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Re: Fuel Leak on MGTD

To: Nolan Penney <npenney@erols.com>
Subject: Re: Fuel Leak on MGTD
From: Bud Krueger <bkrueger@ici.net>
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 1997 15:41:56 -0500
Nolan Penney wrote:
> 
> >         R&R'd the sending unit last night using the Yamabond. Today was a TD
> > day. 50's, dry, sunshine. Put enough gas in this morning to shut off the
> > petrol warning light + a couple of gallons. Put on about 40 miles, then
> > put Lazarus back in the garage while I modernized the Old Boy by
> > installing a turn-signal system. As of 5:00 pm this evening there was no
> > sign of a leak. Let's see what overnight brings. Supposed to rain
> > tomorrow. If not, I'll try filling the tank and say a little prayer.
> > Much obliged for your input.
> 
> I'll join you in the prayer.  Always makes me nervious when someone follows 
>my advise on
> stuff like this.  While I know it works, and has worked well for me, still  
>gives me the
> jitters.  Like the name Lazarus.  Not what I'd normally think of for a T mg.
Hi Nolan,
        Good news and bad news. Bad news is that it failed the full-tank test.
Good news is that I think I know why. The liquid nature of sealants act
as a lubricant to the surface of the neoprene gasket. As the mounting
screws are tightened, the gasket tends to 'ooze' and deform. I know that
this happened.
    A possible solution to this problem, suggested by Steve Hardy of
Boston MG Shop, is to use a fuel pump body gasket instead. They're
almost identical in diameter and bolt circle for the six holes, and ---
they're made of a fibrous material. I'll order some from Abingdon Spares
tomorrow. Should have them installed by Tuesday evening. Then let's see
what happens.
        Re: Lazarus -- When I got the TD, late '88, it had a Volvo engine setup
and some rotted wood at the passenger door area. But it was together and
looked like a TD in need of a lot of cosmetics. To do the job properly,
I pulled the whole car apart right down to the bare frame.
I didn't really have much time to work on the car so it sat in the
'basket case' configuration for a couple of years.  A few years ago,
before I reassembled the car, my youngest daughter, who hadn't seen the
car since I first brought it home, was home from California and went up
to the garage to see Dad's car. When she saw the rolling chassis and a
big pile of parts in the back of the garage, she uttered "You killed
it!"  Having retired recently, last year the car was reassembled with
new wood, new paint, new upholstery, etc., and TD running gear. Being as
how this is Easter Sunday, I won't claim that the car was resurrected.
But, you might say that it was brought back from the dead, ergo Lazarus!
BTW, photos of Lazarus, before, during and after, are viewable on the
UKBBS at http://www.mgcars.org.uk/cambs.mgoc/gallery.htm if you'd care
to look.
        I'll be in touch.
                        Bud Krueger

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