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MG MG Y Type - Clutch operating cable adjustment.

I've digested the archives and the WSM on clutch operating cable/rod adjustment, plus Mike O'Connor's excellent paper. The photo shows that I have the common bend in the adjustment thread - I can live with that, but plan to instal an adjustable operating rod at the end of the year (away in UK soon).
In the meantime a question: I seem to only be able to get good gear engagement in all gears when the adjustment nut (plus absent locknut) is screwed fully up to the hilt as in the photo. The WSM illustration "seems" to show a setting about half way up the threaded section. Is my setup wrong, or is the remaining available thread there to provide adjustment (plus longer link rod if necessary) when enough wear occurs?
The clutch assembly, release bearing etc were all new about 1000 miles ago.
Grateful for any thoughts, as ever.
John.


J P Hall

Can't see for the exhaust pipe but is that an adjustable top link/rod i see there.
Your linkage is up the creek with that vertical link as it is---It should be leaning forward so that when it operates it swings roughly equal either side of perpendicular---The way it is at the moment it will travel too far backwards and bend the adjuster rod --as it has---The top rod looks like it needs to be roughly 1/2" or more longer and the bottom(cable) adjuster will then sit further out the thread as it should (after you straighten it up
willy
William Revit

Perfect thanks Willy - just what I needed to know. Yes, adjustable rod at the top, currently set at the recommended 13" - which puts the swinging front arm near vertical, and the lower cable's threaded end in the firing line. It should be straightforward to (1) lengthen the adjustable top rod half an inch or so and (2) straighten the bent bit to enable the adjuster nut to find the right position. Hopefully still with nice snicky gearchanges!
Thanks for the confirmation. John.
J P Hall

Ahh very good---that top link needs lengthening enough so that the vertical swinging arm is roughly vertical at 'half stroke'
If you get your lovely assistant to operate the clutch while you measure how far the end of the vertical arm travels,-then back the cable adjuster nut right off then set the length of the top rod to make the bottom of the vertical lever sit half of that measured distance forward of vertical---then adjust up the cable adjuster
William Revit

Crystal clear thanks Willy O' the South.I look forward to nailing this little challenge, and will post the conclusion. I also today found a really relevant discussion between experienced restorers from a few years ago on the MG Exp forum - clearly I'm not alone in being a bit confused after reading the WSM on clutch cable/rod adjustment. In the meantime, the YA works beautifully, so will be used ... carefully.
Off to the UK in August for 4 months' pottering about - I hope I can somehow catch up with fellow enthusiasts over there.
John.
J P Hall

John

Get in touch with Richard Knight (our UK Rep) via the Contact Us page message link for while you are in the UK.

Paul
Paul Barrow

Paul, that's excellent advice thank you. Shall certainly follow up with Richard. You can never have too many chinwags, and I plan to keep learning. John.
J P Hall

This thread was discussed between 28/06/2025 and 03/07/2025

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