Hello Folks and Happy New Year.....
I wrote to the list in the Fall and mentioned that I was rebuilding the
engine in my '78 MGB. I am well into the project and the engine is
just about back together. I have done lots -- new mild cam, head
rebuilt, new clutch, pressure plate, and bearing, rings, etc.
I have a few questions before I go much further...
1. The Haynes book says to replace the oil pump if more than 6 thou.
clearance on the rotor.
Mine has 8 thou clearance looks like something ugly went through it. It
is not smooth. Should I replace it?
2. The previous owner/rebuilder must have had shares in Dow Corning.
There was silicone on the water pump, oil pan, rocker cover + + +. It
has been my intention to keep it pure and just use new gaskets
everywhere but I am now thinking that maybe some places should have
either silicone or gasket
cement or whatever for a reason. It will be much easier to put it on now
that later. Are there places where it should be used?
3. I have been reading the many ways to get the front bolts undone on
the oil pan when the engine is in the car and I am considering grinding
the lip off of the front of the pan to allow a wrench in there later if
necessary. Is the flange lip structurally necessary or am I OK to remove
it?
4. Are there any things I should be aware of such as "Don't forget to
put the aligning washer on the rocker gear before you torque
everything." I am getting pretty good with the torque wrench. I had to
remove the pistons again because I didn't rotate the rings so the gaps
were 90 deg. out of alignment. (A mind is a terrible thing to lose.)
Just a note to anyone contemplating a rebuild. I have passed the big 50
and this is the first time I have rebuilt an engine and I feel like I'm
giving birth. There is a lot of satisfaction and most times I come in
from the garage just grinning, but it is something that
has to be perfect the first time. I have read everything on this list
and have put the info to good use. I am getting a lot of confidence and
it will climax when I hear the engine run again and my garage floor
stays dry.
Thanks for your advice.
Doug McLaren
'78 MGB
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