Inside: • MG 2013 • MG 2014 AGM • Starting Problems • Oil Filters • OurCarClub
Vol. 23, No. 5 September / October 2013 MG 2013 A Spot On Great Show!
Simon Dix • 1977 MGB MG 2013 Concours Top Point Winner Three Years in a Row! THE NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER MGB Driver is the official publication of the North American MGB Register, a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and expanding interest in Britain’s most popular sports car—the MGB. The opinions expressed within are those of the individual authors and readers are warned that they attempt any mechanical or other modifi- cations described herein, entirely at their own risk. Membership in the North American MGB Register is open to all, with no restrictions. Ownership of an MG is not a condition of membership. NAMGBR Regional Chapters will be pleased to welcome you to their events. Membership dues are $30 per year. For membership details or further information write to: NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER P. O. Box 876 Downers Grove, Illinois 60515-0876 Toll-free hotline: 800-NAMGBR-1 • www.namgbr.org OFFICERS OF THE NAMGBR 6 2 6-4 2 7 1 PUBLICITY Jeff Taylor COORDINATOR: 1645 NW 23rd St. CHAIRMAN: Richard Liddick Corvallis, OR 97330-1956 5237 Glen Arm Road 541-753-0777 Glen Arm, MD 21057 [email protected] (410) 817-6862 [email protected] CONVENTION/AGM Tony & Lynne Burgess VICE-CHAIRMAN: Jeff Taylor COORDINATOR: 318 Hampton Park 1645 NW 23rd St. Westerville, OH 43081 Corvallis, OR 97330-1956 (614) 899-2394 541-753-0777 (614) 899-2493 fax [email protected] [email protected]
TECHNICAL John H. Twist SECRETARY: Bruce Wyckoff COORDINATOR: 4571 Patterson Avenue SE 10975 Aspen Trl. Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Zeeland, MI 49464 (616) 301-2888 (616) 748-0580 [email protected] [email protected] REGALIA Connie Wyckoff TREASURER: Dave Mullen COORDINATOR: 10975 Aspen Trl. 5266 Woodridge Drive Zeeland, MI 49464 Newburgh, IN 47630 (616) 748-0580 (812) 853-5108 [email protected] [email protected] Denny Elimon COORDINATORS OF THE NAMGBR WEBSITE 103 Woodcreek Court COORDINATOR: EDITOR: Robert Rushing Mahomet, Ill. 61853 MGB DRIVER 5444 Sutherland Ave. (217) 649-6925 St. Louis, MO 63109 (708) 221-6435 - Fax (314) 614-4671 [email protected] [email protected]
ADVERTISING Charles E. de Bourbon CONCOURS Bob Gloyd & PRODUCTION PO Box 293 COORDINATOR: 19692 East Garden Drive COORDINATOR Del. Water Gap, PA 18327 Centennial, Colorado 80015 ART DIRECTOR (570) 460-6370 Phone - (303) 263-8189 [email protected] [email protected]
SERVICE Bruce Wyckoff EDITORS EMERITUS: Ken Smith RECOMMENDATION 10975 Aspen Trl. Kim Tonry COORDINATOR: Zeeland, Mi 49464 (616) 748-0580 [email protected] FOR REGISTRAR INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE PAGE 62. The North American MGB Register is affiliated with the MG Car Club of England. The MG Car Club was founded in 1930 and is the original, factory supported, and approved organization for all MGs, with the club headquarters situated in Abingdon-on-Thames close by the birthplace of all MGs. The North American MGB Register is a 501(c)7 Not-For- Profit Corporation. MGB Driver Magazine ©2012 All rights reserved. Any part of this publication may be reproduced by members and member clubs only, with the expressed credit given to “MGB Driver Magazine” — Editor Robert Rushing. All images in this MGB Driver ©2013-BGA Studios.com/Charles de Bourbon, unless otherwise noted. Robert Rushing Page 5 • From the Editor
Richard Liddick Page 7 • Chairman’s Chat From the Editor
Jeff Taylor Page 8 • Vice Chairman Dave Mullen Page 9 • Treasurer
Reports Classifieds Robert Rushing & Where to B Editor Page 66, 67 On the Inside MGB Driver
MGB Register MG 2013 Report G 2013 was a great time! As I As I write this, it has been only Ken Smith Robert Rushing mentioned in the last issue, I two short days since I got back from Page 13 Page 30 M was in a group of four cars that that long drive and I can’t wait to get left out of St Louis for the drive there behind the wheel again for next year’s and back. We managed to hit Badlands convention! Luckily for me, it’s only National Park, Mt Rushmore, the Iron a few hours’ drive from St Louis to Midget Register Photo Essay MG 2013 Mountain Road, Little Big Horn, the French Lick, Indiana… By Robert Rushing Bob Swetzer Columbia Gorge, and Portland. The For those unable to attend, there MGs of Baltimore & Charles de Bourbon only issue in the group for over 5000 is a rundown on all the events and Page 15 Page 33 miles of driving was one bad fuel plenty of pictures in this issue. There pump – and that was quickly fixed. I are also a few great tech articles and MG 2013 Concours Report have to admit, that my car suffered a a brief write-up on a new online club Reader’s Ride By Bob Gloyd bit of vapor lock during a long con- service that might innovate the way Carl Gwyn NAMGBR Concours Chairman struction delay on the first day of the our local clubs operate. Sacramento MG Club Page 44 Page 16 trip (in over 90F temps), but it restarted In the last issue, I asked for feed- and ran fine after about two minutes. back on what you’d like to see in the John Thornley Simon Dix’s car was one of those four MGB Driver. I haven’t really gotten any Spirit of MG AWARD cars and as you can see by the front so now I’m paranoid that no one reads Letters to the Editor By Richard Liddick cover – he took his third Top Point my column. Hopefully a few of you Page 17 NAMGBR Chairman award in the concours. It just proves will take pity on me and send some Page 50 (as Paul Hanley showed) that you can suggestions – and most of all some drive your car a lot and still keep it in READERS RIDES! excellent condition. Robert Oil Filters MG 2013 AGM Dave Braun Tony and Lynne Burgess, Minnesota MG Group NAMGBR AGM & Convention Coordinators Page 19 Page 51
On the Covers OurCarClub Basic B: Starting Problems Peter R. Mittler By Bill Unger MG Car Club of Toronto Grand Strand British Car Club Front: Simon Dix Posing with his MGB in front of Memorial Page 26 Page 52 Union Hall.
Back: When traveling in Oregon the Columbia River Gorge Tech Talk is the place see. In an MG, it even better. John Twist Technical Coordinator Page 55 Classifieds & Where to B Page 66, 67 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 5 Chairman’s Chat
Richard Liddick Chairman NAMGBR G 2013 was a smashing suc- Beatty, Dianna Ross, Dan & Becky cess, with over 260 cars and Taylor, Larry & Debbie Haroun, Brian M almost twice as many partici- Ross, Kay Brandon, Glen Enright, Jan pants, what was shaping up to become Whittlesey and finally our own vice the North American MGB Register’s chairman, Jeff Taylor. Without the largest west coast convention ever, hard work of these volunteers over a turned out to be just that. Our 22nd three year period this event and the Annual International Convention smiles generated by it would not have featured some of the best MG weather been possible. Thanks again and well I can remember, sunny skies, no rain, done. temperatures in the upper 80’s during Moving on, I would like to con- the day and the 60’s at night and the gratulate this year’s winner of the lack of high humidity, wow it made me 2013 John Thornley “Spirit of MG” hate coming back to the east coast. Award, Jai Deagan. Jai has served as Between the covered bridge tours, NAMGBR’s Secretary (1995-1998) and self-guided drives, tech sessions on is our 100,000/200,000 mile registrar. Thursday and Friday covering every- In addition to this, Jai is one of only a thing from A/C installation to SU few members who have attended every carburetors, as well as hill climbs, NAMGBR convention, 22 to be exact. ding repair, a cut-away engine and If you missed the fun at MG 2013, transmission walk thru – there were so don’t fret. MG 2014, our 23rd Annual many things to do it was hard to pick International Convention is less than and choose. With presenters ranging a year away. MG 2014 is being hosted from Kelvin Dodd, Keith Ansell, Bob by the Southern Indiana British Car & Marie Sherman, Neil d’Autremont, Club and the Illinois Flat Land British John Meyer, Les Barker, Donna Car Club in French Lick, Indiana next McNabb and Peggy Oliver. To top it all June 15-19. The event will be held at off, John Twist, our technical coordi- the French Lick Resort, a fully restored nator and founding chairman ran his early 1900’s casino resort with lots famous rolling tech session on Friday of history and is a National Historic for the better part of a day. I can go on Landmark located in the rolling hills about the car show, the funkana, the of southern Indiana, about an hour evening BBQ, the ballgame and the from Louisville and two hours from ladies tea, but there’s more about these Indianapolis – for more information events as you flip through the pages of on the convention checkout www. this issue. MG2014.com. I am looking forward to The Willamette MG Club and seeing you there. the MG 2013 Committee members deserve a big round of applause for put- Safety Fast! ting together such a well-run event. I want to thank the following: Gene Richard & Becky Nunn, Jeff Leighty, Paula & Brando Fox, John Hatch, Kay & Bill
6 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 7 Vice Chairman Report From the Treasurer
Jeff Taylor Dave Mullen Vice Chairman Treasurer NAMGBR NAMGBR
s I write this, three days removed MGB #102 (“Miriam” as I like to call from our event, the sleepy little her) at MG 2013. I think she was the A town of Corvallis has returned to most photographed car all four days. NAMGBR Income & Expense Summary normalcy. On behalf of the Willamette Personally, I cannot tell you what a MG Club, I would like thank all of the thrill it was to drive her a few times to 10/01/2012 – 06/25/2013 NAMGBR members who made it to the front of Gill, the baseball game, Oregon for MG 2013 last weekend. It is and Saturday’s car show. Secondly, an By Dave Mullen, Treasurer our hope that on your way here, at the extra special thanks to Brian Gordon event, or on the way home you learned Woodhams, of the MG Car Club-UK, why we Oregonians call our home for making the long trip from England Income heaven, at least until the rain starts in and being a good sport at the baseball October (ha!). Whether taking a drive game. Hope you enjoyed the pie Brian. Dues & CC Card fees- $41,049.55 to the Coast, Central Oregon, the Ev- While standing on the steps of the ergreen Air Museum, wine country, or Memorial Union as the car began to Ad Sales- 5,157.50 the guided Covered Bridge tour, I hope leave and as the last few folks left the you were able to see the wide variety of awards dinner, I was sadden knowing Misc Income- 2,554.60 scenery we have in the northwest. that it was all over. But then I realized Total Income- $49,809.90 And from all reports in, it appears it is just eleven short months until we the site of being on a college campus get to do this all over again at MG 2014 was a hit. Having worked at Oregon in French Lick, Indiana, and I smiled. State for 17 years, it was exciting to Again, thanks to all, we’ll see you Expenses show people from all over the beauty in Indiana next June, and you are of the campus and the Mid-Willamette welcome anytime for another visit to Advertising- $8,348.85 Valley. Oregon. Bank Fees- 1,539.64 I cannot express enough thanks to the Steering Committee I was part of With regards and safety fast, Printing Costs- 25,502.71 that made this event happen. As many know it takes a strong committee to Jeff Liability Insurance- 1,350.00 pull off an event like this. Over the past three years, I have grown to feel PS: Now that we are finished with Office supplies- 2,142.55 like the committee was a big family. MG 2013, if I have not contacted you Postage- 4,504.18 Like any family, we had our differ- yet, I will be soon regarding re-affil- ence from time to time but in the end, iation of your local club. If you have Telephone- 1,345.16 everyone, including all the volunteers not already, please go to www.namgbr. was focused on one single goal, to host org navigate to the Join Us tab and Travel- 3,745.54 an event which would provide enjoy- click on the Renew Affiliation link. It ment for all who attended. takes only a few minutes and you will Misc Expenses- 2,150.62 I would like to express thanks to continue to enjoy the benefits by hav- Total Expenses $50,629.25 three special people. First, Bob and ing the minimum eight members. The Donna McNabb, who arranged for insurance coverage alone is worth the Dave the transportation and appearance of price of affiliation.
