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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Head gasket - pipe fittings question

As per earlier thread I how have followed Guys advice as to removing the head of my 1500. (leaving manifolds and by necessity pump still attached)

I have removed carbs, alternator, top and bottom hoses, rocker cover, rocker assembly and and exhaust downpipe connection bolts. Just the head bolts to undo, pushrods to come out and a lift off - soon - latest lunchtime today.

However in my tired late night work I inadvertantly thought I needed to remove the heater lower return pipe from the bottom of the pump. (doh). This is all metal at this end and still connected however the pipe and connectors are now loose (and the pipe rusty at the joint to the fitting so does not rotate yet). Can anyone tell me if I need to do anything odd with these fittings or are they simply compression fittings like in old time copper house plumbing that will just re tighten up? It will be a lot easier to do on the bench so I need opinions soonest before reinstall of head.
Dave Squire (1500)

Dave,
Its just a compression type fitting and should just screw back in. Use some sort of semi-setting sealer like red Hematite or a smear of instant gasket on the contact surfaces. Or even the old plumbers' trick of a dab of household gloss paint.
Guy W

Thanks Guy.

I'v got Blue watsername.
Off to the workshop to take head off now.
Dave Squire (1500)

You just knew it wouldn't be that easy after getting everything else off so easily!

One stud came out with its nut (the one that torqued op a lot on first tighten down). All other nuts etc. out and in order for reassembly.

Head still on tight. Won't budge.

Tapped with rubber mallet. Turned main pully and tapped with mallet. Used jack under manifold with piece of wood. Bounced and rocked (two of us) still not moved. So:

Any suggestions?

Turn on starter?

Could take out studs. Do I need loctite to put them back? (I need to put one back at least anyway. Its probably the loose stud that caused the problem in the first place so? Any suggestions appreciated.
Dave Squire (1500)

Dave,
they can be very stubborn! Spinning on the starter (plugs in of course) can shift them. You can even try firing it up if you still have the rocker shaft on. The head does have to come off straight to stop it binding on the studs, so jacking under the manifold may not be helping much. Avoid the temptation to drive a big screwdriver between head and block - too brutal!
If you can get the remaining studs out that would help. You know how to lock two nuts together on the stud to remove it? Be careful not to snap them off if they don't just undo. You need to shut your eyes and feel how they are behaving. The problem is that you cannot get either heat or easing fluid down to the block where it would do some good. Locktight not essential on studs on reassembly.

Good luck!
Guy W

Guy,

Thats great info. Just finally worked out OK on starter (put rocker cover on to stop oil splurge) and difficult to lock on studs but maybe poss. (studs a bit short for two nuts)
Great to know about the Locktight, makes all simpler.
Looks like it could be an all nighter then! Need it back on the road soon so Hey Ho as they say.
Can't wait for that smooth engine feel.

Thanks a lot, Dave
Dave Squire (1500)

This thread was discussed on 16/04/2013

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