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MG MG Y Type - oil gauge pipe

It seems that I have developed an oil leak in the oil gauge pipe, it's leaking out of the protective tube that goes through the bulkhead and dripping on the carpet. I have taken the complete pipe out, and removed what I thought was a sleeve of protective rubber at the bulkhead, only to find I have two sections of pipe each with an olive attached 15mm or so from the ends to allow worm drive clips to hold. Do I have a standard pipe, and need a new sleeving? or should the pipe be one complete length. Thanks, Mike.
mike burden

My oil guage pipe is in 2 pieces with a small clear plastic tube connecting the copper pieces these being held in place by copper wire - I have often wondered if this was correct. While we are on this subject I seem to recall being told years ago that the end of the pipe that screws into the oil guage should have a tiny felt washer after it to stop oil leaks at the guage head.
David Mullen

Hasn't it done well to last 50 years?
Yes, that's the way it was fitted originally.
I only know this because Andrew A had this pipe fail on the famous Y pick-up on the way back from a show that we both attended.
Michael Nicholson

Worry not gentlemen, what you have is perfectly standard in that the pipe is a two piece affair joined by a piece of rubber tubing. If it was merely protective then the stiffness of the tubed bit would cause it to wear through with the motion of the car as it vibrates. By having it in two pieces this effectively acts as a damper so that the bulkhead wont chafe through it and the copper pipe.

They thought about this at the factory and deliberately designed it this way.

What happens is (as with all rubber in direct contact with oil) over the years it perishes and becomes pourous. Simply replace the existing tubing with a new bit ... and you will be good for the next 60 years motoring.

BTW - it should be black rubber and not plastic. I cannot remember exactly, but I believe it should be what is known in hydraulic circles as one-wire (having one piece of cord for strength) as it is carrying 50lbs per square inch pressure.

Paul
Paul Barrow

Mike,
As Michael Nicholson says this seems to be original.
I had the same problem as you and also saw a reduced oil pressure on the gauge.I put a note on the website.
I think all you need is a length of the small bore tube and maybe new clips.I also put a grommet in the bulkhead to stop the pipe chaffing.
Ted Gardner.YB 0329
Ted Gardner

How good is this website? I find a problem, ask on here, go to bed, wake up and all these answers await me. I'm on my way to get new rubber tube and clips. Thanks again guys. Mike.
mike burden

Mike

Its not the website ... its the people!!

I think it is fair to say that Y Type owners are something different!

Paul
Paul Barrow

This thread was discussed between 25/11/2005 and 26/11/2005

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