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MG MGB Technical - Is this normal?

I'm currently rebuilding a 69 BGT and I am basically starting from scratch and I note the following:
Having dropped the engine in the gap between the front pulley and the steering rack is not enough to allow a fan belt to pass through.
All appears to be correctly positioned, rack/engine mounts,etc. The shell is a Heritage shell number 201122.
I'm new to this forum and MGBs having had MGAs since the mid 70s any help would be most welcome.
Thanks

Mark

Mark Dollimore

Mark,

No, it's not normal. I don't know about the Heritage shell, but with an original I think it is possible to bolt the transmission cross member to the wrong holes, causing everything to shift fore or aft. I would have thought this would cause a problem with getting the engine mounts in, but it may be worth a look.

I also think there are different crank pulley diameters on different year models, but I thought the wrong choice caused a problem with vertical clearance to the front cross member rather fore and aft with the rack.

Charley
C R Huff

Given fixed positions for both engine and transmission location, it makes me wonder if the rack is in the correct location.
John Zajac

Hello Mark,

I just went out and measured these details on my standard 69 roadster, both because confusion regarding these fittings can cause a lot of unnecessary heavy work - and because I have needed to revise my live-sport tv viewing!!!!

Measurements are:

front of damper to rear line of steering rack - 6/16"
rear of damper to timing cover face - 3/16"
width of pulley belt - 6/16" plus a tad

Conforms with my recollection of turning the belt on mine to sideways through the gap and a gentle finger pressure to press it through.

My gearbox cross-member is fitted to holes 2 and 4 (from the front) in a four-hole setup each side.

Regards
Roger
Roger T

Guys, this is just a holding mail to say an intermediate thank you for your responses. I'll report back on further investigation.

Many Thanks
Mark
Mark Dollimore

I feel like I've escaped lightly!
Roger T

Mark,

Another thought, though it was the round engine mounts for a rubber bumper car, I have found new mounts with differing heights. See the pic.

Charley

C R Huff

Well chaps all is fine having sorted the g'box cross member and the bush arrangment to the box.

Thanks everyone for your time and trouble in helping me. I have now got approx 3/8" clearence to the damper.
Mark Dollimore

This thread was discussed between 28/12/2010 and 29/12/2010

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