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MG TD TF 1500 - Engine is suddenly frozen - TF

My engine won't turn over using the crank. I pulled on the crank handle with all of my strength - didn't move at all. No problems previously. What should I do or check?

History:

TF-1500
Not started for four months.
"Was running when I parked it."
Removed gearbox to replace rear case
Installed new clutch, pressure plate, release bearing
New rear mount
The starter spins freely with my fingers
The plugs are out
I put a squirt of oil into each sparkplug hole
Car is on jack stands / wheels do not touch the ground.

The engine rotated backwards about a quarter turn when I was torquing the pressure plate. I turned it in the correct direction about a quarter turn afterward. Sparkplugs were in the car. Engine turned quite easily (?)

I put a longer bolt in the bellhousing at the draft tube bracket. Only about a 1/4 inch. I can't see how that could lock the flywheel, but I dunno.

This is the first time that I tried to spin the engine since I put the gearbox back in. I haven't tried to spin it with the starter ... don't want to.

Doncha know - floorboards, tunnels, and carpet are installed.

Thanks for your help,

Lonnie
LM Cook

Obviously the first step is to remove the longer bolt...there isn't much clearance in there.

Transmission is in neutral and rear wheels turn freely?

Gene Gillam

Lonnie, Make sure the starter Bendix isn't hung up. But a bolt too long will do it. PJ
Paul S Jennings

I'm on the way to the tax account. I'll loosen the bolt when I return. The other bolts are new from the Moss clutch-housing-to-engine bolt kit.

The propshaft and rear wheels turn freely in neutral.

I can turn the starter with my fingers.

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

Lonnie, Can't you get to that bolt from under the car? PJ
Paul S Jennings

Yes I can. It threads into the sump. Don't see how it could foul the flywheel. (?) But I'll give it a try.

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

I just now found a post in the archives about a mounting bolt for a Skyhook gearbox locking against the flywheel. I'll know when I return home in a couple of hours.

Any other suggestions in case the bolt is not the problem?

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

Same thing happened to me. I inadvertently used the longer bolt in the bell housing. I remember all of the terrible possibilities that went through my mind before I realized my error. That was followed by a wonderful feeling of relief despite my embarrassment.

Safety? Fast?
Scott Ashwroth - '54 TF
S. R. Ashworth

Lonnie, can you rotate it if someone is depressing the clutch pedal? Bud
Bud Krueger

The bolt threads are through and through, and a bolt too long will hit the ring gear.
George Butz

Whoo Hoo God 's in His heaven - All 's right with the world!

I removed the "long" bolt and I can turn the engine. Thanks guys. I replaced it with an original bolt, but not much thread in that hole in the sump. That's why I used a longer bolt.

Anyway, it's good enough for a pre-show meeting tonight and the Brit-car show tomorrow.

Thanks for you help and knowledge

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

Glad it was that simple, Lonnie!
Gene Gillam

This thread was discussed between 10/04/2015 and 11/04/2015

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