8 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 9 Letter of Intent • Chairman Letter of Intent • Treasurer
To the membership of the North American MGB Register:
I would like to announce my intent to seek office as Chair- man of the North American MGB Register. Dear NAMGBR Board & Members: The Spirit of the Octagon caught me in 1981 with a 1973 MGB. I was hooked! In 1984, I joined the local MGB club and, I wish to submit this Letter of Intent to con- in 1989, the MG Car Club - Rocky Mountain Centre. tinue as Treasurer of this organization for the final I have enthusiastically served as Club President and His- two years of the term. The first two years have been torian. I have also held a number of Rallye Glenwood Springs quite the accounting learning experience for and an event positions (publicity, Governmental relations, etc.) and old electrician. The ins and outs of the Quick Book been an active organizing committee member of the Annual accounting system were a challenge, but I feel more Colorado English Motoring Conclave, a 600 vehicle event. For comfortable with it now. MG 2009, MGs in Breckenridge, I was the vice-chairman, a The changes implemented have been, first, a host, and a worker ‘B’. desk check-processing machine, since there was not I served as NAMGBR Treasurer from October 2006 to Oc- a Chase Bank (NAMGBR’s bank for years) where I live tober 2011. During that time we grew to over 2,000 members, and depositing was a 45 minute drive to a different added the option of paying dues via PayPal, and began printing state. Second, was the change of credit card merchant the MGB Driver in color. I am currently serving as NAMGBR’s account processing to the Chase Bank system for a Liaison to the MG Car Club of England. savings of 30% in fees. Third, was the establishing a Over the years, as a member of the MG Car Club of Eng- business account with a credit card for ease of officers land, I have formed friendships with former MG employees, purchasing office supplies to operate the organiza- members of the MGCC of England, and their leadership team. tion, plus receiving rebates on those purchases. Laura and I have attended the annual MG Car Club of Eng- I wish to thank the officers, chapters, and mem- land Silverstone event as well as other North American events bers for their support and I hope to serve as Treasurer including Gatherings of the Faithful and several other local, for the next two years. NAMGBR, and Council events. I believe the success of local clubs directly impacts the Thank You vitality of NAMGBR. I will work hard to promote ACTIVITY, David A Mullen, NAMGBR Treasurer ENTHUSIASM and DEDICATION in the MG community. Member # 5-2473 Thank you for your support.
Safety Fast! Alan Magnuson
10 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 11 MGB Registrar
Ken Smith MGB, MGB LE, & 1967 MGB/GT Special’s Registrar
thought we’d start this issue with No one could really explain just what a bit of MG nostalgia from the it had meant to build the cars referred to IDaily Mail newspaper date October as only “she’”- nor could anyone explain 25,1980, written by Jon Ryan. The why men who had spent 30 years putting headline was: bits of metal together, left with tears in their eyes. “Tears over the death of a car!” The MG flag fluttered on top of the works as the men trooped into collect their It was the sort of a bright autumn last pay packets and redundancy pay- day made for the MG, when a young chap ments that go with the closure of the plant and a blonde with flowing hair could spin which made one of the most famous sports along country lanes with the hood down. cars in the world. But the reality yesterday was far The last MG had rolled off the now- removed from the romantic image, as deserted production lines, going down as groups of MG workers walked through the a statistic the 1 million, 155 thousand, legendary factory gates at Abingdon in 32nd produced at Abingdon in 50 years. Oxfordshire to collect their redundancy But the men still talked of the good times. money. “I thought I would be here to the fin- 12 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 13 ish of my working life and the car would The car was a white MGB/GT carried just go on. This was the sort of place that a San Diego MG Club license plate father, son, and uncle worked in”, said surround with a California license 53-year old Ralph Tubb, “We worked hard number of 5FSW 792. If any San Diego Midget Register and well and now it is all over. We have to member can identify the previous start looking for other work at the toughest owner of this car – would they let us By Bob Swetzer to Corvallis this year and meeting time I can remember. know? with fellow Midgeteers again. It is a mark of the loyalty of the Then we had a note from Dr. t was a year ago that I last reported Abingdon workforce that over 350, of the Simon Pledge in England where he has on progress in the MG Midget Here are our new members: total work force of 780, have been there for owned a 1966 MGB/GT since 1984, I Register. Since then, we have added thirty years or more! and says to his shame in all those years nine new cars and owners to our list, Marsha Carter - 1967 Mk. III Outside the grey painted gates, a he has never checked the V5 documen- bringing the total to 53 Midgets. This Dutch couple who own no less than five tation with the numbers on the car. Paul and Jean Coache - 1964 Mk. II list, as small as it may seem, represents Bill and Mary Ann Fortenberry - 1979 1500 MGs were among many who made the fi- The car has been laid up for nearly 20 a growing effort to restore the remain- nal trip to Abingdon to pay their respects. years and was finally ready for the road ing Midgets on the road. Several are Erick Halsey - 1961 Mk. I An American has offered £300 for last summer. daily drivers, while others could easily Andrea Harasek - 1974 Mk. III the main sign on the front gate, an offer However, the annual safety check qualify for concours recognition. Mary E. Hayes - 1978 1500 “that is being considered”! And amid all (the MOT) has changed in England Having missed last year’s MG Doug Housley - 1979 1500 the frantic comings and goings, a bespec- and now the tester checks the number meeting, I am looking forward to driv- Robert Lee - 1974 Mk. III tacled man took a long lingering last look off the car with the official database. ing my veteran unrestored ‘68 Midget John S. Schleyer - 1979 1500. – John Thornley who has probably done My problem is the car carries the more for MG than anyone else. number GHD3-89186 but the database He bought an MG on his 21st birth- thinks it’s GND3-89106! British Mo- day in June 1930, became a founder mem- tor Heritage told me that 89106 was a ber of the MG club and badgered his way North American spec. LHD Roadster. into a job at the plant the following year. Is this car on the NAMGBR Register Twenty -one years later he was General Simon asked? Manager and in 1948 became a director. Sadly, I had to tell Simon that the car was not in our records and so we Sad times indeed! could not confirm that 89106 lives on. Interesting that the BMHIT letter Si- A couple of unusual requests since mon received gave confirmation of the we last spoke to you. First, the Nevada date of manufacture of the MGB/GT. DMV needed confirmation of a num- Finally Debby Seymour wrote ber, then a chap from England wrote to ask, “what makes a 1967 MGB/GT to insist that their DMV had changed Special, special?” I sent her our standard the VIN on his car – from GHD to copy of the 67 MGB/GT Special specifi- GHN on a GT! cations so she could identify the car as The lady from the Nevada DMV had a genuine Special. all the numbers but didn’t know what to make of them! She wrote – We had this Latest Registrations 1969 MG come in from out of state and it is our job to properly identify it. The VIN Michael Golla - 73 MGB & 78 MGB NJ # is GHD4 176268G. We do not have a James Vier - 70 MGB/GT TX whole lot of information on older MGs but David Church - 67 MGB/GT MO the information we have obtained states that there should be a U or L following Lee Ellers - 70 MGB/GT AZ the 4. My supervisor did find informa- David Terhune - 70 MGB/GT MI tion that states, if the car was built by the Steve Kundich - 79 MGB CA British Leyland Group in England, then Ken & Dana Hawklins - 65 MGB OR that prefix was not used after October 7, Rich Upton - 66 MGB CA 1968. We just need to confirm that if this Maurice Emery - 67 MGB WA is one built in the group. Any help you can John Buskirk - 71 MGB PA give will be much appreciated. Thank you. Ken 14 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 15 Readers Ride Letters to the Editor Dear Robert, take in the sight of my Pale Primrose ‹67 Thank you for introducing my ‘67 GT (with Pale Primrose wheels!) BGT to the community by way of the After some pacing and head scratch- Readers Ride feature of the MGB Driver. I ing, the decision was made to go to break- would be remiss if I did not acknowledge fast. Breakfast I thought, who can eat at a the invaluable assistance of Don Peery time like this! Anyway, I drove with Don and the MG Car Club of Oklahoma dur- in his ‘80 LE to a nearby diner. His well- ing the delivery of my newly purchased sorted roadster was a shocking contract to MG from Fayetteville to Annapolis back the Mk I GT, and it only served to enhance in 2000. (Or what I fondly think of as my sense of desperation. a “single-handed voyage”). Upon returning from breakfast, the I was having a great time driving decision was made to disconnect the along in my new purchase, checking ev- generator, head to the nearest O’Brien’s erything out. I was even listening to AM- for a battery and a charger, and drive east band Sunday gospel just to hear the radio until…, well, actually I didn’t know until play! Much to my amazement, I drove what. Until the next thing, I thought. past a motel and saw about seven MGs of Fortunately, the next thing was a various makes and models in the parking motel outside Little Rock for the night and lot. Picture that, in Eastern Oklahoma! a, shall we say, awkward, call to my wife. And then it happened. The dreaded Monday morning and the MG was in red light! At first it was dim and intermit- the care of Ronnie MacLeod in Maumelle, tent. It gradually, no rapidly actually, Arkansas. I had to laugh when Ron’s became bright red, and I knew I had to assistant said he saw me on the interstate Photos and article by At this point I launched what “face the music.” I opened the bonnet to the day before and commented to his Carl Gwyn, Sacramento MG Club ended up to be a nine-month search a toasty hot generator and I knew I was friend that, “You don’t see too many old for an MGB. The prices all of the deal- in trouble. Sunday Morning in Eastern GT’s anymore.” Ron was great; he looked When I was approaching the end ers were asking were way outside of my Oklahoma with a dead generator? I knew the car over and did what he could to of my college career in 1970, I thought range, and there weren’t that many I had to seek refuge, and it certainly was make it roadworthy for the 1000 mile trip it best to find a car newer than the used MGBs advertised in the news- going to be in the company of like-minded to Annapolis. 1941 Chevrolet I had semi- restored paper. Having become discouraged, I enthusiasts. So back to the motel to knock I can only look back on that trip, and driven throughout high school gave up. on some doors. The club members gradu- shake my head and laugh. I know the and college. Starting my career and de- Soon after the abandonment ally filtered out of their various rooms to readers understand. Someday maybe I pending on a car that was thirty years of my search, my dad was looking old didn’t seem wise. through the ads in the paper and I wanted something sporty and discovered a 1968 MGB for $1,250. I found that the American-made possi- didn’t want to look at the car, because bilities couldn’t accommodate my 6’2” I was sure the ad was a misprint and frame comfortably. My interest turned had to be for a Midget. Prices for a ’68 to foreign cars to see if anything else B were around $2,800 at the time. He was available. After a look at a Healy talked me into looking, so we went 3000, I decided to try MGs because and discovered a slightly abused but they seemed to be “less finicky.” mostly mechanically sound, Pale I remember my first test drive in a Primrose B. During the test drive I Mineral Blue B from the BMC dealer in imagined what it would look like with Santa Cruz, California. I was imme- some fresh paint and immediately diately won over to the MGB. It drove knew this was the right car. wonderfully well and comfortably Now, forty-three years later, I’m accommodated my height. The only still driving the same MGB and loving problem was that the price was outside it. There’s nothing like driving the B my student budget. with my beautiful wife at my side.
