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MG TD TF 1500 - MG TF Checking an Engine Rebuild

On Friday, I'll be looking at an 1954 MG TF for possible purchase, and I do like much of what I have heard about the car. The owner of 30 plus years is selling the car because it is used infrequently.

The engine was rebuilt about 4 years ago and apparently runs well. However, since the rebuild, the car has covered only about 400 to 500 miles, and it has been run infrequently. There have been periods of 3 to at least 4 months at a time when the engine was not started or run.

I'm concerned about this infrequent use. I had a recent experience with a club member's MGA having an engine failure within 500 miles of a rebuild, perhaps due to infrequent use and improper brake-in procedures.

I'll ask about oil changes and check the oil pressure.

I've been thinking of asking to observe an oil change to see if there is metal in the oil or filter.

What would you suggest?
Charlie Adams

Charlie,
So,, friday is the first day that you will actually see the car? At least pull the dipstick and see what the oil looks like before it is started..ie the level,,, dirty, clean,,,
There is soooo much to inspect,,
coolant condition, shocks, exhaust look in the valve cover for foam,,is it charging, what oil pressure,,how old the tires are,,,the list goes on,,,, Do you have a mechanic who can check it for you??
Post a few pic on this forum, and you will get a lot of comments
Steve
Steve Wincze

Charles - I suspect you are being a bit over-cautious. I always seem to be brought orphans that have been neglected for years, and 80% of the time - sometimes after not running for 35 or 40 years - they start up and run fine, Gaskets may dry up and need replacing, but if the engine was properly rebuilt and has good oil and oil pressure, there will probably be no problem. While everything suffers from neglect, it doesn't sound as though this engine has been abused.

Stuck rungs are the worst potential issue, with smoke and burning oil. Marvel Mystery Oil and time will often cure the issue, but replacement is usually the long-term answer. "Your" car has few enough miles that there has been no time for sticky and burned sludge to develop inside in the engine.

I would not worry, and exercise the car gradually, checking for problems like low or fluctuating oil pressure, leaks, or overheating, more diligently at the beginning. The engine hasn't even been broken in yet!

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

Steve and Tom,

Thanks for your encouragement!

My experience last year of pulling the pan on the MGA rebuild, under 500 miles, owner next to me on our backs, and finding the crankshaft heavily scored and oil pump stuck, is playing on my mind and definitely has me feeling over-cautions.

From the description, I think I'm going to like this car. Its price appears within reason. $19.5 for an always garaged TF with cosmetic restoration 20 years ago and less than 500 miles on an engine rebuild done 4-5 years ago. Of course there is much to inspect to be sure the car is sound and I'll take my time and be thorough--I've been inspecting cars for purchase for many years.

I'm thinking the oil and filter should have been changed several times since the rebuild. I'll ask if that was done. I'll watch the oil pressure carefully on start-up, at idle cold and hot, and as I drive along. I'll also drive it long enough, i.e. 20 to 30 miles, to get it fully heated so if the pressure is going to drop or fluctuate, I'll get to see it. Otherwise, as you suggest, I'm going to relax on this question and expect the best.

I'll post pictures if I buy the car.

Charlie Adams
Charlie Adams

Charlie,
Good Luck tomorrow (Friday) !!! Ancious to see the pics!! It would have been convenient if you had the them befor the purchase,,,,

Steve
Steve Wincze

This thread was discussed between 12/11/2014 and 13/11/2014

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