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 TD TF 1500 - Carburetor Rebuild - stuck needle

Another newbee question ...

How do I remove the needle from an SU carb (body casting #AUC6020) on my '55 TF-1500?

I am rebuilding the carbs using an SU Master Rebuild Kit, Moss #375-518.

Instructions with the kit:
"Remove the needle locking screw and the needle. If the needle cannot be easily removed, first tap it inwards and then pull it out, do not bend it."

I don't know where to "tap it inwards." Nor how hard to tap, etc.

I cleaned the piston assembly with carb cleaner plus dipped in carb cleaner solution. I sprayed PB Blaster in the hole for the needle locking screw and around the needle to release the grip.

Will you please give me some pointers?

Thanks for your continued help.

Lonnie
TF7211

LM Cook

I think the meaning is to tap the needle into the throttle body (3) i.e. in your picture - upwards to break the seal that may have formed. (After removing the screw clamp :) )

If it really is stuck hard you can put the needle in a vice with wood jaw clamps and try to pull the body off it. There is much more purchase this way. You may need new needles after this but it should get them out OK. The main this is to avoid ant damage to the needles if you want to reuse them The are not that expensive if you want new ones.

Rod
R D Jones

Hello Lonnie. Rod is correct. Usually you are replacing the needles during a rebuild, so bending them is not a problem. If push comes to shove grab them with a pair of pliers and twist. Also the new needles when they are stamped with the size marks get a raised area around the marks on the portion that goes into the piston. Take a flat needle file and file off the raised areas until the needle will fit into the piston with a light push.

Butch
R Taras

Lonnie,
Here's a suggestion- leave it in there. Ask yourself, why do you remove it, seeing as the new kit doesn't provide a replacement anyway.
I'd leave a sleeping dog lie.
JIM
JRN JIM

Lonnie, if you want to save the needle and want to remove it, here's how -- find a piece of hard tubing very slightly larger than the needle's diameter and a bit longer than the needle. Slip it over the needle and give it a good whack. It'll drive the needle down into its mounting hole and loosen the grip. You should then be able to just pull it right out. Bud
Bud Krueger

I had some stuck needles as well. Was able to free them up without damage by sliding a section of house wiring insulation over the needle to protect it and then twisting rather than pulling on it. Do the gripping near the base of the needle.
John Quilter (TD8986)

Dave Braun rebuilds these. He should be checking in on this. Think the advice given is correct, but Dave may have another suggestion.
Bruce Cunha

I don't want to leave you hanging on the edge of your seat waiting to see if I was able to remove the needle (ha) ...

> I sat the top of the suction piston (upside down) on the padded jaws of my bench vice
> sat the plastic handle of a screwdriver on the point of the needle
> whacked the plastic handle with another screwdriver handle a couple of times.

The needle sank a little. I still couldn't remove it with my fingers. So I wrapped some paper around the needle near the base and rotated it with pliers. It came right out. No scratches; no damage (I think.)

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

For future reference - stick the whole thing in a pan of boiling water or use a blowtorch gently to warm the piston up - the needle will drop out.
Chris at Octarine Services

Lonnie,
You will have to make sure that it is not bent, if you are planning on reusing it,,, If there is any bend in it, it might be impossible to center it on reassembly,,, Using a new needle would be the safest way,,,,

SPW
STEVE WINCZE

If you want to save the needle, do not grip the large end of the needle with pliers; that is exactly where most of the car's running mixture is determined. Grip it at the tip, which is never used, twist lightly and it should come free. As others have said, cheap to replace if you see any wear or damage at all.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

Thanks guys. I'm still learning about SU carbs. Pretty different from the Rochester "B" single barrel on my '54 Chevy pickup. The only way to learn is by doing and occasionally screwing up.

I'll buy two Moss #374-100 standard needles. I live near sea level in Orlando.

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

This thread was discussed between 17/02/2014 and 20/02/2014

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join this live forum now