16 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 17 will understand the purpose of that device that MG will be the feature marque for called a “trailer.” —David Krebs the 2014 Glenora Wine Cellars U.S. vintage Grand Prix, set for the weekend P.S. – Although I somehow suspect he has of September 5-7, 2014 at Watkins Glen. Oil Filters been honored before, I would like to nomi- MG will also be featured at the concurrent nate Don and his Club for their assistance downtown Watkins Glen street festival, Aritcle and images provided by to me for the NAMGBR Good Samaritan so the MG Vintage Racers group has des- Dave Braun, Minnesota MG Group Award. (Even if it was ten years ago!) ignated the meeting as its “Focus Event” y daytime gig is aviation for 2014, with the all-MG Vintage Collier design, specifically piston That’s a great story David! Cup race being run for the Governor’s powered single engine and Cup. For more information, please visit M light twin aircraft. Although I work Robert, www.MGVR.org.” on all kinds of aircraft systems and The July issue of Vintage Racecar, Keep spreading the word! Our plan- aerodynamic modifications, I’m page 16, under “Pace Notes” had the ning for CC14 is under way! It will be a specifically delegated by the FAA to following announcement: “The Sportscar spectacular MG event for 2014, for MG make approvals on engine instal- Vintage Racing Association’s director of racers, MG clubs, and MG enthusiasts!! lations and engine design. What events, Jon McKnight, has announced —Greg Prehodka —MG Vintage Racers does this have to do with our MGs? Well, recently an aviation client This is great news Greg! The Watkins asked me to do several projects in Glen has been such an important link in MG history. It’s an honor that the area of oil systems and filters. it will be the featured marque next In researching the new art in that system isn’t really described in the year on the 90th anniversary of MG! area, I realized that I’ve never written factory workshop manual, but they did about our basic oil system or talked make a nice diagram of it, and if you Dear NAMGBR, much about filters, although once I look at the parts of the system and read I’d like to invite everyone down to the walked us through the oil change on the General Data section, you can get 2014 gathering of the Key West British an MGB, and I have written about oil a pretty good idea of what the lubrica- Car Club on April 21-25. In years past, coolers a time or two. tion system is all about. In the General this event was sponsored by the North The B-Series engine was used with Data section, the system is defined American MGA Register, but is now an various camshafts and carburetion as a wet sump, pressure fed system. all MG/British event. It is a lot of fun and schemes, in a wide variety of Austin This means that the holding tank for the cars are allowed to participate in “The and Morris vehicles, including but not the excess oil is contained within an World’s Longest Parade” that is held in limited to our MGB, various trucks integral sump or oil pan under the Key West each year. You can have people and a taxi cab or two. As such, the engine, and that an oil pump rated at e-mail me at [email protected] or see lubrication system was designed to be 3-1/4 gallon per minute at 2,000 rpm is updates on the Kansas City MG Club’s robust and do a good job of lubricating used to pick up oil from the sump and website – www.kcmgcc.com. and cooling the moving parts of the force it up and through the various —Rob Camblin engine. The thin film of oil between galleries to feed the bearings and other parts cushions metal to metal contact moving parts. Since the British use Rob, I have heard so many great sto- and provides a heat transfer medium imperial gallons which are 20% larger ries from people that have gone to to whisk excess heat and send it down than US gallons, we can translate this this event – thanks for the invitation! to the sump. This heats up the oil, and to about 3.9 US gallons per minute, if you remember the oil cooler articles, which should vary fairly linearly with oil is formulated to work best at about the engine RPM. In other words, at Scan this. 200°F. The oil experiences moderate 4000 rpm the pump should flow about cooling as it sits in the sump, this is 8 gallons per minute. The next thing one of the reasons we run with more specified is that the oil system pres- than two quarts, which is the mini- sure is between 50 and 80 lb./sq. in. mum one could expect to circulate in (pounds per square inch or psi) run- an emergency. Additionally, many of ning (warm) and between 10 and 25 our cars are equipped with oil coolers, psi when idling. and even better, oil cooler thermostats, This closely agrees with what because oil that is too cool can cause my friend, Dr. Mike, likes to advocate problems, just as oil can that is too hot. “one psi for every 100 rpm” so if we North American MGB Register To start with, the lubrication look at the range given, we could say 18 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 19 that a worn but serviceable domed hex with a sharpie, engine should read 10 psi so you know the point the at 1000 rpm idle, and 50 psi thread engages with the at about 4000 rpm, which block. The pressure relief is the highest number most is non-adjustable except of us ever cruise along at; on installation, where an- and a newly refurbished other good tip is to boost engine should see at least the force exerted by the 25 psi at idle and perhaps spring pressure by insert- 80 psi under warm run- ing a flattened lock washer ning conditions. To provide between the valve cup and this pressure feed there is a the spring. The installa- pump that is turned by a set tion process should also of gears off the cam shaft. include carefully lapping The General Data the cup to its seat in the section further informs block with valve grinding us that there is an oil filter paste to provide a positive from Tecalemit (one of the seal when the relief valve typical British sources back is closed. in the day) with a full flow The diagram of the felt element. More on that lubrication system in the later, but full flow means workshop manual shows that all of the oil available that oil is picked up in to the engine lubrication In contrast, the same system equipped with a bypass flow oil the sump by the oil pump system is sent through filter. Only about 10% of the engine oil is filtered, as metered by through the oil pick-up the filter first, instead of a a simple orifice. The filtered oil is returned to the sump, not the strainer. The oil goes to the engine. Diagram courtesy of FRAM. bypass flow system where A full flow oil filter system. 100% of the oil fed to the engine pressure relief, where the only a portion of oil (on the goes through the filter. Diagram courtesy of FRAM. go. The oil pressure relief’s job is to excess oil is rejected back order of 10%) is filtered. drop that pressure by allowing some of to the sump, and the remainder of the This is good, because with the bypass loaded at its fitted length at about 16 the flow to divert directly back to the oil goes to the main oil feed. Here it system, the 10% filtered oil is returned lbs. Why is the pressure relief lower sump, before it ever reaches the filter exits the block and takes an external directly to theasump and not through than the maximum rated oil pressure? to begin its journey through the engine. It is all about clearances and the point the engine. There is further a pressure by- in the block at which the oil pressure is The oil pressure relief pass built into our full flow filter for read. Oil pressure comes from flow and assembly is located under protection in case the filter becomes constriction. Flow comes from the oil a large domed hex nut in obstructed or fails. The designers cal- pump, and constriction comes from the general vicinity of the culated that an internal bypass of 13 the fitting of the bearings at the crank, left hand side of the engine to 17 psi would do. This bypass sends the big rod ends, and the cam shaft. in front of the rear engine unfiltered oil to the engine on the The more flow, or the tighter the con- bearing plate and behind the theory that dirty oil is better than no striction, the higher the oil pressure. center exhaust manifold run- oil, and it is predicated on that amount As mentioned, the oil pump increases ner. Access is tight. Since the of pressure drop inside the oil filter. At flow at higher rpm, which shows up as fitted length compresses the a 10 psi idle oil pressure we can see that higher pressure on our gauge. When spring 27/32nds of an inch, it is entirely possible for a decreased the oil is cold, it is self constricting, the spring rating is about 19 supply of oil in our engines if the filter and again, shows up as higher pres- lbs per inch, which explains is blocked, as pressure will have to sure on our gauge. Finally, when the why fitting the pressure relief rebuild at the filter to cause the bypass engine is worn, the constriction at in situ is sometimes a chal- to open. the bearings is decreased, and shows lenge with one hand pushing up as lower pressure on our gauge. It in, lining up the threads and In addition the General Data is obvious then, that at cold start-up, turning simultaneously. A section tells us that a pressure relief higher rpm, and/or with a new pump good tip is to test fit just the is provided in the block. The relief or new engine bearings, there has to be domed hex nut in advance is rated at 70 psi via a spring that is a means to relieve some of that extra and mark the top of the pressure or something else could let Pressure relief valve operation. Diagram courtesy of FRAM. 20 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 21 itself on the valve tip. This oil every MG from the middle of the TD MG TD. Although the outside of the flows back to the sump, along run right through to the early MGBs. canister is original to the TD, all the the push rods and the top of Eventually; a cartridge style filter with parts inside are from the Moss Catalog the tappets and tappet chest. a metal inner and outer cylinder and for the early MGB. The spring, wash- The tappet surface against a pleated paper filter replaced the felt ers and sealing disk are all part of the the camshaft, and the pistons media; and is a direct bolt in piece bypass valve incase the filter becomes skirts in the cylinders, are fur- which seals by virtue of small sealing clogged. ther lubricated by splash from surfaces at each end of the canister. Eventually, British Leyland de- the big ends of the connecting Because of the various canister thick- cided that disposable cartridge filters rods and crank throws, and nesses and sealing grove depths, the just like you have on your modern drains back down to the sump. cartridge style filter comes with three cars would be ideal. The engines were Any oil that is squished out the different sealing gaskets for the outer equipped with an adapter with a edges of the bearings on the canister. It isn’t necessary to replace smooth face to mate with the gasket crankshaft or camshaft also the sealing gasket every time as the built into the disposable filter, and The pressure relief valve from a B-Series engine, and a few returns to the sump, where the gasket will remain supple for many with an external stud that accepted a extraneous parts. Notice the sealing device is a cup, not a process starts over. oil changes. Just be careful that you 3/4-16 internally threaded faceplate. ball as shown in the generic diagram, and the cup has been To sum it up, we have pick out the old gasket completely if Since the original renewable cartridge lapped to provide the best seal possible with the block. learned that the oil pump is you intend to replace it, and that you filters specified an internal pressure trip through a hose connected directly capable of more output than test fit the replacement gasket before relief, it was important to source a re- to the oil cooler (through an optional the engine can handle depending on you assemble the filter. The gasket is placeable screw-on cartridge that was thermostat if you wish) and the cooled the oil temperature, the bearing condi- fitted smeared with oil and no other similarly equipped. The WIX 51068, oil returns to enter the outer diameter tions, and the engine rpm. Because sealant. The replacement cartridges are NAPA 1068 are readily available, along of the oil filter adapter. If you don’t of this there is a pressure relief in the available from the usual suspects, the with FRAM’s XG43, TG43 and PH43 have an oil cooler the external hose block, which is not to be confused WIX 51300 and NAPA 1300 come to which are pretty much the FRAM or pipe takes the oil directly to the oil with the bypass valve in the filter mind, as well as the FRAM CH814PL, range of best, better, and good filters. filter adapter. In either case the oil is itself, the latter to handle the possibil- AC-Delco PF2172, Big A 92300 and These filters all have a pressure relief forced through the filter media to the ity of a blocked filter. We can also see Carquest 85300. The filters are a bit setting somewhere between 9 and 15 center of the filter, and then is fed to that the oil pump, the oil pressure messy to remove, especially in the ver- psi, and filter media that exceeds the the main high pressure gallery. If the relief, the constriction at each bearing, tical position, so be ready with extra filtering standards of our cars when oil filter is clogged or restricted, the and the needs of the rocker system are rags and catch basins. new. This means that they will flow internal oil filter bypass opens and the all operating in concert so that the The canister-style filter with the more oil, filter smaller particles of dirt, oil goes unfiltered directly from the oil appropriate amount of oil is circulated replacement cartridge for our 1952 through more media than originally hose or pipe to the main high pressure through the engine, while our sump gallery. The main high pressure gallery and oil cooler (if equipped) remain feeds the main engine bearings, and relatively full. since the crankshaft is drilled, the oil We can now deduce that our ex- is also fed to the big end of the con- ternal oil filter requires certain param- necting rods. eters besides the pressure relief. The Any oil not needed for the crank- filter also needs a filtering element, a shaft is diverted under pressure to the sealing surface, and a way to contain camshaft bearings; the timing chain the pressure exerted by the oil system. and tensioner; and to the low pres- To accomplish these tasks, several sure feed gallery that provides oil to types of filters have been incorporated the distributor gears and the oil pump in the MGB over the manufacturing gears. Once every camshaft revolution, and subsequent life of our cars. The which if you remember, turns at half first filters were stout Tecalemit brand engine speed, a squirt of oil is deliv- canisters built for the engine with a re- ered up the intermittent rocker feed newable felt element. The long center gallery which distributes oil through through bolt had a sealing ring under the rocker pedestals and rocker shaft the head, and held the outer canister to lubricate the valve gear at the top tightly to a thin gasket inset into the The canister-style filter with the replacement cartridge for our 1952 MG TD. Although the outside of of the head. Each rocker is drilled to case. Internal disks and springs pro- the canister is original to the TD, all the parts inside are from the Moss Catalog for the early MGB. lubricate the adjustable ball tip end vided the bypass mechanism. This was The spring, washers and sealing disk are all part of the bypass valve incase the filter becomes at each pushrod, as well as the rocker pretty much the filter system used on clogged. 