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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Crankshaft end float

I've just discovered 8 thou of end float on my 1500 midget engine, just 3000 miles after a total rebuild. Is that as bad news as I think it is?

(Haynes suggests 2-3 thou max)

Thanks

Michael
M Davies

The factory recommendation is 0.006 to 0.014 in.

I've read that 1500 guru's recommend .002 to .003.

I replaced mine at 0.016, no problems yet, but had just bought the car & didn't want to take a chance.

I tried .002/.003 by using a standard & a 0.005 oversize washer & had a slight squeal type noise intermittantly when pressing the clutch pedal...I didn't trust them being so tight that they'd make a noise!

I'm not sure if it was the quality of the washers or what exactly the problem was, but I dropped the .005 OS out & used 2 standard washers & the noise went away, final end play was in the .006 to .008 range & all's been good so far (1000 miles)!

I really doubt you have a problem at 0.008.

Also, if you decide to replace them, it's not a hard job to do with the engine in the car...the hardest part is actually cleaning the bottom of the engine prior to sump removal & removing the sump bolts.

REMEMBER, thrust washer wear is directly related to clutch use...be sure you don't ride or slip the clutch, or sit idling with the clutch engaged for long periods of time.

Not sure if that helps, just my experience so far...

Dave :)
Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

Just curious, what was the end float set at during the rebuild?
Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

Thanks Dave. I knew I'd read that end float should be 2 to 3 thou somewhere. I think I'll stick with it as it is, based on the factory recommendation and your experience. I don't know what it was set at when it was built as I didn't carry out the work myself. I wish I had!

Michael

PS Just encountered a cylinder head bolt problem and will start a new (slightly desperate) thread...
M Davies

This thread was discussed on 10/07/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.