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 MGA - Replacing clutch

I've dreaded it and now the time's come; the throwout bearing's beginning to sing it's song.
Anyone help me out on the weight of engine/trans with the usual ancillaries removed so I can apply it to my search for an engine hoist?
Any suggestions on a hoist; looking for something on the small side that'll handle the job and is collapsible (small garage-no overhead beams)
Suggestions on a quality clutch/throwout bearing mfr? (Or, at least, what to stay away from.)
And of course, lastly, any suggestions, help, etc., that could save me a world of grief down the road is welcomed!
L.R. deOlazarra

About 450 lb, depending on how much you can remove
Art Pearse

I haven't weighed the engine, but I guess a bit over 300 pounds with flywheel and clutch. The gearbox weighs 65 pounds for the sliding rear spline types, about 70 pounds for the flanges rear types. SO engine and gearbox together must be close to 400 pounds (if you were so bold).

I find it easier to pull the engine alone, and you don't need to remove the gearbox to do a clutch job. A simple hand ratchet cable hoist works well if you have a solid point to anchor it overhead, just lift the engine and roll the car away. See here:

http://www.cvfsupplycompany.com/2tonhanpowpu.html

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1278574

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/engine/be105.htm
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/engine/be106.htm
Barney Gaylord

L.R.
If you truly have no overhead beams you might consider making an A frame. I've used this technique in the past. Two pairs of 2X4's 8 ft long with cross bracing for each side A. Joined at the top with doubled 2X4s about 24 in long so the A's tip inward. Just wide enough at the bottom to clear the top of the fenders. Add a couple joiner pieces between the A's high enough up to ensure they won't foul the engine. Wrap the chain around the doubled 2X4s to hang a come-along (cable ratchet hoist) from.
Good luck.
Gerry
G T Foster

Thanks for the feedback.
L.R. deOlazarra

L.R,
Regarding clutch MFGs, my last clutch disk was made by QH (England) and the clutch cover (pressure plate) came from DELPHI also England. The ususal suppliers, Moss, SF, LBC will probably have these or similar. These were good pieces. The throw-out bearing (carbon face type) was made in India and I didn't like it at all. I wound up using my old one which had as much material left as the new one did. Seriously consider a new pressure plate while you've got it apart unless you know the history of yours. Also, buy a new clutch release arm bushing and bolt. They are likely to be worn.
Also, when you say the throw out bearing is "singing it's song" I'm curious. Normally it's the ball bearing type throw out bearings that make noise, not the carbon faced ones. Although I've never had a carbon faced one wear competely down to the backing material. I suppose it might squeal then. If that did happen however, you'd almost certainly have wear on the mating surface of the pressure plate and want to replace it.

Regards,
Gerry
G T Foster

GTF, 2No 4x2's over 8ft is on the limit for say 400lb. with softwood they will be over stressed and deflect too much. Safer to use 5x2's.
J H Cole

I have just lifted the engine + gearbox using 4 - 2 x4's (actually only 1.5 x 3.5)as uprights. Two pairs were joined at the bottom to stop spreading and the other side was cross braced. At the top was a 2 x 8 plank, set in a Black and Decker frame (forgot its name). The 2 x4s were entirely adequate.
Art Pearse

This thread was discussed between 25/09/2010 and 27/09/2010

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.