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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Clutch Push Rod

Sorry for yet another question about clutch push rods but I couldn't find an answer to this query in the archive.

With the engine out I thought it would be a good idea to replace any worn bits in the clutch system. Re-bushing the release arm and replacing the pivot bolt had removed some play.

I also bought a slave cylinder push rod. As you can see below, the replacement rod from the MGOC (13H3655) is a bit longer than existing one, which I guess must be 13H21 for earlier models. My car is a 1967 HAN-9.

I discovered, during the re-build process, that my gearbox is actually from a Morris Minor, so I'm not sure if this makes any difference.

I replaced the master and slave cylinders not long after I bought the car as changing gears was sometimes problematic, particularly when the clutch was hot. This was alleviated by removing the carpet which must have given all of 1/8” extra travel!

The only other change from standard (that I'm aware of) is that I'm installing one of Alan Anstead's roller release bearings.

Although there’s wear in the original pushrod’s eye I’m minded to use it seeing as it has been OK for a number of years – or should I use the new longer one anyway – or could that introduce a new problem that I don’t currently have?

If I find I’ve used the wrong one, is it possible to switch them in situ or is it an engine-out job?

As an aside, over the last couple of weeks I’ve decided I need a heated tool box. Extra layers of clothes keep most of me warm, it’s the icy cold spanners and tools that make my fingers so cold I can’t feel what I’m doing as I try to steer nuts and bolts into place in awkward spots. Warm spanners would make life in the garage so much more comfortable!


Happy New Year

Colin


C Mee

Hi Colin, this must have been discussed fairly recently as this pic is still on my desktop - the shiny one is the correct type showing the length. I would use the one that matches this length. Swapping the pushrod is a 5 minute job once you've got the car up in the air and are under it (with warm fingers!).

David Smith

Colin

Daniel Stapleton's book lists the pushrod lengths. I have shared the pain of your question, having found I have the 'wrong' pushrod in.

As an aside, while you have everything on the bench, and the clutch system drained, I would do Alan's modification to the uppermost clutch slave cylinder mounting lug (slotting it) which makes subsequent changes to the slave and pushrod easier. Also use another tip from here (from one of the Davids IIRC or Alan) by using an R clip, instead of a split pin, to retain the clutch pushrod retaining pin (https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p/steel-r-clip-1-3mm-diameter-x-22mm-long-rclip-1) And also fit a remote bleeding set up.

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

Thanks David and Mike.

I'll give the long one a try.

I've already done both of Alan's mods: slotted mounting lug and remote bleed point.

I like the R pin idea, though. I use them on the front wheels of my Westwoods as I used to get a lot of punctures and the R pins make for quick wheel swaps. Fewer flat tyres since they've been dosed with long-life goop!
C Mee

Colin
I'm with you on the heated toolbox! I've attempted to work in the garage this week but only short periods. I easily get cold fingers anyway (sometimes get Reynaud's) and I need the door open at the moment for easier access to engine bay plus I like daylight. But we must keep at it....
Bill Bretherton

It’s been particularly cold the last few weeks, I’m struggling to keep warm in my garage at the moment whilst working.

I wear walking boots as the thick sole helps insulate my feet. A thermal base layer, normal clothes, overalls, thick padded jacket on top, and a thick woolly hat. By the time I have that lot on I look like the Michelin man.
Chris Madge


For those of you suffering cold hands: try Mechanix gloves.


If anyone wants a 1275 roller release bearing, as they have proven so popular, I try to keep one or two 'on the shelf'.

Alan

Alan Anstead

Thanks Alan. All these years and I've never heard of Mechanix gloves!
Bill Bretherton

Which type of Mechanix gloves do you use Alan?
Mike Howlett

A small portable infra red heater is good in a garage. Heats you, and solid objects rather than the air which is wasteful in a drafty or poorly insulated space. Its also good for warming panels when painting and much better than those gas jet style burners which may heat well but add a lot of water vapour.
GuyW

I use a greenhouse fan heater which I blow on the area I am working on. Just serviced my son's Citroen C1 and was ok. BTW another vote for Mechanix gloves! I bought some a couple of years ago at Beaulieu autojumble. Been fantastic.
Bob Beaumont

Mike
I have a pair of the original Mechanix gloves with Mechanix on them.

All.
Just read Henry Coles book on sheds which covers many points pertinant to garages even down to biscuits. He mentions the benefit of padded overalls for comfort and warmth.

Halogen rotating heaters can make a closed garage quite cosy. I have plastic tiles on my garage floor which stops the cold coming up and is gentle on my old bones when kneeling or lying down.
A wooden grill type stand is usefull if standing at a bench or lathe for any length of time. It is what was used years ago when I was in engineering.

Have a look at car guy garages website and be amazed: you will want to update your man-cave.

Alan


Alan Anstead

There’s a wide range available from Mechanix, which is the design of choice for working on cars; SpeedKnit CR5?

They show someone working on an engine with these gloves?
Philip Sellen

Agree, I looked at the Mechanix website and most of the choices look heavy and clunky for handling small parts - probably impossible for threading nuts onto bolts in tight spaces. I use Tornado Contour Avenger which are grippy and fairly thin and tactile but even then I'm often ripping a glove off because it prevents me assembling fasteners.
David Smith

Agree David they all look way too chunky to work in, but then I don't even like wearing disposable gloves which seem to be all the rage these days for most people.

Trev
T Mason

This thread was discussed between 08/01/2021 and 09/01/2021

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