MG
The Classic Marque

I am getting ready to publish an article on the few wires on the MG TD/TFs that had an extra bit of covering on them. The list below is what I currently have evidence for. I would love to hear from anyone who has an unrestored wiring harness that may have an exception to my list either with an additional item or they are certain their car does not have a particular cover. If you respond, please in...

I'd be careful with that idea as a drinks can can support the weight of a person without crushing. In the past I've balanced with one foot on a can and it'll support my weight and only crush when you tap the sides to cause a defect then it'll crush flat, if you try it get your fingers away quickly so they don't get caught. That's with the can upright.

Mike,
Having had experience with broken crankshaft, dropped valve and stuck valves, even ripping of the top of a piston, I don't think any of the suggestions are the culprit. To me the clue is in not being able too turn the crankshaft either way. Jambed oil pump is a possibility along with a broken timing chain or something in the bell housing locking the flywheel.
Good luck

There isn't a mark on mine. I like your idea Dave, but when I asked one of my daughters - staying a couple of days - she said, 'Easy. Put a drinks can next to it and lower the bonnet. The can will crush, and not spring back.'

My 948 was on a shelf. 1/4" plywood. It was a huge packing case that a replacement windscreen glass for my MKIV came in from Moss. They charged £20 deposit which I thought was quite a good deal for what has served me well as a workbench down one side of the garage for 30 years. And the 1/4" thick base is supported on a couple of 2 X 4" to keep it and the engine off the concrete floor. At one time...

Interesting I have always used a Facet silver top pump (recommended as a pusher) and it seems to pump normally whatever the level of fuel in the tank.(Just as well as I nearly ran out of fuel once on a Spanish motorway when the gauge was firmly on the E. It took almost 6 gallons to fill it) Its mounted at the rear in approximately the same place as the Spridget one.

Good question.

I suppose you could get a strip of cloth, put it over the top of the buffer and trail it out through the wheel arch, before shutting the bonnet and see if you can pull it out. Assuming the gap between the wing and the wheel arch is big enough.

I think mine sits on them as they have deformed over time!

Well spotted, Dave. It's actually on the bottom shelf, which doubles as a concrete floor.

Does the Frogeye bonnet actually sit on those two rubber buffers on top of the inner wheel arch, when everything's closed up? How would we know?