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MG TD TF 1500 - pushrod loose end

Hi all. My TD engine sounds like an old tractor and has a very noisy valve train. I thought this was all normal until I heard Dave Sanders engine at GT-39.

I just finished pulling the valve cover and checking the valve adjustment. What I found was one pushrod with a loose cup end, and two rods, when spun had a wobble of approx. .010" visually when checked against the opening in the head. I don't think .010" is excessive so I will leave that for now.

I, read in the archives that the cup ends of the pushrods could be secured using loctite. Has anyone done this? Does it work? There is an awful lot of oil in there, and it doesn't seem like it would work.

If, it works, it would be a great short term fix, and maybe even quiet the engine.

I was also wondering if pushrods, could be removed without removing the rocker shaft assembly?

Any help would be appreciated.

By the way... Dave Sanders.... I really like your car!
C.R. Tyrell

I've never loctite'd a cup, but I think #4 and #5 can be removed by sliding their rocker over. They share the large spacer spring. Just take off the rocker assy, (8 bolts) there aren't gaskets to replace and you will need to set the lash after seating the cups anyway.

I have been told not to use heat when pressing them in, often wondered about a quick (200A, 1 sec) autogenous weld with a TIG torch to hold them in place.

Blair
Blair Weiss

Blair, I had a couple repaired by TIG when the engine was rebuilt, and a couple of new rods made up. I really want to know about the Loctite experience. Just for a quick fix.

If I remove the rocker I think I will get some new rods to install.
C.R. Tyrell

CR you can use Loctite stud & bearing mount products, or weld it in place, the OEM push rods are not heat treated, so heat is not an issue, (my push rods are heat treated). Measure the valve lift with a dial indicator on the valves with no wobble on the push rods vs the push rods with a wobble. Clean the push rods & cups well before using Loctite stud & bearing mount products.
I would check valve lift on all valves with a dial indicator, to check for any cam lobe wear.
Len Fanelli
Len Fanelli

You may chose to ignore the bent pushrods, but I think it is a mistake. There should be no run-out.

I've never had a problem tack-welding the ends back tight, but I have had one engine where the Loktite cups came loose in a few thousand miles.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

Sounds like ultimately, I have to remove the rocker assembly. For the $70 bucks for a new set of 8 pushrods, sounds like that may be the way to go. Of course, if the push rods from Moss are not of good quality, I would have to find another source.

Len, how much lift should I have on the valves?

I haven't rebuilt an engine in 40+ years, so i am going to have to have a garage party on this one . Skills are a little rusty.
C.R. Tyrell

CR You might buy them from Tom Lange. I'm happy with his.
Peter Dahlquist

Was looking into them a little. My problem is shipping to Canada. No problem getting them here, just costly as heck.

I think so far there is a few suppliers... Tom and Len from this board (no wonder they know so much) and of course the usual.

Maybe they can chime in on the best type to get. I don't know a good pushrod from a drinking straw.
C.R. Tyrell

This thread was discussed between 25/07/2014 and 26/07/2014

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