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MG TD TF 1500 - Chassis twist

When I had the chassis of my TC stripped down using the diagonal measurements shown in "TCs Forever" all appeared within tolerance. To the naked eye all appeared O.K. However things appear to not be the case. Having now installed the engine and gearbox (5 speed conversion with no chassis changes) I am unable to get the starting handle into the "dog". Obviously it slides through the chassis crossmember but is off to the left (as seen from the front of the engine) by approximately 2 cms. It's OK vertically just out horizontally. Any advice or thoughts please?
JK Mazgaj

John,

You can easily loosen the two small screws holding the two front motor mounts and shift the front of the engine from side to side to get the starter handle into the dog.

Gene
Gene Gillam

Gene. No small screws on my chassis and all engine mounting fittings and cross members are either rivetted or bolted through holes allowing no movement.
Measuring from available fixed points for example the brake drum back plate there appears to be approximately 1 cm difference between the left side from the front and the right hand one - the handle is actually around 1 cm out of alinement. With the engine out again there visually appears a slight twist of the chassis in the area where the chassis loops over the front axle although as stated the front crossmembers measure the required 22 1/2 inches. Will have to see how I can "remove" the twist.
JK Mazgaj

JK,

Piece #7 should be bolted, not riveted, to the frame and there should be enough play when loose to move the engine slightly from side to side.

Gene

https://mossmotors.com/mg-tc-td-tf/engine-performance/external-engine-3
Gene Gillam

That's correct Gene. However the bolt *8 goes through
*7 which is bolted to the plate which is riveted to the chassis rail. Both *8 and *7 are fixed "fitted" holes allowing no movement with surely only the flex in the engine rubber mounting? The strange thing is that the engine and gearbox fits into place as I'd expect with no strain on any of the mountings. The only thing that doesn't line up is the hole in the second crossmember which therefore doesn't allow the handle into the dog. I'll study it again today as it would appear I'm missing something.
JK Mazgaj

JK,

I’m not sure why you’re having problems…I loosen #7 (both sides of the chassis) on both my TC’s whenever I replace the engine to get the dog to line up…there’s enough slop in the holes to do it.

Good luck.

Gene
Gene Gillam

Perhaps I'll just drill elongated holes- don't think that was originally the case though. Spent hours yesterday puzzling over the problem. Think I'll get on with something else today and come back to the subject.
JK Mazgaj

Looks as if the problem has been found. Having studied the front engine mounts which I'd discounted originally as being incorrectly fitted but following a conversation and pictures to Roger Furneaux they do indeed appear to be incorrect. Everything having been discounted will refit to suit. Why they have been ill fitted who knows.
JK Mazgaj

Hopefully you've found your problem!

Gene
Gene Gillam

This thread was discussed between 27/10/2021 and 01/11/2021

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