The Dark Wob

I have collected most of the correct bakelite H.T. lead/spark plug fittings. Still missing number 6 and I have two number 4 (they are very usefully numbered so they go in the correct 'ole).


So I began making them up, using the existing H.T. wiring, which as you can see is just proprietary rubber ended, and were difficult to fit and remove from the spark plugs. Beats me why the correct parts went awol.


I adjusted the contact breaker points gap, which had closed up a little. I intend to remove the carburettor and blow through the jets. If the combination of adjusting valve clearances, points gap, checking spark plugs and servicing the carb. has little effect, a compression test will be in order.

Top Tip for your clutch change. A modern 5 speed alloy gearbox is heavy when you're on your back bench pressing the fucker back in. An old iron gearbox will cripple you. Nothing, but nothing likes to topple off a trolley jack quite like a gearbox. Trust me on that.

However, I learned a tip from an old hand 30+ years ago. Get some threaded bar the same thread as the bellhousing bolts. 8 inches is enough. Screw two of these into the engine either side of the flywheel and you can then locate the gearbox on tho these and slide it forward onto the engine. That takes the weight off whilst you fight the input shaft into the clutch plate.

Thank you. We will see how I get on. Not made a start yet, its been up on axle stands for a week already.

I did a little maintenance work on the MG. Topped up the oil, probably for the first or second time since getting the car in February, checked battery electrolyte level and adjusted the rear brakes, which were well slack. This has brought about a great improvement in braking and the handbrake no longer points to the roof. I really want to pinpoint this damned rattle coming from the boot area/underneath.

The 1960s-1970s period, with their wild non-maintenance-free battery experiments, are history.
And when did self adjusting drum brakes become standard? Was that 1902 or 1903?

Have you checked right down the bottom of the rear wings? things always fall in there from the boot.

Junkman wrote: ↑Sat Oct 05, 2019 8:33 pm The 1960s-1970s period, with their wild non-maintenance-free battery experiments, are history.
And when did self adjusting drum brakes become standard? Was that 1902 or 1903?

What are these 'drum' brakes of which you speak?

Junkman wrote: ↑Sat Oct 05, 2019 8:33 pm The 1960s-1970s period, with their wild non-maintenance-free battery experiments, are history.
And when did self adjusting drum brakes become standard? Was that 1902 or 1903?

Neither 1902 nor 1903.

Arrived home in the Midget earlier and noticed the charge warning light was on when it shouldn't be. I switched off the ignition and turned the ignition on again, and there was no charge light. Started up the engine and it came on again. Bloody thing. Checked alternator connection but can't see anything amiss. Hope its not given up the ghost.

Sounds like it could be the diode pack if it comes on once revved.