22 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 23 possible on our cars. As an example, let’s look at all similar enough to flex to- the FRAM XG43 specifications, gether. Another failure may which also happen to closely be suspected when the oil match the WIX 51068 specifica- pressure momentarily drops tions. Both filters are rated to filter to zero and recovers. When out 20-21 micron particles. Both the engine is examined the have bypass valve ratings of 8-10 filter is bulged out. Again in psi, and both have anti-drain back this case what appears to be valves so your engine doesn’t have a filter failure is actually a to refill the filter on every start, an failure of the pressure relief important feature when the filter valve in the engine. It either mounts upside down as it does stuck in the closed position, on our B-Series engines. They are or it was slow to move to the both full flow oil filters, so as best open position as the engine quality full flow oil filters; they changed rpm or experi- can handle up to 7-9 gallons per enced a cold start. Although minute. The rated burst pressure is the filters are rated quite on the order of 270 psi. high for burst pressure, nor- Filters in full flow applications mal pressure plus another must provide low restriction to oil 100 psi can easily deform flow while having a high degree of the filter case. The answer in single pass efficiency. This means both of these occurrences is the oil filter must remove dirt to allow the engine to warm from the oil the first time around. smallest particles possible. ditions with a used up filter and worn properly prior to use, and A bypass flow oil filtering system will Incidentally, just because the engine; you may not be getting the oil to change the oil and filter often to sometimes employ filters that can fil- FRAM XG43 may seem ideal for your flow you need. With a 10 gallon per decrease the effects of dirt, moisture or ter particles as small as 10 microns, but MGB doesn’t mean that the cor- minute flow rating and a 500 psi max corrosion. their pass through rate will be much responding racing filter, the HP3, is burst pressure; the HP3 really is meant When you think about the job we lower, because they are only filtering a an even better choice for street use. for constant, high rpm use, where the ask the oil filter to do on our engines, it tenth of the oil that a full flow system Although the filtering media has ap- oil is changed after every race. is really amazing that they last as long filters. Sometimes a bypass flow filter- proximately the same capability, the In my work as an aviation en- as, and take the internal abuse that ing system will be used in conjunction opening pressure on the bypass valve gineer, I sometimes run into filters they do. Of course, if you delay chang- with a full flow system to capture the is 22 psi, which means under idle con- which fail. The blame is often placed ing your filter beyond the recom- on the manufacturer of the filter, mended intervals, which fortunately is when in reality; investigation reveals typically twice the oil change interval, that the filter failed because of an you can expect the filtering media engine problem. For example, some- to become filled and the oil filter to times the center tube of a filter will be no longer do its job. If you allow the found to be collapsed when the filter motor oil to overheat, you can expect is cut open for oil analysis. When the the anti-drain back valves on cheaper bypass valve for the filter is located in filters, those not made of silicone the engine as is the case for most early (good to 400°F), but nitrile (good to aircraft engines, a sticky bypass valve 258°F), to not last as long either. With can momentarily allow the filter to each start-up your oil pump is spend- experience pressures great enough to ing more time filling the filter which collapse the center tube. This is rarely delays lubricating the engine exactly a problem on internally bypassed when you don’t want to be waiting for filters used on later airplanes and our oil pressure. In any case, you get what cars, especially those that have similar you pay for. The time, cost and effort materials for the filtering media and of using quality oil with a quality filter the end pieces, because the expansion and adhering to the oil change inter- and contraction of the media and the vals with a new filter installed each adhesive used to bond it together are time really does pay off.
24 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 25 charge” wants to retire, sells his car, or to grant access to. The system is always moves – or worse, gets sick and no-one available and can be used anywhere wants to rip this vital club function you have internet access, including away from them because it is “their- on your iPhone, iPad, or other smart- thing-to-do”, then the whole manage- phone / tablet. ment of the club starts to crumble and The database is designed specifi- no one wants to volunteer to do it. cally for Car Clubs, and stores the fol- Madness? Indeed! lowing information (and more): OurCarClub: Online Membership Management Tool All clubs have lists and most clubs use some form of computerized system • Members - past and present By Peter R. Mittler, MG Car Club of Toronto the accuracy of everyone else’s list. today. There is, however, no unifor- and their payment/renewal sta- North American Representative for OCC Madness? Indeed! mity, poor security of information and tus (current, expiring or lapsed) So along comes… wait for it… generally a burden to one ‘list man- he good news is we are going to cre- the computer! (Drum roll, symbol ager’ like the secretary, the member- • Vehicles – current ownership, ate a club! The bad news is we are crash, some gasps!) “There goes my list ship chair, or the treasurer. The ability going to create a club! a photo, sub-categorization, T management,” the elders say, “I don’t to share information is accomplished all of the VIN information and As soon as a group of car enthusi- even have an e-mail address”. Another with a ‘sneaker net’ (copy files to a history asts decide to create a group, out comes pipes up, “No worries, I know Super- disc, memory stick, or shared file a pad and pen to create ‘THE LIST’. Calc.” Another says, “What about somewhere, or e-mail it, then update Committee Members Alas, this list of interested people is Lotus 1-2-3?” The youngest says, “But I • it as needed – overwriting your col- – job functions just the first list; then comes a list of can do this in Excel” and his colleague leagues’ data in the process!) Madness? cars, a list of possible events and dates, quips, “Nah, it is better done in Ap- Indeed! What is the solution? meeting minutes (to remember what proach or Access or dBase, or Foxpro or • Committee Meetings WWW.OurCarClub.INFO service – agenda, minutes, ‘to-do’ lists we decided to put onto the other lists), Filemaker!” provides your club with an online da- lists of things we bought to manage Now everything is better because tabase that requires only a web browser the lists, and lists of things people said it is computerized and each list is man- • Club Events to operate. Being online, the database – attendance records and they would do by a certain date. Before aged in a different format by a differ- is not the sole responsibility of one info for tracking participation you know it, you have dozens of lists so ent person safely on different discs committee member. The Treasurer, the awards now you need a list of lists. . . Because – and all is well. One person can print Secretary, the Magazine Editor, and every club has more than one organiz- labels, another prints the roster, and the Social Coordinator can each access er, each person must have their own yet another can send out the e-mails to the data they need to perform their • Day Book copies of the list, which, of course, those who have e-mail addresses. Then official duties. Absolute up-to-date – recording of club-plate ve- they must change to make ‘their list’ when the ‘programmer’ is too busy member information is available, but hicle usage for clubs needing to the ‘correct list’ thereby obliterating to make changes or the “person-in- only visible to the people you choose track insurance and usage info Main Club Page Membership List
26 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 27 Adding a new member. New member profile.
members to inform them of late • Regalia changes to events (subject to – inventory and value tracking additional fees and some geo- graphical restrictions). • An audit trail – what was changed, by whom As your club grows your volun- and when teers will likely become younger. Sounds odd, doesn’t it? But think • Assets The database is hosted using state about it: as the newer members buy • Affiliates and Sponsors – gazebos, banners, tools, of the art facilities, managed, secure the retiring members’ cars either the – (e.g. Newsletter recipients, signs, walkie-talkies – where and backed up. It does not reside on club will continue with younger, advertisers) are they stored and who has one club member's PC so you don't computer-literate members, or the club them now? have to worry about what would hap- will wither. These younger members pen to your club's records if that PC simply will not volunteer to adopt an had a disk failure or a virus. Initial antiquated paper or computerized list data entry can be accomplished for a management system. The easier it is, nominal fee by importing all of your the more likely they will volunteer data into OurCarClub saving hours of – and they will want to update this typing and list management. Further- information on their phones. more, you can always extract your The MG Car Club of Toronto tried data to generate a paper copy, or for to manage our club with a multi- use in other programs, or for any other column Excel spreadsheet and kept purpose. a copy of it in Dropbox for others to Additionally, OurCarClub share. Trying to access and share the provides easy to use communication information when we needed it was channels to ensure your members are slow and awkward on a small screen kept up-to-date with Club news: when mobile. OurCarClub does this much better and prevents multiple • Bulk-email service: send an overwrites of the data. email to (yourclubname)@ There is simply no other list man- ourcarclub.info and all your cur- agement system specifically designed rent club members will receive to manage a car club. Do you have it, including attachments up to your ‘To Do’ list handy? We suggest 8MB per recipient. you put “Check out www.OurCarClub. info” on your list before you close this • Text-messages service (SMS): document or contact me at pmittler@ send a text to all your current OurCarClub.info or call (647) 692- 4996. 28 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 29 how to prep your car for com- petition. Even the NAMGBR of- ficers got in on the act and held MG 2013 Report a discussion on the Register (we won’t comment on how many people showed up for that…). Of course, no convention could be complete without our very own Technical Coordinator and Founding Chairman, John a covered bridge tour, self-driving Twist and his famous Rolling Tech tours, and a Ladies’ Tea. Thursday eve- Session. Like always, the line was long ning was spent watching the college and John solved many problems! baseball team play (with the first pitch being thrown out by MG Car Club-UK Friday was another day packed representative Brian Woodhams!). with activities. Tech sessions, a botani- After the game, the MG Experience cal walking tour of the OSU campus, website hosted a meet & greet at the covered bridge tours, self-guided tours, football stadium’s swanky new Players a rally, and a hospitality suite hosted Club room. by the Columbia Gorge MGA Club in old Oregon Trail to Corvallis. The tech sessions this year were Aritcle and images provided by the Players Club on Friday night. By Robert Rushing excellent. Neil d’Autremont gave a The convention kicked off on demonstration on car finish care, The big show was on Saturday. Wednesday, July 17, with a welcome polish, and paint revival. Keith Ansell orvallis, Oregon is home to the 280 MGs were parked on the univer- barbecue held at Avery Park. There was gave a talk on MGB engines and trans- beautiful campus of Oregon sity quad. Taking pride of place was tons of great food, mild temps, and lots mission using cut-away blocks, heads, C State University (go Beavers!) MGB #102 – the first production MGB of shade – it was the perfect place to and cases so he could show all the hid- and was also home, at least for a few ever! This car has been written about meet up with the people you don’t get den areas and discuss common issues. days, to 280 beautiful MGs for MG in the past in the MGB Driver and we to see enough of during the year. One Les Barker went over invisible body 2013 – the twenty-second annual con- plan to do a more in depth feature, of the most unusual features of the ding repairs. Kelvin Dodd from Moss vention of the North American MGB with lots of pictures, in an upcoming park was the central table made from Motors covered the development of Register. Situated about an hour south issue. Also on display was car #235, a single six inch thick, 93-foot piece of their air conditioning kit for the MGB of Portland and an hour east of the Pa- owned since brand new by Larry Stan- Douglas fir that over 100 people could and how it is installed. Donna McNabb cific Ocean, Corvallis is smack in the difer. It was his daily driver until 1994 sit at to eat. and Peggy Oliver held a forum for middle of the fertile Willamette Valley when he gave it a complete restoration. leading and creating new activities for with its vast stretches of rich farmland, Larry may be the longest original MGB Thursday was the first full day of your local clubs. Anne McAlpin from soon to be famous wineries, and lots of owner in the US. Besides those two his- the convention and was packed with AAA gave a talk on how to pack light, beautiful scenery. toric cars, there was a great turnout for activities – tech sessions, a Funkhana, showcasing the latest in light weight MG 2013 was organized by the concours and there was a very strong luggage and travel products. Jon Meyer Willamette MG Club with help showing of MGCs at the show. talked about SU Carburetors and MG from the Columbia Gorge MGA All during the week, the weather distributors. Bob & Marie Sherman Club, and the Club ‘T’ MG. The was perfect. Sunny skies, maybe a discussed competitive hill climbs and show chairman was Jeff Leighty bit on the warm side; but almost no heading the steering commit- humidity. The temps dropped down tee of Jeff Taylor, Gene & Becky to the 60’s each night which made Nunn, Kay Brandon, Bob Green, parking lot socializing perfect. Wanted Brando & Paula Fox, Brian & to be even cooler? It was just a quick Dianna Ross, Kristy Leighty, Terry drive over to the coast where tempera- Harris, Bill & Kay Beatty, Larry & tures were consistently twenty degrees Debbie Haroun, Jan Whittlesey, lower. Glen Enright, and Dan & Becky Great roads, great weather, great Taylor. Also organized was an friends – it was another fantastic meet! Oregon Trail tour by John Hatch Not to mention that it was the largest that led a group of MGs from In- west coast convention in NAMGBR dependence, Missouri, along the Barbecue evening event. A huge turn out. Ansell Tech Session. history!
