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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Sump Guard - Overheating?

I am looking at fitting a sump guard to my 1971 midget.

Before I do, there are hints in old threads that fitting one might cause overheating, but as far as can see nothing along those lines from someone who has actually fitted one, just cautionary remarks.

Looks like I may have to get one made up if I do go down this route - they are certainly not available off the shelf?

Corry Motorsport is the only name I can find that might be able to help. Failing that has anyone got a pattern/dimensions?

Mike
Mike Dixon

No experience of this but curious as to your intended usage - trialling, rallying, bumpy driveway?

For a trials car I'd guess that electric radiator fans would be most relevant, for rallying a good oil cooler and either way an oil temperature gauge to tell you what's actually going on.

AdrianR

Hi

I have got one on my non-Midget road car.

Work out how you are going to do oil changes - either remove the sump guard or have a strategically drilled hole in it for socket access as well as the oil to drain through.

Must be folk in the Historic Rally Car Register may have info on design, materials and fitting. Old days it would be in Duralimnium; these days perhaps plywood laminated to ali? Also as others have said the classic trials fraternity may info too.

See the old threads: http://www.mg-cars.net/mg-midget-sprite-technical-bbs/sump-guards-2016011419315725921.htm & http://www.mg-cars.info/mg-midget-sprite-technical-bbs/midget-classic-rallying-help-2016011716385219637.htm

Cheers
Mike



M Wood

We are doing special tests in it as part of regularity rallies- I have backed off on a couple of the rougher ones recently especially the ones with the coarser 'gravel ' aka small rocks.

As far as I can see there are no spridgets running in HRCR events this year - but I know a few of them and will see if anyone can remember one! I have seen a couple on MCC trials thought so will ask them as well. I just wondered if any of them might been these boards.

The spridget that was in the ERA Sahara rally recently I think did Rally of the Tests last year, I will try and contact them - we were marshaling so no chance to talk! it also looks to have quite a raised ride height which might be useful.

I have an oil cooler fitted and did wonder about the oil changes - its just an extra 20 mins or so to take it on and off? I fear a proportion of the draining oil would not make it out of the sump plug access hole? It could all get very messy?

Mike

Mike Dixon

Ive collected some photo's of sumpguards over the years as its on my "one day...." list to fit one on my midget.

Prefer one without the guard sticking out like on the red one, very practical when in rallies but looks to racy to me.

Second photo is more in line of the car which I prefer.






A de Best

1st photo of Will Corey's car

2nd of Volvo Amazon





A de Best

1st photo a service friendly one on a big healey

2nd photo is Alfa Romeo Gulia style with a lot of cooling so I might go this way... (if I ever get to it) ;)





A de Best

This one looks simple but effective.
I would however still make some tow-eye on it just incase ;)





A de Best

Oil changes - get a marine style oil extractor and a top mounted filter housing. I bought a Pela unit about 15 years ago and with an A+ block I haven't had to trouble myself with sump plugs since.

AdrianR

This thread was discussed between 06/10/2022 and 10/10/2022

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