MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Frogeye engine removal - bonnet still on?

Hi

Been a long time since I posted here!

Need to do a quick engine out. Always taken the Frog bonnet off when I have done it before, but wonder if it is possible with bonnet in place? If it is much more difficult than taking off and realigning the bonnet I will take the bonnet off. It is such a fag and takes up too much room in the garage to!

One of you must have tried with and without bonnet?!

Mark
Mark '59 Frog

Mark,
I've not done it, but believe the trick is to remove the radiator instead, then it lifts out forwards. Radiators take less re-alignment and less space in the garage!
Guy Weller

Thanks Guy. I take the rad out too even with the bonnet off. So easy on the frog.
Mark '59 Frog

I think that radiator out is essential on any Spridget for engine removal.

The bonus with a Frog is that you don't have a slam panel to lift it over, so you don't have to lift it as high.

Having said that, I don't know if it's possible with the bonnet in place.
Dave O'Neill2

The engine can be taken out of a Frogeye with the bonnet left on making it a one man job but I have made an engine crane that is smaller in height than the norm especially for the task.
Alan
www.masckent.org
Alan Anstead

Thanks Alan. You would have made a smaller crane, but I don't have your engineering skills or facilities!! Plus I don't fancy chopping the new crane I have just treated myself too!

Mark
Mark '59 Frog

Mark
It helps to have the front wheels raised - to undo the lower bellhousing bolts and starter motor lower nut / bolt.
It may be possible to use a standard crane if you can raise the front wheels high enough.
Probably worth raising the front wheels and trying your crane for fit.
Alan
Alan Anstead

Any pictures, Id love to see what youve got going on there!
Steven Devine

Mark
To make the removal of the bonnet easier and a two man job assuming that you go that route. A friend removes the hinge pins under the bulkhead. The bonnet is lifted and drawn away from the bulkhead. Re-alignment is assured. Using this method you don't need a third man to undo the eight hinge / bonnet bolts and struggle to re-align whilst putting your bulkhead paintwork at risk.
Steven I dont have any pics of my homebrewed Frogeye crane.
Alan
www.masckent.org
Alan Anstead

Engine and gearbox will come out as one with bonnet still on,with radiator removed.raise the car up on axle stands so arm of standard crane remains level.
Noel Copping

Still, no pictures?
Steven Devine

This thread was discussed between 09/03/2013 and 19/03/2013

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS now