MG-Cars.info

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

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 - Midget 1275 dipstic detail

Hello people
I am trying to get my dipstick reading correctly and would appreciate technical advice.
Attached are photographs of what ive got, I am not really sure that the dipstick is correct.
There is no fixed stop on the dipstick.
The overall length is 14.75 inches
The bend point is 9.5 inches from the sump end
The MIN mark is 1.5 inches from the sump end
The MAX mark is 1.9 inches from the sump end

HOW FAR ABOVE THE SUMP PAN BASE SHOULD THE DIPSTICK TIP SIT??

The sump pan bottom is 8.25 inches beneath the dipstick hole block face.

I am using a Moss plastic dipstick tube which I am about to fit, I assume that this is just a push fit? Does it require any sealant?

Thanks
Bob




R C Skerritt

Sorry forgot the photo!

R C Skerritt

Hi Bob,

I have measured the dipstick from my 1969 1275. I know the engine is original but I cannot vouch for the dipstick! Having said that, I have owned it for 20 years and I have never had reason to doubt the dipstick. Here are my measurements from the sump end

To MIN 7/8th inch
To Max 1 & 11/16inches
Both of these are actually a gnats under what I have stated
Min to Max 13/16 inch - pretty well spot on
To Collar 9 & 1/2inches - this includes a 1/8inch rubber washer
Overall length 15 & 3/8 inches

I hope this all makes sense as typing fractions is a PITA

I have attached a photo just in case it's of any use.

Ray

Ray Rowsell

Is thiIt looks like the corrwct set up... the markings are very fine and hard to see

Yes the plastic holder just proesss fits inside ...dry no sealant as that could get sucked into the engine

this ia an area that aucks alot of extra air into the engine and contributes to the rear oil seal leaking

What i did is matched up a tight fitting THICK O ring under the lip of the dipnstick holder and on the dipstick its self where it meets the holder and it seals up nicely no air leakage

If will be a while before im back home to measure my dick stick

Prop

Prop and the

Bob,
For a 1275 your dipstick should have a washer shaped collar and sealing ring where it sits on top of the dipstick tube - as in Ray's photo. This both seals the dipstick against drawing air in, and also determines how far down the dipstick goes. It is not designed to touch the bottom of the oil sump pan.
GuyW

The earlier (non-1275) dipstick did not have a collar, as it had no plastic tube to rest on. The earlier block had a smaller dipstick hole, so you couldn't fit the plastic tube, and the dipstick rested on the bottom of the sump - actually on a raised step.

It looks like you are using the original Frogeye dipstick in your 1275 block. If the 1275 sump doesn't have the raised step - I can't remember if it has - your readings will be wrong.
Dave O'Neill 2

I have the same specs as ray....

Prop
Prop and the

Gents
Thanks for your inputs. I can now resolve the situation, and be comfortable with the oil level measurement.
I now need to obtain a correct 1275 dipstick. Ebay here I come, unless, of course anyone out there knows another source???
Thanks again
Bob
R C Skerritt

I will have a look when I get home. I may have one.
Dave O'Neill 2

Ive made this today but a proper original would be great Dave. Let me know how much.
Thanks
Bob

R C Skerritt

Very Neat.
Worth pointing out that the split stem on the originals keeps them inserted securely and stops them rattling - if you prise a small gap between the two parts.
GuyW

Aha, thats why they're formed from half round!
The one ive made is very slightly larger diameter than the frog one ive got, i made sure that its a snug fit at the top into the funnel section of the tube. I used adhesive shrink fit over a small rubber grommet so that it has enough give to conform to the tube mouth.
i do hope I can get an original though.
R C Skerritt

Bob

You have mail.
Dave O'Neill 2

This is a spare one from a 1098 block. It looks to be the same dimensions as your "home-made" one. It has the rubber seal around the stop.
let me know if you're interested - its cheap!

Malc
M J Chapman

Thanks for the offer Malc, but Dave has come up with a 1275 one for me as he promised.
very grateful for your efforts though.
regards
Bob
R C Skerritt

Don't know if the 1275 have them, the 1500s do, but don't forget the little felt seal that goes under the cap part of the stick.

Clare
C Ravenwood

hmm.... don't know where the pic went

M J Chapman

Dipstick received Dave Thankyou. Bloody hell you do believe in packing well dont you? thought youd sent s short block!
Thanks again.
R C Skerritt

This thread was discussed between 05/02/2017 and 13/02/2017

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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