about possible. Had to remove the exhaust (LCB on mine but it was coming off anyway for the head), engine mounts etc, like Richard I had to remove the gearbox mounting bolts to allow it to slide forward enough to get clearance with the heater shelf. You can get it to come forward an inch or two without it coming off the prop shaft. I’d say it’s easier than taking the whole thing out but only just!!
John Payne

This thread was discussed between 28/08/2022 and 29/08/2022

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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