30 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 31 MG 2013 NAMGBR
Classes Results 280 Cars Total MGB/GT 1965-71 (25 cars) MGB MKI Late 1965-67 (16 cars) 1st Steve & Nell Collins Pitt Meadows, BC 1st Andy & Marla Preston Rohnert Park, CA 2nd Jim & Carol Sanders Seattle, WA 2nd Dan & Ann McLean San Pedro, CA 3rd Mike & Heidi Howard Portland, OR 3rd Steve & Diane Kirby Escondido, CA
MGB/GT 1972-74 (10 cars) MGB MKII Chrome Grille 1968-69 (14 cars) 1st Lou Allocco Springfield, OR 1st Troy & Kim Stroud Springfield, OR 2nd Michael Layman Beaverton, OR 2nd Mike & Heidi Howard Portland, OR 3rd N C Stipe Pasadena, CA 3rd Tony & Carole Cohen West Vancouver, BC
MGB/GT 1974 1/2 (2 cars) MGB MKII Recessed Grille 1970-72 (19 cars) 1st Marie & Bob Sherman Kelowna, BC 1st Geoffrey Perry Bend, OR Photo Essay of MG 2013 2nd Brandon & Paula Fox Tualatin, OR 2nd Bob & Donna Green Dallas, OR Images by Robert Rushing & Charles de Bourbon 3rd Richard & Marta Thornberry Visalia, CA MGB Factory V8 all years (1 car) 1st Reid & Sue Trummel Portland, OR MKII Honeycomb Grille 1973-74 (24 cars) 1st Terry Allen Kintnersville, GA 2nd Ralph & Kathleen Yingling Monroe, WA MGB Modified all years (14 cars) 1st Robert & Susan Milner Manteca, CA 3rd Dennis & Janice Brown Salem, OR 2nd Stanley & Suzanne Strong Tacoma, WA 3rd Steve Gartner Sun Valley, CA MGB MKIII 1974 1/2 – 76 (15 cars) 1st Ken & Fran Adkison Phoenix, AZ 2nd John & Karla Rogers Nevada City, CA MG Midget Chrome Bumper 1961-74 (3 cars) 1st Chad & Molly Cansler Portland, OR 3rd George deWalder Weaverville, NC 2nd Rose Bryant & Davis Marsi Calgary, AB 3rd Richard Hardie Red Deer, AB MGB MKIV Early 1977-78 (10 cars) 1st Terry & Arlie Nydeen Albany, MN 2nd John & Betty Walkden Langley, BC MG Midget Rubber Bumper 1974-79 (6 cars) 1st Brian & Dianna Ross Salem, OR 3rd Alan & Laura Magnuson Centennial, CO 2nd Steve & Carol Olson Kansas City, MO 3rd Thomas & Susan Stose Vancouver, WA MGB MK1V Late 1979-80 (16 cars) 1st Robert & Marianne Gerttula Woodinville, WA MG 1100/1300 all years (1 car) 2nd Bruce & Judy Cratty Omaha, NE 1st Chad & Molly Cansler Portland, OR 3rd Elvin & Janet Davis West Bloomfield, MI
MGB MKI Early 1962-65 (17 cars) MGB Limited Edition 1979-80 (11 cars) 1st Michael & Kelly Geraghty Maple Ridge, BC 1st Malcolm & Rebecca Hassler Monument, CO 2nd Michael & Ally Benbrook El Cajon, CA 2nd James & Roberta Lumley Tacoma, WA 3rd Larry & Mary Standifer Eugene, OR 3rd Jim & Karen Bull Santa Maria, CA MGC all years (8 cars) 1st Mike & Donna Hirschmann Maple Grove, MN 2nd Jack & Louis Feldman Portland, OR 3rd Andrew Hardie Calgary, AB
MGB Driver • September / October 2013 33 centerfold
Participants posing for a professional photographer atop the Memorial Union building. Below is Mt. Adams taken from Larch Mountain. Weather was wonderful.
34 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 35 Registration
36 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 37 Barbecue
38 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 39 Hospitality Suite
40 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 41 Car Show
42 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 43 MG 2013 Concours Report TOP POINT MG 3rd Year in a Row! By Bob Gloyd not perfect, Clausager’s books, “The NAMGBR Concours Chairman Original MGB”, and “The Original Midget” are used as guides in judging t every North American MGB the cars and the NAMGBR Concours Coordinator holds the responsibility Simon Dix Register (NAMGBR) Annual A meet there is a separate com- to answer any questions, resolve issues O’Fallon, Missouri • MG Club of St. Louis petition held within the Car Show. review the judging sheets and provide This is the Concours event. Concours any additional knowledge on original- 1977 MGB differs from the general car show in ity. Over the years that I have been the many ways. First and foremost, entry Coordinator, I have spent a great deal in Concours is entirely voluntary and of time researching the history of the Concours is not a ‘beauty pageant’ as cars and picking the brains of those some feel. The entries can be from any much more knowledgeable than I on of the models represented by NAMGBR all things MG. Overall this provides and are identified in a class specifi- a fair representation of what a car cally for Concours and not eligible for entered should be. popular voting. I want to than the Judges for There are several reasons for this. giving of their time and taking their In the popular voting, any car is eligi- duties to heart. I had one judge make ble to be voted on in its class – whether a comment to me that he had never original or modified. In Concours, worked that hard before in his life and the emphasis is on originality and I am thrilled that they took their task condition and there are set criteria and seriously. This year’s Judges were: specific areas that the judges review. The cars entered in Concours are not Richard Liddick from NAMGBR competing against each other, but are David Blanchard from the K-Brits judged on their own merits. Often Car Club there are cars in the general show that Lee Eggers no club affiliation appear to be “nicer” than the cars in Mark Miller from the Willamette Concours, but for whatever reason the MG Car Club current caretakers of those cars have Nick Pappas representing NAMGBR chosen to not subject them to scrutiny. John Fraioli from the MGCC Rocky The judges are also volunteers Mountain Centre and NAMGBR and consist of representatives from Their Efforts were truly outstanding! the host club, NAMGBR officers, and NAMGBR club representatives. The This year we had eleven cars en- judges are given scoring sheets and tered in the Concours Event, some that specific areas to review on each car. we have seen before and some that we There are three different sets of judg- have not, including a couple of rare ing sheets representing the technical Special Edition MGBs. The awards are aspects of the car 1) Does everything as follows: work, 2) The physical condition of the car (quality of paint, interior, wheels Certificates of Merit etc.), and 3) Correctness of the car Dick Mullins, 1975 MGB/GT Special (correct badging, clamps, wheels, tires, Edition (OEW) etc.). Jim McLagan, 1980 MGB Roadster Each car is reviewed by three (Flame Red) teams of two judges and the judges are Harry Sharp, 1969 MGB Roadster not supposed to collaborate on how (Original Owner - Primrose Yellow) they score a car. Even though they are
44 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 45 AWARD OF EXCELLENCE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Certificate of Merit Certificate of Merit Certificate of Merit
Dick Mullins Jim & Sue McLagan Harry Sharp Elmira, Oregon Surrey, BC Blaine Washington 1975 MGB-GT (OEW) 1980 MGB Roadster 1969 MGB Roadster
Certificate of Merit Certificate of Merit Certificate of Merit
Larry Gill Bob Bentzinger Seattle, Washington St. Louis, Missouri 1966 MGB Roadster 1974 MGB Roadster
HONORABLE MENTION HONORABLE MENTION
Jon & Monique Rose Victor Van Tres Jennifer Orum Duncan, BC Chatsworth, California West Vancouver, BC 1979 MGB LE Roadster 1965 MGB Roadster 1970 MGB Roadster
Jon & Monique Rose, 1979 MGB LE The Don Hayter Top Points Award once Roadster (Black) again went to Simon Dix for his 1977 Victor Van Tres, 1965 MGB Roadster Flamenco Red MGB Roadster. Simon (OEW) has agreed to “retire” the car from Jennifer Orum, 1970 MGB Roadster NAMGBR Concours judging for a (Flame Red) while and will be serving as a judge at next year’s show. Congratulations Honorable Mention Simon and thank you for maintain- Dick Mullins, 1975 MGB/GT Jubilee ing your car in magnificent condition Edition (Brooklands Green) while driving it as intended. I am look- Jack Waschbush, 1964 MGB Roadster ing forward to you serving as a judge (OEW) in the future.
Award of Excellence And congratulations and a hearty THANK YOU to all of the participants Dick Mullins Jack Waschbush Larry Gill, 1966 MGB Roadster (BRG) Bob Bentzinger 1974 MGB Roadster in the NAMGBR Concours judging for Elmira, Oregon Ventura, California MG 2013! 1975 MGB-GT 1964 MGB Roadster (Tundra)
46 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 47 Banquet Molly & Chad Cansler Chad & Molly Cansler
Simon Dix Brian Woodhams
Robert Milner Terry Allen
The Banquet portion of MG 2013 in the Reser Stadium Club Room. Everyone waving hello! It was a wonderful experience with a grand group of MG enthusiasts. Nicely done Willamette!
48 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 49 John Thornley “Spirit of MG” Award 2013 NAMGBR • Annual General Meeting (AGM) loan to the current recipient with the understanding that it is their responsi- French Lick, Indiana • October 25-27 bility to have the print at the next years annual convention to be presented to the next recipient. At that time, a plaque with a repro- duction of the painting is created and given to the last year’s recipient of this honor, with their name and dates on it. This plaque is theirs to keep. The NAMGBR executive, with input from coordinators, registrars, chapters and members, chooses the award recipi- ent.
