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MG TD TF 1500 - Engine Question

The ever unfolding mystery of the 1954 mgtf I am currently restoring.
It appears the head is correct TF, but the block is TD, with the old style
oil pump and filter.
Question; has anyone out there had experience with using a mixed pairing
like this? The engine came apart without difficulty, and there is no evidence
of excessive heat on any of the components. Am I missing something important?
Thanks Bill Pickthorne
Bill Pickthorne

Bill, I have the opposite situation...I have a late TD block, which should have the later head that takes 3/4" plugs and it has a very early head. The only variable that I know of is the openings in the head gasket. This is dictated by the head and if it is correct, I don't think that there should be a problem. In your case, as well as with many cars, one can only guess at the correct valve clearances because God only knows what cam is in there! The only way to know for sure, is to check with a degree wheel and dial guage.
Steve Tobias

Mt 53 TD has had the round hole block with a TF 1250 head on it for 30 years. I did it myself as I wanted the larger valves and at the time it was cheaper than cutting out the original head for the larger valves. The TF head also has a higher compression ratio: 8:1 compared to 7.25:1 The two combine to give you about 3 more horsepower.

There's really no problem with mixing the parts. Just be sure to use the correct headgasket. As far as cams are concerned the late TD or TF is the best for most uses although some like to go fancy and get one from some grinder. Some of the components used in the TF were/are a little more durable.

G'day
Blake

whats the best weight oil for mgtd?
sk steve

20/50 although there is a ton of info on oils in the archives!
gblawson(gordon)

Why the heck was this brought back from the archives to ask a "What weight oil" question?
Gene Gillam

I guess because SK Steve hasn't spent much time here and hasn't figured out how to navigate the site nor post threads. I bet if he sticks around he will become more comfortable, and discover the difference between the archives and the current BBS, old threads and new threads.

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

Lovely spoken Dave, well done. Greetings, Huib
Huib Bruijstens

This thread was discussed between 04/02/2003 and 03/08/2009

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.