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MG TD TF 1500 - Engine Leaks Advice

I blew builders line chalk over my engine and gear box the other day to trace the oil leaks. I was going to fit one of Declan's beautifully made oil catchers for the rear oil seal and reckoned I may as well look for other weak spots. Here is what I found
D Moore

Front oil seal leak. I suspected this one - but here it is clear as day. Don't have time to pull the engine/ replace in situ at the moment but will have to at some stage. In mean time a ladies maxi pad stuck to the sump will at least absorb some of it

D Moore

Gear box speedo drive. I knew I was losing some gear box oil - now I know where from. Any chance an extra turn on the knurled nut that attaches he cable will solve this?

I suspect I am just being hopeful. What am I likely to find / is there something simple I can fix without taking the box out?



D Moore

Hard to see but small seepage from oil pump body. I got an extra 1/8 turn on some of the bolts.

D Moore

Engine side cover. Some seepage around bolts + bottom right( look past the breather pipe at the corner) a distinct wet patch.

I am nervous about over torquing the bolts. I could take off the cover,put a little permatex on the spot that is leaking. Tighten it up.

Asking for trouble ? Pointless ?

I know there is a nitrile gasket available from one of the guys on the BB.

D Moore

A dab of blue Hylomar and a copper washer under the head of the oil pump bolts will slow the oil pump leak 0 at least until you can check that the cover and pump body are flat and not warped.
Doug Pelton of From the Frame Up does repairs on the speedo spindle to fit an O-ring to eliminate leakage.
The front seal can be a bit fiddly to get square and leak free, However, some people have good luck with the old-style rope seal as was originally fitted. But read the fitting instructions carefully in the WSM, as if it is cut too short, leakages can continue.
Lew Palmer

See mgtrepair.net for my silicon rubber valve cover and side cover gaskets.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

I make the nitrile gaskets for the side cover and rocker cover.
Regards
Declan
Declan Burns

If you are fitting a lip seal to the front of the engine polish the stub on the pulley and then measure it accurately. The kits sold by various specialists include a seal sized for a brand new pulley and they do wear. It may be better to buy a suitably sized seal from a bearing stockist. It is very depressing to fit a new seal and find there is till a leak. I know!

Jan T
J Targosz

I stopped the leaking at gearbox speedo drive with an improved adaptor sold by From the Frame Up.
W_Mueller

I added some UV leak finder for engine oil. Power washed engine and trans. Took a drive and If any leaks, a black light will show the way.
Some gear oils already have this in the blend.
M Grogan

I had way to much oil coming up inside the speedo cable and a modified spindle with an O ring installed from the frame up cured the problem. I also installed a valve cover and side cover silicone gasket from Tom Maine, 0 leaks without using any sealer. PJ
PJ Jennings

Sorry, I meant to say Tom Langs gaskets. PJ
PJ Jennings

If it isn't leaking, how will you know there is still oil in the engine?? George
George Butz

I contacted From the Frame Up plus will order new gaskets (from Tom or Declan) for side cover & rocker.

Lew I pulled the bolts on the oil pump and added some oil resistant sealer under the head last half inch of each. I had split/spring washers on the bolts. If it doesn't work I'll add copper flat washers too.

M Grogan - UV die / leakfinder on its way. The chalk worked really well but is messy :-)

I am leaving the front seal on the long finger ( read bottom of the to do list) for now.

Thanks for all your advice.

Dave
D Moore

This thread was discussed between 26/05/2017 and 30/05/2017

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