John Thornley MG Spirit Award winners are: 1996 – Jerome Rosenberger, Benton, IL 1997 – Kim Tonry, Downers Grove, IL 1998 – Don Bridger, Jonesboro, AR Jai Deagan, right, is this years recipient of the 1999 – Tom Boscarino, Asheville, NC John Thornley Spirit of MG award. 2000– Lynne and Tony Burgess, Westerville, OH 2001 – Wayne Kube, Plano, TX By Richard Liddick 2002 – Leo & Debbie Fortin, Geely, Ont. Canada NAMGBR Chairman 2003– Looft Family, Wilmington, OH 2004– Rick Ingram , St. Joseph , IL would like to congratulate Jai Deagan 2005– Don Perry, Edmond, OK of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, for be- 2006 – Ken Smith, Goleta, CA I ing selected as the 2013 recipient of 2007 – Charles & Kim de Bourbon, DWG, PA By Tony and Lynne Burgess, NAMGBR Lick Springs Hotel ; dinner at the Pow- the John Thornley “MG Spirit” Award. 2008 – John Twist, Ada, MI AGM & Convention Coordinators erhouse Sports Bar at the hotel This is the highest award offered by 2009 – Larry & Barb Henle, Marshall, MN Saturday, October 26 NAMGBR. Jai has been very active with 2010 – Richard & Carol Brown, Bloomington, IL his year’s NAMGBR AGM will 9:00am - Tour of Resort facilities. We 2011 – Bruce & Connie Wyckoff, Zeeland, MI will use the hotel shuttle bus with sales the Register since the founding, serving 2012 – Oscar & Diana Gonzales, Huntley, IL be held at the French Lick Resort as the Secretary from 1995-98 and as the T in French Lick, Indiana, which staff providing historic info of the 100,000 Mile Registrar since 1999. Jai is is the site of next summer’s MG-2014. French Lick Springs Hotel, West Baden one of a few individuals who have been This meeting is open to all NAMGBR Springs Hotel, the Pete Dye golf course, to all twenty-two conventions! members and guests and are you and the Donald Ross golf course. The award is presented at the An- encouraged to attend all or part of the 11:30am - Lunch at Hagen’s Restaurant nual Convention yearly to the person(s) weekend’s activities. at the Donald Ross golf clubhouse displaying the spirit and enthusiasm The hotel has offered a great rate 1:00-5:00pm – Annual General Meet- of MG. This award is a framed origi- of $135/night, plus tax for Friday and ing in the French Lick Springs Hotel nal oil painting by Dennis Wharf of Saturday nights. They are offering this Conference Room the first works MGB GT to compete in same rate for Thursday and Sunday 6:30pm - Dinner at the 33 Brick Street an international event. LBL 591E was nights too if you want to make it a Sports Bar placed in the prototype class of com- long weekend. To book a room, please Sunday October 27 petition at Sebring. The painting was a phone 1-888-936-9360 before Septem- Check Out and travel home gift to NAMGBR from the MG Car Club, ber 25 and use group code 1013AGM. U.K. and the MGB Register in England, Please contact me on MGOHIO@ presented by John Watson, of Abing- The weekend’s schedule: AOL.COM, [email protected] don, England to the North American Friday, October 25 or 614-899-2394 if you have questions MGB Register at MG 96 in Indianapolis, 6:30pm - Meet in lobby of the French about this year’s AGM. Hope to see you Oscar and Diana Gonzales receive their permanent Indiana, it was decided to be given on there. Thornley MG Spirit Award. 50 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 51 Basic B: Diagnosing Starting Problems Image provided 2) White wire from ignition switch to starter By Bill Unger solenoid relay Grand Strand British Car Club 3) White/red wire from starter solenoid relay to starter solenoid hen your LBC refuses to start 4) Black wire from starter solenoid relay to for you in the morning as you ground W get ready to go to school or 5) Black wire from starter solenoid to work or to a car club gathering, it can ground be very frustrating to track down the source of the problem quickly enough Ignition Switch in "START" and Instru- to get on the road. Oh well, just leave ments Work Except Tachometer and the car in the garage and drive your Engine Cranks, but Does Not Fire, more dependable (but boring) Japa- Then Check: nese or American jelly bean sedan and tackle the issue another day. 1) White wire from hot side of fuse block to But if you are already on the road tachometer and your LBC refuses to restart, then 2) White wire from tachometer to ignition you are facing a potentially embar- coil rassing and expensive prospect. You will have to either get the beast started Ignition Switch in "START" Position again or you may have to call a flatbed and All Instruments Work and Engine to haul your beauty home and explain Cranks, but Does Not Fire, Then the event to a spouse who "told you so". Check: In either scenario, you need to 1) Wires to ignition coil keep a cool head and methodically 2) High tension wire from ignition coil to hunt down the problem without jerk- distributor cap ing back and forth from one end of 3) Faulty ignition points (no gap or burned the car to the other as well as crawling contacts) under the scuttle and bonnet. And if 4) Faulty points condensor or poor wire you are on the road, you may also have a limited arsenal of tools to assist. So connection gain a basic understanding of how 5) Faulty ignition coil your car works and follow this simple 6) Faulty fuel delivery (fuel pump not work- procedure that I use. ing or carb float needle stuck closed)
Ignition Switch in "ON" Position, Engine Cranks, but Will Only Fire If but Instruments Do Not Work, Then Battery is Boosted, Then Check: Check: 1) Poor battery cable connections 1) Brown wire from battery to ignition 2) Weak battery voltage below minimum switch #1 loose or disconnected required for electronic ignition even if 2) White wire from ignition switch to hot engine cranks side of fuse block loose or disconnected 3) Long wiring runs or other causes of high 3) Fuse blown resistance drops voltage below minimum required for electronic ignition Ignition Switch in "START" Position and Instruments Work, but Engine Engine Starts, but Fires Erratically, Does Not Crank, Then Check: Then Check: 1) Brown wire from ignition switch to 1) High tension wire from ignition coil starter solenoid relay to distributor cap or spark plug wires or
52 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 terminals loose, wet, cracked 2) Faulty distributor cap (burned or broken Keep a copy of this procedure contacts, cracked) (adapted for the specifics of your car) 3) Fouled or damaged spark plugs in your glovebox along with a copy Tech Talk 4) Faulty fuel delivery (low fuel pump of your car’s wiring diagram. As you gain familiarity with your car, make pressure, clogged fuel filter, carburetter John Twist additional notes such as "relay located defects) Technical above starter" or "original brown wire Coordinator replaced with red wire". Carry a flash- Engine Dies While Driving, Restarts MGB Driver Easily or Only With Key Jiggling, Then light, extra relays, lengths of spare Check: wiring and crimp connectors, jumper wires with alligator clips, and basic John, Bob, 1) Loose wires on back of ignition switch tools to assist you. Good luck! I watched your recent video. Very It would seem to me that as soon 2) Burned or defective contacts within igni- good, but I have a 1975 MGB. The light as the oil pressure rises, the car quits. tion switch switch wire is broken so it is not function- This is not uncommon on the cars al. It also has fluid around it most of the fitted with an anti run-on valve when the oil pressure switch is changed time. If I run my hand under the master and an incorrect one fitted. But your cylinder I can see it on my fingers. I have MGB is earlier than that. So – are you Jeff Taylor, one of the orga- tightened the switch many times with no nizers of MG 2013 received losing spark or fuel? As soon as the improvement. Since it is somewhat of a car quits, check the positive side of the official MG 2013 poster wasted item anyway, could I just put a the coil with a 12v TEST LIGHT. That signed by all his friends. An pipe plug in the screw hole and be done white wire should be hot. Then check endorsement of a job well with it? Regards, —John Powling. the negative side of the coil with the done. He got a bit emotional test light – if the points are open over this grand gesture. John, the light will be ON; if the points are That switch is the brake failure closed the light will be OFF. Have pressure switch. The reason the your associate spin the engine – the brake fluid is leaking is a failure test light should wink on and off. If of some O-rings inside the master you don’t have power at the coil or cylinder – NOT the switch. Two op- if the test light remains OFF dur- tions: rebuild the master cylinder, ing the spin test, then something’s fitting new O-rings to the shuttle up with the ignition circuit. On the piston; or, use a short (1/2”) 3/8-24 other hand, if the fuel pump ceases bolt and copper washer and screw it to move fuel (remove a line from the into the hole in place of the switch. carb, place it into a bottle or can and switch on the ignition), then there is a problem with the fuel side. John, Enjoy your column and videos – you John, have helped me a lot. I have question for I have a 1980 MGB LE with 76,000 you, I have a 70B and converted over to miles and the original motor. Since I have mechanical gauges using the one piece owned it for three years I have replaced oil and temp gauge I hooked it all up and the cam with a mild street cam, SU HIF have one problem, when I went to start dual carbs, Pertronix, and a dual timing it up it ran for less than few seconds. I chain. I have been using the Champion double checked for loose wires and cleaned N9Y plubs set at .035, which is the factory plugs, checked floats, but no luck. One recommended setting. Is this correct given thing though, I did not disconnect the wire the changes I have done? The older MGB’s going to the original sending unit, but I think were to be set at .025. The MG even if I remove it, it won’t start. If it sits Doc – John Mangles – has done most of for an hour or so it starts right up but dies the work on the car. What setting will give within a few seconds. I used the block flex me the best starting, smooth running and line to hook up mech oil gauge. Is there an performance? electronic do-dad I should remove? Another issue I’m having is my elec- Thanks, —Bob Jorglewich trical instruments – gas, tach, and temp gauges do not work most of the time. The
54 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 55 lights in the gauges work. I have taken out dust and dirt there. I loosed and got rid of John, really great. Maybe I’ll be out there the third down fuse in the box of four as a lot of dusty debris there. I recently bought a ‘77 MGB with again -- hope so! instructed by John Mangles and checked Should I soak it in hot water or spray the automatic choke disconnected (no the fuse connection. They do work on WD40 there, or would you suggest some- water hoses) – it ran like a s**t can. I took John, occasion as I am driving, but will then thing else to get the bottom of this canister a manual choke off another ‘77 B engine I’m getting 13 mpg average on my return to zero. I guess this may well be a unscrewed? I would greatly appreciate any I had put it on in place of the automatic, 1973 MGB with dual HS4s driving pretty grounding problem, but where? suggestions. but I’d like a copy of your article on setting conservative. Any ideas why such bad I understand from a number of club Many thanks! —Robert Bernstein up the conversion if you’d be so kind. mpg? And anything I can do to get better members the voltage stabilizer is not the —John Parker mpg? usual suspect in situations like this. Any Robert, I had some valve and distributor work guidance would be helpful. —Sterling Ellis Perhaps a former owner glued John, done a little while as well as carbs tuned them together. I know the new I do not have an article about the and still horrible gas mileage. Please help! Sterling, ones do not unscrew (which makes conversion – but here are my sug- Thank you, —Austin Stein Continue to use the 0.035” set- one wonder how they’re initially gestions. Pull the choke out until the ting. Set the timing at 32-degrees be- filled). The ones that unscrew have engine runs the fastest. Set the idle fore top dead center at full mechani- a mating lip at the bottom of the with the linkage screw (the screw Austin, cal advance – usually around 4000 cylinder, maybe 3/8” above the bot- with the spring) so that the engines Your MGB came originally with rpm with the vacuum disconnected. tom. Hot water sounds OK. A heat runs about 1600 rpm. Once it’s twin HIF4s - you have HS4s? The Timing is unbelievably critical. Five gun might do the same. You can warmed up and you’ve pushed the tune-up is a function of four areas, degrees = five horsepower! always find used ones on eBay. You choke all the way off, set the locknut each as important as the other: emis- From 1970 through 1980, the can send me a picture of one. You screw so that the idle is about 900. sions; engine; ignition; fuel. Emis- third fuse is the most common cause can send me the canisters and I’ll get Those are the two important set- sions are often connected improperly of the fault you’ve described. It’s not them open (if that’s possible). Let me tings. but I’d need some digital pix of your the voltage stabilizer as that does not know how it works out. under bonnet to be assured you’re power the tach. When you lose the Hi John, set up right. Engine involves com- instruments you also lose the brake John, Hope this finds you well. I bought an pression consistency, valve lash, a lights! Fit a NEW fuse. Pinch the I am in the process of purchasing a overdrive this winter off of eBay and have 190F thermostat, clean engine oil. terminals on the fusebox together Mk III Mg Midget (1974) and I have been started going through it using your videos Ignition demands a dwell of 60-de- before fitting the replacement fuse. reading forums about using an in-line fuel before I install it. They are really helpful grees (0.015” point gap), timing at Remove all the WHITE wires on the catalyst to compensate for the unleaded and I wanted to say “thanks” for making 32-degrees BTDC at 4000 rpm vac front of the fox and all the GREEN disconnected, and Champion N9Y wires on the rear of the box and refit fuel issue. Is this necessary? Should I use a them. Good thing too. First thing I did was plugs gapped at 0.035”. Fuel de- them. lead additive for the fuel? Any help would pull the sump cover off as you suggest and mands clean air filters, and a balance From 1977 through 1980 there be appreciated. —Thanks, John Fox I found a random spring floating around of air flow and mixture settings. It’s is an ignition relay which will cause in there. 