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MG MGB Technical - Front Engine Plates

I'm building a '71 North American model tourer. I'd like to use the good engine out of my '80, but I have a question concerning the different front engine mounts. I know the '71 has the square mounts, and the '80 uses the round ones. I need to know if I can just change the two steel side mount brackets on the engine, along with the rubber mounts or must I change the front engine plate as well? My '71 came as a rolling chassis, so I don't have the early front engine plate. Are these front engine plates different between the chrome and rubber cars? Many thanks!
Celt

It's not quite that easy. I think the front plates are the same, but the side brackets, and the block are different. they changed the casting on the block, and the holes where the brakets bolt are differnt between the two. You can make your own brackets, or modify early brackets, to make it work.
Robin Meier

I haven't done this, but I have been told that the front plates are different, and if you replace the front plate then that allows the earlier engine mounts to be mated with a later block with no great issues!

Can I suggest you ask Chris Betson at Ocatrine Services via his forum at http://octarine.mywowbb.com/
Chris is a well known UK based engine builder and will be able to give you an answer for how to get an 80 engine to fit a 72 car.

Iain
67 BGT
I D Cameron

Just 2 months ago, I changed the front plates between 72 & 78 engines. The front plates are different, shapes and holes positions for engine mount brackets are different.

Ennio

Ennio Wong

Thanks for the info, guys. I guess I'm now in the market for the front plate and side brackets from a chrome bumper car.
Celt

Celt,
I can probably help you out with the brackets and mounts but not the plate. Contact me if you are interested (joseph.clark@am.jll.com).

Joe
JH Clark

There is no problem fitting the late front plate and mounts to any earlier block - in the case of the blocks without the side access plate for the mechanical fuel pump it is necessary to grind away some of the block casting of the lower oil gallery - it is solid at the front of the engine so you won't break through!
Chris at Octarine Services

JH- Thanks for the offer but I've already located a set of early side plates. Now to find the front plate.

Chris- Thanks for the info update. In my case I need to fit an early front plate to a late block. Can I anticipate any problems there?
Celt

Celt,

I know that I have at least one loose plate laying in my parts but will need to determine if late or early if it does not have mounts on it. If I can locate both, will still need to determine which is which unless it is obvious. May be someone can give me a visual difference in plates if I cannot determine myself. Also have a friend that might have a front plate for you if I don't. Also wanted to mention, in case you have not looked, that you will have to remove timing chain cover, timing chain and timing chain gears in order to replace the plate. You will definitly want to replace both gaskets and front seal, but might want to also consider replacing the timing chain. Especially it is of later sytle which may have a single row with plastic gear(s). Contact me off line with address for plate once I locate.

HTH

Fred
Fred Wright

Go see here - http://www.octarine-services.co.uk/4.%20front_plate_and_timing_gear.htm
Chris at Octarine Services

That link doesn't work for some reason - try pasting this into the address bar http://www.octarine-services.co.uk/4. front_plate_and_timing_gear.htm
Chris at Octarine Services

I need to change the front plates from a '75 engine to a '72, as well. I,ve read the manual and it doesn,t seem too complicated. Does any one know roughly how long it should take and is it a job that should only be done by a mechanic?

Thanks

DG
Dave G

Depends how long it takes to get the front pulley bolt out - thereafter is will be an hour's job.

You will need new lockwashers for the crank pulley, the chain tensioner and the camshaft plus gaskets for the front plate and timing chain cover and it is worth changing the timing chain and the front oil seal while it is apart.

Nothing tricky in the job except when you bolt up the front cover, use the pulley to centre the oil seal - just put the cover in place, fit the pulley, then insert and do up a couple of the bolts, remove pulley and do the rest.
Chris at Octarine Services

I would just like to recognize Chris's ongoing efforts.
Some people just like to make the world a better place. If only every one were like that. Altruists of the world unite!
Peter

Message for Chris at Octarine

Thanks for the advise and encouragement, just finished the job of fitting a front plate and it took 2 hours !!
not too bad for a novice.

Kind regards

Dave G
Dave G

Many thanks to everyone who responded to my post. Special thanks to Chris at Octarine Services for the advice and images of the front plate, and to Fred of Pennsylvania for finding and sending the correct plate. You guys rock!
Celt

This thread was discussed between 26/06/2007 and 07/07/2007

MG MGB Technical index

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