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MG TD TF 1500 - Generator adjusting bar 51TD

As I reassemble bits of the engine, I try to go through the archives looking for instructions and photos to make sure I'm doing it right.
In reinstalling my 51TD generator, the archives refer to a spacer on the bolt. But in looking at the images (these are Dave Brauns) it looks like his arm is flat, while mine has a slight jog which looks to me like it takes away the need for a spacer.
Am I correct in saying that if the adjusting bar is not flat that there is no need for a spacer?
As far as I can see I don't have a spacer - but I've lost a few bits along the way :) )
Geoffrey M Baker

Geoffrey,

My late 1953 TD has no spacer but has the jog in the support bar. On my car it aligns well but can be installed in the reverse position where it will not align properly. Just hold it in place by hand and it will become obvious. Good luck with your continuing efforts.


Ji8m haskins 1953 TD
J. M. Haskins

Geoffrey,
So many things get changed or modified on these cars through the years,, in this case, the important thing to do is make sure that the pulleys line up,, maybe you will need a spacer to do this, and maybe you won't..

Steve
Steve Wincze


The spacer has nothing to do with the adjusting bar.

The spacer is usually needed on the lower front bolt that mounts the generator. Most require about 1/8" between the generator and the front engine bearer-plate. The rear bolt normally doesn't need one.

Since many have been lost, Most engines I have seen just have a thick flat washer or two normal thickness ones as a spacer rather than a special part.
Richard Cameron


Abingdon shows the part as 03- 156 Distance Washer on their external engine parts page.
http://abingdonspares.com/parts-catalog/engine-external-page-3/
Richard Cameron

Thanks for the info. As usual, the expertise on this forum quickly solves the problem!
Geoffrey M Baker

The generator sits where it sits. If the bar doesn't line up, either space or bend it to fit. The only thing that matters is that the pulleys all line up as closely as possible, to avoid prematurely wearing the belt.
Steve Simmons

the main issue is the pulley aligns with the fan pulley. my bracket's offset is to the rear. spacers were required for proper alignment. of course I discovered that some DPO had replaced the generator with another Lucas model probably from a Sprite or later midget.

R W Hinton

As RW points out, few TD's and TF's still support original generators. You can see the date of manufacture stamped on the body and it would need to be before your cars manufacture date or at least reasonably close.

These basic type of generators were used on many cars for decades but over time the geometry changed a bit. For this reason you may not be able to mount exactly as it left the factory.
Christopher Couper

I forgot to provide a picture.

Note the date on this generator for a MG TD manufactured in September of 1952 has a date of 4/52 (April). Reasonably close.



Christopher Couper

Thanks all. I got the generator installed using two washers. I used a straightedge from the crank pulley to check alignment. I'm good to go.
Geoffrey M Baker

This thread was discussed between 15/10/2015 and 16/10/2015

MG TD TF 1500 index

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