[Mg-t] TD losing oil

[mgbob at juno.com]

Hi Stu,
  Long ago, you were considering installation of a catch cup under the cotter
pin, something that had been written up in TSO.  Did you do it?
  If you did, how much oil is draining into that cup over a period of time?
  It's quite possible that, despite the scroll and the seal, some oil is
sneaking out while driving. When stopped, the drips are more evident.
  A spot the size of a silver dollar, the real silver dollar, not the one we
see today, is made by only ten drops or so.
  You probably do have a seal problem; everyone does to some extent.  But
also, these engines do burn oil; it's just not all that visible. Original
valve seals are not that great. Because your gearing runs the engine slower at
highway speeds than most,  oil moving past the rings could be less in your
engine than others, at road speed.   Do the spark plugs show signs of oil
burning?
  Did you go to Reno? What was the consumption on that trip?
Bob

---------- Original Message ----------
From: Stuart Keen <simbafish at comcast.net>
To: MG <mg-t at autox.team.net>
Subject: [Mg-t] TD losing oil
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2011 07:16:02 -0400

My MGTD has recently been losing oil. Basically now getting what the original
Operator's Manual states: about 500 miles to a quart of oil when driving
fast.
I usually drive between 60 and 70 mph. But most of the loss appears to
happen,
not while driving the car, but when I stop for lunch, rest stop etc. Then
there is a sightly puddle of oil underneath. Last night I verified that the
oil was coming from the cotter pin hole. This makes me suspect I have a rear
crank shaft seal problem. But then why does the oil appear to come out all at
once and not while driving? TD performs perfectly otherwise. Just drove 320
miles to St Augustine, FL. yesterday. Air temp was 91, water temp high was
88,
oil pressure normal at approx 63. Since most of the oil loss appears to be
coming from the cotter pin, I do not think I have oil ring problems. Any
suggestion would be appreciated.

Stuart Keen
1951 MGTD MK II