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MG TD TF 1500 - Tom Lange - Side Cover Gasket

Hi Tom,

I wondered if you would consider making your side cover gaskets a bit thinner - the thickness of the gasket prevents the distributor form being oriented in the traditional manner and limits the arc movement for timing adjustments.

I reoriented the distributor - so no real problems - but the thickness of your side gasket does place the cover much farther out from the side surface of the block - it causes the distributor clips to hit the cover.

Just a friendly suggestion. I imagine the valve cover gasket could be slightly reduced in thickness as well - but there is really no problem with it currently.

Currently Leak free!

Best regards,
DLD

My distributor cap clips are 90 degrees away from the side cover. Perhaps you could reorient yours to be the same?

Tim
TD12524
TW Burchfield

Unfortunately, the next step down is pretty thin, and I want as much meat as I can for a good seal. The only people who have any trouble are those with one particular aftermarket aluminum side cover, that has a deep recess for the distributor - they have to cut a slit in the rubber to fit.

I've not heard of the distributor problem, but if you are dissatisfied please let me know, and I'll issue a refund. I want every buyer to be happy with what they get from me.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

I have no trouble with mine on the TF, the rocker cover gasket either. PJ
Paul161

There are four possible orientations for the distributor (changing orientation requires moving the plug leads so that they remain in the same place).

In one it is difficult to shift the clips, and in another the power feed catches on the reduction box. However it is certainly possible to find a position which works.
Ian Bowers

Thanks for the responses. Please re-read the initial message above and see that I have already reoriented the distributor as suggested.

I think the early TDS - with the clamp - do foul the standard side plate when the thicker gasket is used. It is no big deal - and Tom has explained his use of the thicker material. No need to consider a refund Tom - just wanted to mention the small issue.

Thanks again - and congrats on the TCs - sure wish I had seen those!
DLD

I have an early TD and Toms gasket on ordw. I'll check the fit and report back when it arrives...
Geoffrey M Baker

OK, I installed Tom's gasket on my early (51) TD without the slightest difficulty. Plenty of room for the distributor to rotate and no point at which it touches. The gasket is a bit thicker, but did not cause a problem. I'm curious, perhaps DLD has a later distributor installed?
At any rate, looks great and installed easily. I did have a slight problem, a PO installed a small valve on my cover (probably some PCV setup) and the pipe end inside projected a bit far behind the cover. I cut a bit of the inside tubing off and had no problem installing after that.
Geoffrey M Baker

Dont expose Toms gaskets to being soaked in petrol to remove silicon gasket cement. I did and totally blitzed my valve cover gasket, it "grew like Topsy".
G Evans

Just to clarify my issue. You can certainly orient the distributor in such a manner as to have plenty of adjustment for timing purposes - my point is that the distributor could not be oriented as shown in the shop manuals (with the clips at approx 12 and 6 o'clock positions) with the thicker gasket. My distributor is the proper early type for my May of 1950 TD. The clips foul on the stamped steel side plate when I try the traditional orientation.

As I say, not a big deal at all.
DLD

That side cover gasket will be available soon in 4mm NBR (nitrile) rubber cut on a CNC water jet. I have already received the first samples of the rocker cover seal made from the same material. This is already on my car being tested.

Regards
Declan

D Burns

I actually think that it's advantageous to have the thickest possible gasket, because the side tappet cover is just thin pressed metal and bends pretty easily. Mine is nowhere near flat, so the extra cushioning gives better oil leak protection. A machined cover would of course be the best answer, but expensive.
Geoffrey M Baker

Declan

When you have finished Beta testing your valve cover gasket and are in production could you please advise how to purchase.

Thanks Graeme
G Evans

Graeme,
Will do.

Regards
Declan
D Burns

This thread was discussed between 20/10/2015 and 29/10/2015

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