MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - HIF44 dashpot oil

I've just been into the archives to see what damper oil to put in my HIF44. Opinions vary between cycle oil through 20/50, to 90 weight gear oil. Is it just a question of trying them all and seeing which one works for my setup (MG Metro head 10:1CR, Morspeed cam, Titan, K&N, BDL needle)?

Steve
Steve Church

Steve, just checked the Haynes SU carburettors book

it says:
4 check the piston damper oil level as follows

a: standard suction chambers; Remove the damper and fill the piston rod with SAE 20 oil to 0.5"/13mm above the top of the hollow piston rod. Refit the damper. Do not overtighten.
b: refers to the ball bearing retained suction chambers which is more complex because access to the tube is restricted and not likely to be a problem to any of us. (if anyone does need this let me know, I have the sequence)

For HS type carbs the book advises SAE20W/50 oil
above or below the hollow rod depending on whether the cap is vented or not

HTH
Bill

I think my HIF44 has a ball bearing suction chamber - does this refer to the little plastic guide with balls in it that the piston runs in? if so thats what i;ve got.

frankly speaking however, I just bunged some 10w40 oil in there back when i was getting her up and running. seems to work ok, but I really ought to look to do it properly. Is damper oil (the stuff that you put in the armstrongs) ok?
Nick

Nick, as far as I know the ball bearing carb was used on some Montys and Maestros as well as the turbo Metros.

Im sure Bob will sort us out with that

ISTR that it was another stage in the controlled emissions game rather like running Maestros with an ignition and a fuelling module.

Nowadays it all seems like a last minute panic, which the EU and USA did away with the introduction of OBD2


The oil, even in those is simply SAE20 not damper oil

It's just that the filing sequence includes lifting the piston damper & dripping in some oil, letting it drop down and doing it again until the tube is full as far as the top of the inner tube, from what I can make out

The level for these is "just level with the bottom of the retainer recess"
Bill

This thread was discussed on 07/04/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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