1/4” diameter maybe 1/2” long. difficult to say where your problem the same problem. To test the relay, John, I’m still trying to figure out where it may lies. Figures of 25 mpg are common. turn on something you can see or Modern fuel is NOT the same as have come from... You can always give me a call. hear – the heater motor or the turn it was in 1974. Not only is the lead Anyway, back to my question: Do signal. Then, fiddle with the wires gone but the energy in the fuel has you have any suggestions for a better John, been decreased by the addition of at the bottom of the relay. If you can horn? I want to install something more What are the torque specs for a 1975 get the heater/turns to quit working, ethyl alcohol. My own belief is that then the relay is the problem. This the “lead substitutes” are snake oil. effective than the OEM since people don’t MG Midget 1500 – head, rods, mains? relay is the relay located to the front It is illegal to sell tetra-ethyl lead seem to notice me sometimes. I tried the —Don Clark of the fusebox. so what is a lead substitute? There cheap Moss unit which isn’t very good nor Say hello to John Mangles when are such fluids as octane enhancers, helpful. I need something better. Thanks Don, you see him next! certainly. But you do not need these. for the help. Hope to see you again soon in Con Rods: 40-45 lb ft Now about the loss of energy per gal- NH! —Gary Ellmer Crank Pulley: 150 Head Nuts: 46 Hi John, lon. It may well be that we should be- gin using the «rich» needles for our Flywheel to Crank: 40 I really enjoyed your YouTube video Gary, carburetters, but the jury is still out Buy some air horns! You can Main Caps: 65 about rebuilding charcoal canisters on the on this one. I do know that you can MGB, as well as some of your other videos. get a set for $50 at so many dis- use modern 89 octane gasoline and count places – or go for gold and John, As part of rebuilding my MGB, I am try- drive your Midget all day with worry. purchase a really nice set for $100. I I have a 1973 MGB, chrome bum- ing to do the same myself, but I cannot Eventually one of the valves will fail have air horns on my MGA and they per. I am attempting to replace the rear unscrew the bottom of my canisters even and at that time you will choose to ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY turn heads springs. What do you recommend as to with using all my might. I tried putting a fit hardened valve seats into the when they’re operated. They are SO cylinder head. But wait for the valve remove the front bolt with the bush, I screwdriver within the crevice where the LOUD! And, afterall, the point of a have considered using dynamite, but I am bottom attaches to the remainder of the to fail – that evidences itself by lower horn is to get you noticed. compression in one cylinder. thinking you might have a better idea. canister to loosen it, and it appears there is The trip to Britbits in 2010 was 56 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 57 Thank You, —David Meith is linear to 32-degrees by about 4000 picture of the particular B in question. can move the line through. Just a rpm. So, at about 4000 rpm, you Yours sincerely, —Robin Clapham note about the 1975 MGB: Remember David! have full mechanical advance. that the three fittings that enter the Loosen the rear shackles, remove Timing is CRITICAL. From an Robin, master cylinder are 10 x 1.00 metric, the U-bolts, remove the rear shackles excellent tune-up, you can lose five If you’ve watched many of the not 3/8-24 like the rest of the braking and let the springs hang. Use a cutoff horsepower if the timing is five de- videos you’ll remember my man- system. wheel or grinder and cut off the head grees retarded – and lose five miles tra: The tune-up is a function of four of the front bolt. Pry the inner ear per gallon. You want the timing spot systems: emissions; engine; ignition; Hello Mr. Twist, away from the spring, and then bend on in your driving range (say 3500 to and fuel. Attend to them in that I took a transmission class from you the spring outwards which, in turn, 5000). It really doesn’t matter what order. several years ago and now am ready to will bend the outer ear outwards, the timing is at idle or at, say, 2000 As far as the fuel system – ensure put it all together. One problem I have en- so that you can drop the spring rpm – there is no load on the engine the pump is pushing at least one pint countered is that I have misplaced or just at idle – and you don’t drive much per minute. Make certain the gaso- out of the ear. Use channel locks or plain lost my paperwork on the car. It was visegrips to bend the ears back into at 2000 rpm. So, disconnect the line is fresh – if it’s older, then mix position. My advice? Get your springs vacuum advance, use your dial back it up with four star (do you still have last registered in 2000. Unfortunately the rebuilt. The new springs come too timing light, and set the timing at 32 four star gasoline?) so the octane Secretary of State claims they cannot find soft, too stiff, bent, fail within a BTDC at full mechanical advance – rises. that plate number, it was a ‘vanity’ plate. year, or a combination of all of these usually around 4000 rpm. Take your time and complete They say they can’t find the title either. problems. When I lived in London in every step. If you do, the car will run I’m sure the numeric part of the serial 1972/73, it was on Gloucester Road, out wonderfully well. Remember to number is 398161 which should make Hi John, just south of Kensington Gardens. I set the timing at 32-degrees before the VIN be GHN5-398161 but a couple took the Piccadilly line to Boston top dead center, vacuum disconnect- online reverse look-up services claim they Could you please help me with the Manor, and from there the bus to ed, at about 4000 rpm. Use a dial timing of my 1971 GT, as you know the the original University Motors in back timing light – or you’ll have to can’t find that number. Does that look books say that 10-degrees is the right Hanwell. make some new marks on the front like a valid VIN for my 1976 MGB? What setting to have but you say I think, 32-deg pulley. should it look like? max advance is what you should aim for, Mr. Twist, I cleverly removed the aluminum what I can’t understand is the max ad- I am 19 years old I live in Northamp- Hi John, plate from the left side door column before vance part could you please tell me what tonshire, England. Me and my friend Hope all is well with you, the shop, painting and now can’t find that either! this means. Sorry if this is a question that recently bought a 1974 MGB in white and the family. I’m replacing the all Is there another place on the vehicle that I you have answered before, but I can’t find for £800, which we knew wouldn’t start the brake lines in my 75 MGB after one might find the VIN? a simple answer to this question so if I and had a fuel leak from the carb closest developed a leak. I bought the Moss I know, you can’t fix stupid, but can have to go to the states and to you who i to the front of the engine (twin HIF4’s). copper-nickel set with the fittings already you offer me any insight before I spend must admit I can understand then so be it. Upon removal of the carbs, we could find installed. Now I’m trying to uncoil the another hour and a half watching the Sec- Thanks for reading this and I hope nothing wrong, so rebuilt them and tested lines and get them straight before I shape retary of State ladies do nothing? Thanks, you have the time to go through my prob- the engine. It turned over and there was no them to fit. I’ve read several things on the —Robert lem because I’ve seen all the videos and fuel leak, however there appeared to be no internet about how to make them straight. followed your site for a lot of years and I’ve tried almost all of them now, but I’m Robert, suction pulling the fuel into the cylinders. Beginning in about 1977 the VIN was know I can trust and understand what We further discovered that the not satisfied that they look straight like you tell me. stamped on the frame at the rear of ignition timing was appalling, so we originally straight brake lines do. Do you the RH engine mount. I don’t know Anyway I hope all is well and send all rectified this using one of the videos you have a secret how to make coiled tubing if you can find yours there or not. my best to my friends and family in the uploaded on YouTube. The engine fired (with fittings already attached) perfectly From my files . . . states. once we poured some fuel directly into straight? Cheers,— Many thanks, —Steve Wells, London the carbs through the air filter slots, but Rick Huber it revved straight to 5000 RPM then died. VINs w/ Engine No and Body No andBuild Date. GHN 5UG 397705 G • 18V 801 AEL • 7420 GU23T 0591168 Steve, Our thoughts on what to do next involve Rick, Your 1971 distributor has an GHN 5UG 397710 G • 02/76 replacing all the gaskets, and removing the Nice to hear advance curve of ten degrees. Since from you! I usu- GHN 5UG 397857 G the distributor turns at half engine manifolds for a proper inspection as well ally use the vise – GHN 5UG 397886 G speed, this is twenty degrees on the as checking the valve timing. moving the brake GHN 5UG 398161G <– Your MGB crankshaft. The maximum advance We have found your videos an im- line several inches GHN5UG 398245 G is 32-degrees, which means that mensely powerful and unique resource, at a time, and GHN 5UG 398301 G • 18V 801 AEL 6163 the static setting (32-20) should be and this is why I come to you with this turning it 90-de- GHN 5UG 398595 G • 18V 801 AEL 9712 GU23T 058575 P 12-degrees. The distributor is fully question: What can we do next? I ap- grees at each GHN 5UG 398712 G • 18V 802 AEL 2159 GU23T 057991 P • 02/76 retarded at startup, then advances preciate the fact that you are an extremely squeeze. It takes a about four degrees (eight on the busy man, but if you could find a minute while but the line crank) so that the idle timing is about So, yes, you have a 1976 MGB, Built in of your time to respond to my query, then comes out very nice and straight. The 20-degrees. From there, the advance wider the jaw, the more quickly you February of 76. The VINs are sequen- I would be extremely grateful. I enclose a 58 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 59 tial, but the engine numbers and Hello John; have the height specifications. Try Body Numbers are in batches. You Greetings and Felicitations – Alan, John Esposito at Quantum Mechan- can write British Motor Heritage and I watched the YouTube presentation The bolt is really 3/8 x 24 – very ics or Overdrive Repair Services in nearly that 10 x 1.0mm. Remember spend $50 or so for the “adoption on lowering the top on an MGB. You made England. certificate” which may be of some the entire car is American thread a point of emphasizing that the top needs except the fuel, water and oil which help with your DMV. to be glued to the one rib. You suggested Question: I saw in one of your videos that is British Standard Pipe. Some of the the nut holding on the steering wheel from using 3M 08088 glue. My question: In Lucas components are metric as are Hi John, what manner does one glue the two fabric the spark plugs. There is a smattering 1970-76 was 1 and 1/16”. What is the I didn’t get a chance to talk to you at swaths? That is, glue them to the top itself of other British thread here and there size for 1977? the British Parts swap meet last Febru- or wrap them around the bow and then – but 95% of the car is the British Thanks, —Robert Davidson ary at the DuPage County fairgrounds, glue them to each other? I look forward to equivalent to American. Contact Paul One inch 1977 through 1980 you are a popular guy. I have a 1976 MG your advice. Dierschow at Sportscar Craftsmen Midget with a ZS carburetor with a manu- in Arvada, CO. He’ll have the longer John, Most Cordially, —David Morris wheel tie down for you. al choke. The previous owner had it rebuilt I have two black plugs on the rear and it seems to run ok. I can never get it David, deck of my 73 B. They are just outside to idle correctly, after the car warms up Wrap the rear fabric around the Hi there, the cockpit rail and inside the lift a dots. it