This past weekend was the NEMGTR GOF LXV. As usual a great event to see
everyone and some great cars. There was a 1937 VA Tickford that was
breathtaking. The owner has spent 11 years on the restoration and over 3500
hours of his own time. What a car! Neat side mount on an MG. A VA is a 6
cyl. 1500cc car, smaller than the SA but still quite large.
Going up to the GOF at Plymouth Mass, was a long horrible ride from N.J.
along I95. The 110 miles in Conn. was full of trucks and rain. Near Mystic,
our TF suddenly made that awful sound as your bearings go. You know the"its
too late" sound. I quickly looked down and saw the oil pressure at 0. I
shut off the engine and told Barbara this trip was over. I could only think
in terms of how much the flat bed would cost.
Got out of the car in the pouring rain, opened the hood and checked the dip
stick. No oil showing. (it was full when we left) . Opened the oil filler
cap and nothing but smoke poured out. Poured in three quarts of oil that I
had aboard and the oil came up to one quart low. Started the car and in 3
seconds the oil pressure came up.
Drove to the exit and bought four quarts. Added a quart there and two more
over the last 100 miles to Plymouth
Next day found the oil filter was leaking at the bolt end. Tightened the
bolt and stopped the leak. Made it home Sunday driving 7 hours in the heat
never taking my eye off the pressure gage. Will now replace all the bearings.
The amazing thing is that I didn't spin a bearing. No one could believe it.
I figure that my reaction time after the bearing rap started had to be at
least 5 seconds, which is a lifetime at 3800 rpm. These cars are
indestructible.
Mike
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