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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - new 1973 Midget - few bugs to fix before driving

Hi all,

I decided to get a 1973 midget to drive while I am rebuilding my MGA. The Midget bodywork is all finished but it has some mechanical issues to fix because the car has been sitting a little too long (parked in 2001). I am still a newbe when it comes to British cars so I will appreciate any advice.

Main issues are:
1) front brakes grabbing - seems to be stuck caliper - probably need rebuild/replace.
2) fuel pump (electronic replacement - not sure how old, but probably had bad old fuel in it) seems to be struggling to push fuel to carburetor. I have to determine whether the pump is bad or whether the pickup in the tank is clogged (tank was previously restored). It is interesting that the fuel gauge is currently stuck on F.
3) Carburetors seem to be messed up. I should fix fuel delivery problem first but the previous owner did mention that they probably have some gunk from old fuel.
4) Right front suspension feels much squishier then the left. It is a little bouncy too so perhaps the shock needs topping off.
5) missing air cleaners - need to find appropriate after market ones to replace originals with. I could get some old orignal air cleaner housings but I would like to find something more interesting.

There are lots of little things still wrong with the car as well (trim pieces not install yet and stuff like that). However, I am confident that I will be driving it soon.

Cheers,

Rebecca




R Harvey

Hi Rebecca,
The front brake grabbing could be down to needing new rubber hoses at the front. The rubber deteriorates with age, swells and closes off the inside of the pipe so that it acts like a valve. Brakes come on, but won't release properly. If you are lucky, the calipers will still be OK

You may also just need to top up the oil in the front shocks. Easiest way to do this is using a small syringe with a pit of plastic pipe in place of the needle. The ones that are used for re-filling printer ink cartridges are good for this job.

Guy
Guy Weller

where is the fuel pump located? it should be near the tank not in the engine bay

get a set of itg rampipe's and filtersocks as an alternative to normal filters
it flows better and is cheaper
Onno Könemann

Rebecca,

What Guy said about the brake lines but I would change the one to the rear axle also for the same reason.

The fuel gauge may be just a loose or disconnected wire from the sender. An easy fix but a pain to do since you have to drop the tank which would be a good excuse to clean it out.

From the sound of your diagnosis, it looks like your pretty much on top of things but, as you know, a second opinion never hurts.

And welcome to the Spridget world.

Martin
Martin Washington

thanks for the suggestions. Hopefull this will be pretty straight forward stuff. I am not yet very familiar with British cars and I am missing some of the tools that I need. I did get the car registered today though. ;)

Rebecca
R Harvey

Rebecca where in MA are you? I am in Mansfield, eventhough I think my I.D. says Rhode Island.

Nice looking midget.

We bought a Midget (74) too until I can do the Sills and motor in the "B".

It is a driver, with no interior except for dash and seats.

Steve

Steven Conant

Steve,

I am in Acton. The sills are my first "A" project too.
My A is a complete rebuild.
Rebecca
R Harvey

This thread was discussed between 27/07/2009 and 06/08/2009

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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