idles high, after a drive and it is hot, it bottom of the bar and when that’s I have disassembled my D-type OD I can’t find any reference to what these idles too low. I am constantly making idle dry, wrap the front fabric around the gearbox from my 65 B and all looks good might be. They appear to be factory. Any adjustments. When I shut the ignition bottom of the bar on top of the rear – they did not run it in reverse with the OD clues? When I take the plugs out they off, it goes “pop” out of the carb. I have fabric. It makes a nice looking instal- stuck on or anything. The oil was incorrect look like receptors for something... been doing some reading about a possible lation. however, hypoid rear end type. Will I need Flags? Aliens? Some kind of umbrella replacement. Would a SU HS6 on a modi- to have the two brake bands replaced ? top? I can send a pic if necessary but you fied intake manifold or a twin HS2 from a John, If yes do you have a source for this work? probably already know what I’m talking Spitfire be a good option. Or, should I stick I just bought my new 1972 MGB. If no, how should I clean these or is that about. Would love to know. Thanks! — with the ZS and make it work. I have enjoyed watching your videos. necessary? Also, the manual does not Dave Marshall Thanks, —Tim McGowan Thank you for that. I have the stupid- address the height of the lining above est problem. If I wasn’t such a nut about the rivets. Mine looks to be about 2 mm. Dave, Tim, doing things right I would ignore it. But I Seems adequate? Flags, aliens, umbrella top? Not You can most easily make this can’t. Someone, not me, put wire wheels Thanks for your time regarding this. even close. They are for the shoulder carb work. Remember that the tune- on the car. Someone, not me, put cheap —Jon Waldron strap for the fixed seat belts! Moss up is not just the carb but four links carpet in the trunk. I like the addition of sells the back plugs that fit into the in the chain – emissions, engine, the carpet even if it is not very thick at all. Jon, holes, as well as the little flippers ignition, and fuel. You may be chas- In any case, the spare tire clamp or bolt The TR gearboxes use 90-weight and bolts for fixed seat belt installa- tion. I’m sure they could be used for ing a problem that originates in the is not long enough so that it will reach oil, so that in itself is no cause to timing or the emissions. If a good change the brake bands. I do not some sort of rear wind dam if you are tune-up doesn’t get you there, then through the wheel and screw into the hole ingenious. get the carb rebuilt. This is the least in the trunk floor and secure the spare tire. The mechanism is somehow put Reminder: John Twist will be pleased to answer your technical query; you can e-mail expensive option. him at [email protected] or call during his technical hour of 1-2pm Next option is to change to a We- together such that I cannot just change the ber downdraught carb. This requires bolt to a longer one. I have not been able to Eastern, Monday-Friday. changing the intake manifold which find an extender to add on to it, it’s a 10m comes in the kit. Webers have a 1.0 bolt to fit. I have also tried throwing problem with the gasoline falling out a pillow in the trunk to protect the wheel of suspension at idle so they often hub and turning the spare upside down. In nearly stall when you take off from a stop, but quickly recover. The Weber that case, the bolt is too long! It does not is a common carb that needs little screw down very far which leaves a two attention. inch gap. I could put a 2” block of wood in The final option is to change to for a spacer, but that’s not a very elegant twin carbs from an early Spitfire (a solution. pair of 1 1/4”) or use the later 1 1/2” Frankly, I haven’t tried it without the setup from a more modern, British carpet, but I think the problem lies in the spec. Either installation requires a height of the hub. The carpet is so thin I LOT of ingenuity to make everything doubt it is really contributing to the prob- work together. Your Midget will work wonder- lem. The bolt is 7 inches long from the fully well with just a good tune-up! inside of the round plate. Any suggestions? Thank you, —Alan Beecher MG 2013 John Twist’s rolling out door tech session. 60 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 MGB Driver • September / October 2013 61 • Our Valued Supporters • Hammer & Tongs Registrar Hammer & Tongs Phil Smith Hazard1806 77019 St., Houston, Tx [email protected] Registrar Abingdon Post Mark Jones Albert 510 Blvd. Box 1203, P.O. Corunna, Ontario, Canada NON 1GO Phone: 519-862-3763 [email protected]
r
NM 87043 NC 27613
Raleigh, Bill Hawkins Kendricks2301 Court 676-8888 (919) [email protected] Original Owner Registrar Jai Deagan Jai Columbia Highway 11825 Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 [email protected] 100,000 Mile Registrar 100,000 998 Northwestern Ave Fairview Heights, IL 62208 [email protected] Bill Fox Bill MG 1100/1300 Registrar MG 1100/1300 [email protected] Placitas, 701 Verona Ave 701 Pull-Handle MGB Registrar Lloyd Faust 40 Santa Ana Loop Mike GriecoMike Ravenna, Nebraska 68869 (308) 452-3090 E-mail: [email protected] Modified Registrar Modified MGB V8 Registrar MGB V8 Holly Springs, NC 27540 [email protected] 5941 Rounder Lane 5941 Dennis Taylor 1974½ MGB Registrar 1974½ Col. RobertCol. Swetzer Red Rock, AZ 85245 Box 1145, P.O. (520) 904-3768 [email protected] Midget Registrar Midget Ken SmithKen Box Goleta, 8645, CA 93117 P.O. (805) 683-2906 • [email protected] Special’s Registra Special’s MGB, MGB LE, & 1967 MGB/GT MGB/GT & 1967 MGB LE, MGB, Registrars the of NAMGBR
• Our Valued Supporters • • Our Valued Supporters • Supporters Valued Our • Sell • Seek • Swap! Where 2 ‘B Ads here are FREE to NAMGBR members in good standing — please, no business or commercial ads. Send ad copy with name, address, phone number and membership number to [email protected] Please check for up-to-date information before departing to the meet. The Register encourages or 5444 Sutherland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109. Ads only accepted in writing and may be edited for content. •Busi- local groups and clubs to submit their MG events to MGB Driver. Information must include date, ness or other ads by arrangement with Charles de Bourbon, Advertising Coordinator (see inside front cover.) Ads location, and contact phone number. Please submit events at least 3 months in advance to the run for two issues, space allowing. The Register retains the right to refuse any ad it deems unacceptable. The originating state is shown at the end of each ad. MGB Driver Editor, 5444 Sutherland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 or e-mail [email protected]
CARS FOR SALE PARTS FOR SALE MAJOR NORTH AMERICAN MG EVENTS FOR 2012 Weber Intake Manifold - Cannon single, side-draft Weber carburettor manifold for MGB. Contact Keith • Aug 27-29...... Road Race Reunion, 1966 Sunbeam Tiger – Red/Black; two-owner car Put-in-Bay, OH • www.pibroadrace.com Feldott (269) 355-3427 MI 030413 (same family). Rust free from California, now North • Aug 31...... Classic Car Show, Lancaster, NY • www.buffalomg.com Dakota. Recently refreshed with new paint, replace/ NOS Lucas Switches – Fan switch for 1972-1976 rechromed parts as needed; new soft top, plus hard • Sept 1...... British Car Show, Kansas City, MO • www.kcallbritish.com top. A very nice car! $30,000; Jon Masley (701) MGB Part # 39915,Hazard switch for 1973-1976 330-6883 or https://home.comcast.net/~jdmasley/ MGB Part # BAU1088, Brake Failure Light Switch • Sept 6-8...... British Car Show, Altoona, PA • www.pa-british.com MGSafetyFast/Welcome.html 050613 Part # 39212 for 1972-1976 MGB. $30.00 each plus $5.00 shipping. John Morris [email protected] • Sept 8...... Bonnets to Boots, El Segundo, CA • www.automobiledrivingmuseum.org or (954) 895-1163 FL 030413 • Sept 8...... British Car Show, Chicago, IL • www.britishcarunion.com 1978 MGB – Red/black, 68k miles; excellent me- Custom MGB Windshield - New chrome plating • Sept 14...... British Car Show, chanical condition; Weber carb, stainless exhaust, all on a refurbished frame. New Moss Triplex glass Wilmington, NC • www.bmccf.org body work repaired/replaced; show winner. $9000 assembled in the frame with a new seal. $995/MGB; • Sept 14-15...... English Conclave, Arvada, CO • www.thecoloroadoconclave.com obo; Richard Benson, (717) 367-2813 PA 1091013 $985/Midget plus shipping. MG Dash - New Moss face dash pad kit installed over a refurbished frame • Sept 15...... Classics on the Green, New Kent, VA • www.classicsonthegreen.com - MGB 68-71 and MGB 72-76 - $785 plus shipping. Roger at (763) 420-8159 or rljlolson@embarqmail. • Sept 20-21...... British Car Show, St. Louis, MO • www.stlouismgclub.com 1967 MGB – Tartan Red with overdrive; chrome com or [email protected] MN 030413 wire wheels (5), Robbins top; tonneau; Have owned • Sept 21...... British Car Show, Newburgh, IN • www.sirbrit.com car 42 years. Maintenance & restoration records 1967 MGB project cars - Two 1967 MGB Raod- available. $9,000; Robert Anson, [email protected] • Sept 21...... Brits on the Beach, Ocean Grove, NJ • www.pedc.org for photos and more info. RI 070813 sters. One original parts car and one 75% complete car built from a new British Racing Green, Heritage • Sept 21...... British Car Show, Delaware City, DE • www.bccdelaware.com body shell. Professionally modified cowl. Suspension • Sept 28...... MGs on the Rocks, and chassis is complete with new or rebuilt parts in- Bel Air, MD • [email protected] 1973 MGB/GT – 83k miles, for restoration; located cluding coil over front suspension. Wiring and brake • Sept 28...... Autumn in the Mountains, Hendersonville, NC • www.bccwnc.org near Morris, IL; $900. Contact Ernie Lindsay, (815) lines are complete. New heater assembly, brake cylin- 942-0438 or [email protected] IL 091013 ders, calipers, fuel pump, gauges, etc. Most parts for • Sept 28...... MGs on the Green, Harrisburg, NC • [email protected] completion, many new, including disassembled high performance engine with Piper fast street cam & kit, • Sept 28-29...... British Car Show, Austin, TX • www.txabcd.org balanced crank. Engine currently at engine builder. WANTED Nissan 280 5-speed. Photos on request. • Sept 29...... British Car Roundup, Fresno, CA • www.valleybritish.org $12,000 OBO. Located in OH. Paul Derov • Oct 5...... Fall Out 2013, Winona Lake, IN • www.nilbmc.org (440) 552-9754 or [email protected] 030413 • Oct 5...... Britfest Car Show, Myrtle Beach, SC • www.grandstrandbritishcarclub.com Experienced Mechanic – Hyman Ltd Classic Car Chrome Windscreens, Dash Face, MGB Seat Sets Dealer has an immediate opening for an experienced – MGB Windshields featuring chrome frames and • Oct 5-6 ...... British Car Show, San Diego, CA • [email protected] classic car mechanic in St Louis, MO. Please contact new glass, $995; MG Midget windscreen with chrome Mark Hyman at (314) 524-6000 frame and new glass, $985; MGB Dash with new dash • Oct 10-13...... Fall GOF, Pine Mountain, GA • www.semgtr.org or e-mail [email protected] MO 030413 face pad installed on refurbished dash frame for ’68- • Oct 12...... British Car Show, 71 and’72-76, $785; MGB seat sets, upholstered to Nashville, TN • www.nashvillebritishcarclub.org order. Choice of leather, vinyl, or fabric – plus selec- • Oct 18-19...... British Car Show, Vero Beach, FL • www.mgcarclubflorida.org Wanted 1967 or older MGB roadster (or Canadian tion of color, pricing starts at $1125/set. Prices do not 1968 MGB with metal dash). Looking for a preserved include packaging and shipping; core charges may • Oct 19...... British Motor Expo, Katy, TX • www.houstonmgcc.com apply. Contact Roger at (763) 420-8159 or rljlolson@ or restored example or a blend of the two. Would • Oct 26...... British Car Show, consider a stalled restoration. I would prefer a car that embarqmail.com MN 070813 Safety Harbor, FL • www.tbahc.com has been kept or redone as original-spec or close to it. • Oct 28-Nov 1.... GOF West, Carefree, AZ • www.gofwest.org Don Scott - [email protected] or call (707) 050613 Factory Hardtop 942-0546 CA – the real deal, not one of the 2014 “other” aftermarket models, in excellent condi- tion. The interior trim is excellent; the (plexi) glass • Feb 9...... British Car Show, Boca Raton, FL • [email protected] and rear glass are in great shape. All hardware is in- cluded, as well as a “homemade” hoisting system for • Apr 21-25...... British Car Gathering, Key West, FL • [email protected] Selling or Buying an MG? storing/hoisting to the ceiling. These left the factory in gloss black, and this top is the original gloss black, • May 2-3...... North Meets South, Pismo Beach, CA NAMGBR Regional Take advantage of NAMGBR’s the paint being in excellent shape. Of course, the top • www.paradisebritishcarclubhome.com Buy/Sell/Trade Classifieds could be painted your body color (for that “GT” look). on our website: www.NAMGBR.org/classified Always stored inside (when not on the car). Located • June 15-19...... MG 2014, French Lick, IN • www.mg2014.com A great way to find or sell that hard-to-find part in San Diego; $750. Contact Steve at 760-746-9028 or or that next project. [email protected]. Pictures available. CA 0910v13 • July 28-30...... Vintage Motor Revival, Forty-Fort, PA • www.bccnepa.com NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER P. O. Box 876 Downers Grove, Illinois 60515-9998 Address Service Requested