TD Operation Manual - Maintenance

Here are items to maintain on your car such as the engine, the hydraulic brakes, the hand brake, spark plugs and cold weather precautions.

MAINTENANCE ATTENTION

Valve Tappet Clearance

Clutch Pedal Clearance and Adjustment

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Valve and Tappet Clearance

Both inlet and exhaust valves should have a clearance of at least .019 in. (.49 mm.) when hot. It is of utmost importance to set

No. 1	valve	with	No. 8	fully	open
No. 3	“	“	No. 6	“	“
No. 5	“	“	No. 4	“	“
No. 2	“	“	No. 7	“	“
No. 8	“	“	No. 1	“	“
No. 6	“	“	No. 3	“	“
No. 4	“	“	No. 5	“	“
No. 7	“	“	No. 2	“	“

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Clutch Pedal Clearance

It is of the utmost importance that the pedal has ¾ in. (22.0 mm.) minimum free travel before operating the clutch withdrawal mechanism. The free movement is easily determined by light hand pressure on the pedal.

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Clutch Pedal Adjustment

The stop limiting the travel of the pedal is then adjusted if required to give 3 in. (7.6 cm.) pedal movement after the ¾ in. (2.0 cm.) free travel, by means of the adjustment indicated below. The clutch pedal clearance (or free movement) is adjusted by means of the adjusting nut here shown, after releasing the locknut, until ¾ in. (2.0 cm.) free movement is obtained. Check the effective travel, making sure it is not less than 3 in. (7.6 cm.).

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MAINTENANCE ATTENTION

Hydraulic Dampers   •   Spare Wheel

Topping Up Front and Rear Dampers

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Hydraulic Dampers

The hydraulic dampers fitted to the M.G. Midget are carefully set before dispatch and cannot be adjusted without special equipment. Their design is such that they are capable of giving long service without attention beyond periodical replenishment of the fluid. The construction of the dampers is such that no dismantling can be carried out. Either Armstrong or Girling dampers are fitted.

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Topping Up Front and Rear Dampers

Every 12,000 miles (20000 km.) the dampers should be removed from the car and checked for correct action. This is best en-trusted to your nearest M.G. dealer. Only the fluid recommended and marketed by the makers of the dampers must be used.

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Spare Wheel

This is stowed on the back of the car. The wheel disc should be removed to reveal the three standard wheel-fixing nuts which hold it to the carrying bracket.

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MAINTENANCE ATTENTION

Tyre Pressures

Tyre Valve Caps   •   Steering Gear

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Checking Tyre Pressure

The tyre pressures should be checked and, if necessary, adjusted weekly. Gauges for testing tyre pressure can be bought from all reputable motor dealers.
The correct tyre pressures are: —
Front : 18 lb. per sq. in. -
(1-27 kg. per sq. cm.).
Rear : 18 lb. per sq. in. -
(1.27 kg. per sq. cm.).

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Valve Caps

Make sure that the valve caps are replaced and fully tightened to exclude dust and water from the valve seats. Place the caps on a clean surface while testing and inflating the tyre.

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Steering Gear

Tracking up the wheels. Excessive and uneven tyre wear is usually caused by faulty wheel tracking. The wheels should run parallel to each other, but care must be used to ensure that the measurements are taken at axle level and that the rims run true. Correct setting of the front wheels entails the use of a wheel alignment gauge, and the owner is advised to entrust this work to an authorised M.G. Dealer, who has the necessary equipment.

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