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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - MG Spring Tune Up - John Twist

What could be more fun than spending a couple of hours listening to John Twist take you through how to get the best out of your MG after a winter layup:

https://youtu.be/8jxOtI95Z10
Tim C

Some takeaways:

1. Set plug gap to 35 thou ?
2. Set timing to 32 degrees at maximum advance ?
3. Coolant temp 200 degrees (stat 180) ?
4. Torque head bolts one at a time (following the order) 55lb, oil the bolts/nuts
5. Valve adjustment when hot, OK to set down to 13 thou if chattering.
6. Before starting car put foot to floor on the accelerator, makes it easier to pull out the choke, then off the gas before starting.
7. To set fast idle, pull out choke to position where engine is running fastest, then adjust the fast idle screw/s so car running at @ 1600 rpm, and carbs airflow still the same. Turn off the engine, open throttle by hand and check the throttle is actuating the fingers at the same time.
8. Mixture, raise piston by 1/32" or barely lift it, One of three things will happen: a) engine goes faster and faster - too rich, b) engine stumbles and revs fall - too lean, c) engine speed rises a little and then evens off - perfect.
Tim C

Oh, and use the original air filters.
Tim C

Tim
I can think of things that are more fun 😉

However, plugs at 35 thou? AIUI that would stress the coil too much. Also I've also wondered about setting valve clearances hot - it does seem logical.
Bill B

Some fans of John Twist are like religious zealots. When I started making my 1275 clutch release bearings ten years ago and advertising them on Fb invariably someone would put up the you-tube of John Twist saying that they don't work.
In recent times the practice has stopped although occasionally a post will attract a denouncer.
A goodly number of Sprites, Midgets, Turners, Lotii, Minors & A35’s are using my release bearings.

Alan Anstead

Some of what John Twist says is good, and he is very convincing in his presentations whilst maintaining a fairly laid back style. But I don't go with it all by any means. All to their own, I suppose.

Slightly off topic but there was a popular fad amongst triumph owners to set the tappets with the engine running. I did so for a long time as it's quite fun to do, if somewhat messy for the engine compartment and anyone closely involved!
GuyW

I remember shuddering when I saw JT compressing a starter motor bendix spring with two pairs of mole grips. He did manage it, despite one pair slipping off at one point.
Dave O'Neill 2

Found this website that generates timing tapes

https://www.blocklayer.com/timing-tapeeng#google_vignette
Tim C

Your clutch release bearing has managed a few thousand miles under my size ten left foot, Alan.
Nick and Cherry Scoop

Havent we all compressed a bendix with molegrips at some time? Im sure I have.

Trev
T Mason

This thread was discussed between 18/08/2026 and 20/08/2026

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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