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MG TD TF 1500 - TD oil pressure gauge line

I understand from earlier posts that the flex line for the oil pressure gauge is supposed to connect at the block, not at the head. Mine has been at the head for 35 years. In looking at the WSM page A.2 line drawing shows it connected to the banjo fitting at the head but page A.4 shows the oiling system schematic with the line connected to the block. So, I'm not sure which is really correct or if I go through the trouble of relocating it (will probably have to get a new longer flex line) I will see any significant difference in the gauge reading. I'm inclined to leave well enough alone but then.... Furthermore, are two banjo bolts, round head and hex head interchangeable? Moss 435-465 and 435-490.
John Quilter (TD8986)

John - By moving the take off point to the block end of the pipe to the head, you will see a significant increase in oil pressure (the pipe serving as a restriction to the oil flow to the rocker assembly). The banjo bolts are the same thread top and bottom (I would go with hex head on both ends just for the convenience of being able to use a standard spanner on them). Be sure to get new gaskets for the banjo fittings when you make the change over. Cheers - Dave
D W DuBois

John,

I, like you, have had the take-off at the head for as long as I have owned the car (32 years).
The early TDs had the take-off so located, but it was relocated later in production, probably in response to owners complaining of "low oil pressure".
Dave is correct that you will see an increase in INDICATED pressure but NOT ACTUAL pressure, as it is only the gauge pipe that provides the restriction.
I have considered moving mine to the take-off at the block, but in order to do so, you either need a longer flex pipe (between the take-off point and the union on the firewall) or relocate the union to a more forward position, thus requiring a longer pipe between the gauge and the union.
But regardless of which you choose, the ACTUAL oil pressure is the same. It is only the INDICATED pressure that will change.
Lew Palmer

OK, I've ordered the parts and am going to make the change. Thanks for all the info.
John Quilter (TD8986)

I now have a new stainless flex hose from Moss, part 376-060 but it measures 11.5 inches from the end of the fitting to the end of the opposite fitting. There is no way this will reach to the lower banjo bolt on the block from the fitting on the side of the battery tray that connects to the solid line running to the gauge. I need a flex line that is about 3 inches longer. Where do I find one of these? Should I take this up with Moss?
John Quilter (TD8986)

Odd, John, I bought one a couple of months ago and it fit right in. I'll see if I can measure its length today. Bud
Bud Krueger

John
You can get a longer flex pipe custom made for this situation. I had one made up by Stevson Motors in the UK. See www.stevsonmotors.co.uk/. You may be able to find somewhere more local.
Make sure it's long enough to avoid tight bends.
Tim
Tim Wilkinson

Mine that I just reconnected measures just about that 11.5 inches. I wonder if it is the line to the gauge that has been shortened. Jud
J K Chapin

Early TDs with the pressure take-off from the head had the union with the copper pipe to the gauge mounted, as John says, at the side of the battery tray. Later cars had this moved closer to the engine, with the same length of flex hose but a longer pipe to the gauge.
Tim
Tim Wilkinson

John TD8986, Jud TD25009. I think Tim nailed it. My connection is down on the firewall, not on the battery box. Jud
J K Chapin

Not the greatest picture as you cannot see where it ties into the bottom banjo but is this the position of your brass fitting for the oil line to the gauge?

Christopher Couper

John
If you need a flexible pipe made up try a hydraulic hose fitting supply company. There are quite a few in Oregon. You get the size you want. I guess the price would be much less than that from Moss.
I had one made up and am happy with it wouldn't go any other way.
John...Sydney
John Walton

John, I checked mine. It's about 11.5 " long and my gauge coupling is in the place as shown in Chris' image. Bud
Bud Krueger

A check under the dash shows there is enough slack to relocate the copper line to flex line fitting to the revised location on the bulkhead below the battery tray so I'm going to have a go at this tomorrow.
John Quilter (TD8986)

I have successfully done this modification, mounting the flex line to solid line fitting by using one of the existing mounting bolts for the coil. I replaced the "flat sided" banjo bolt with a new hex one from Moss. An issue was the set of copper washers supplied by Moss, part 324-968, are too big for this application. I now have 80 lbs indicated at a cold idle and 45 lbs at a hot idle and 65 lbs at a hot 3000 RPM. A 15-18 lb increase in indicated pressures. And all these years I was living with an incorrect reading. These forums are great for spreading useful knowledge around among us enthusiasts.
John Quilter (TD8986)

... and John, from a recent thread, be sure to install new crush washers. It will assure you of a dry joint.

I used 3/8" "Stat-O-Seal" crush washers from Pegasus. I paid $14.10 for 10 washers, part #3245-3/8. You'll need 4; 2 on the top banjo, and 2 on the bottom banjo.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A Clark

This thread was discussed between 01/10/2014 and 10/10/2014

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