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

Hi
i have a leak from the bottom of the timing cover - one of the holes for the smaller screws into the into the engine plate is stripped - is there any issue with just tapping it out to the larger 5/16 dia and using a 5/16 x 3/8 screw
Thanks
S G Macfarlane

which engine
mark heyworth

Can't help with the original Q but your other option is a helicoil. Easy and effective.
Greybeard

It's a 1275
Don't you have to tap for a heli coil anyway?
Just not sure why the holes to the engine plate were smaller than those to the block in the first place

S G Macfarlane

Helicoils are handy when you need to retain the diameter as for a stud etc but probably over the top on this occasion. Especially when I have the necessary taps to hand
S G Macfarlane

I think they used 1/4” UNF as it was just going into the thin steel plate, rather than the block, which has a much deeper hole.

As such, I can’t see a helicoil working in the thin plate.

What I did with my brother’s engine was to weld up the holes, then drill and re-tap.

ISTR that one of my race engines also had that problem and had been fitted with longer screws, with nuts behind. A bit of a fiddle to fit, but effective.

Good job I proofread before posting, as ‘helicoil’ had become helicopter!!!
Dave O'Neill 2

Thanks Dave - Ill try cutting a larger thread, if that doesn't work ill use a nut. Engines coming out to sort a leaking gearbox tail seal at the same time so not too fiddly - I did manage to get a 3/8 nut and screw into position with the engine etc in place but it wasn't up to the job.
S G Macfarlane

This thread was discussed between 24/07/2018 and 25/07/2018

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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