Dave’s Winter Check List by Dave Stewart
Spring is just around the corner – honest! and we must turn our attention to getting the MG ready for the road. A little maintenance now will save heartache later, and also make the car perform better during the summer season. Not only that, but the life expectancy of components is drastically reduced if not properly lubricated and “looked after”.
Before “waking up” the car [and we will assume it to be a “b” or the like with points, SU carb etc] we first should clean the points, there will be an oxide film on them, especially if the engine stopped with them open. This oxide film reduces the conducted current, and hence the power in the spark. Weak spark, difficult starting! Make sure you lubricate the heal of the points cam while you are at it, as this will reduce friction, and hence wear, which is the reason for the gap closing up over time.
Now don’t forget the points in the SU fuel pump, they work just as hard as the distributor points but tend to be forgotten. Remember SU pumps are not un-reliable, they just suffer from lack of maintenance. If you have not looked at these points for a while you will be amazed at the state of them! Cleaning or replacing these points will ensure you are never stranded.
Now the SU carb. insert a finger in the inlet track and lift the piston. It should drop back down easily. If not –and we will assume the jet alignment is correct- you should remove the suction chamber and clean the piston and bore. Check again for piston lift and drop once you have refitted it.
Now the brakes. When did you last change the brake fluid? You should do every few years as the fluid is slight hydroscopic and water laden brake fluid isn’t good! Same goes for the clutch cylinder. Make sure your fluid levels are up to the mark!
Jack up and spin all the wheels – all free? Get an assistant to press the brake pedal whilst turning the wheels – brakes operating? Now have a visual check behind each brake back plate – any evidence of hydraulic fluid? How about diff oil? Indication of half shaft seal failure. Remember, oily brake shoes equals MOT failure!
Now the grease gun - lubricate all nipples till grease is seen oozing out of the joint, if it doesn’t, remove the offending nipple and clean or replace it. Remember well lubricated joints hardly wear at all, it is dry joints and water ingress that does the damage.
I have not mentioned the obvious, like checking of wiper blades, oil and coolant levels, tyre pressures etc. but you do that anyway – don’t you?