Good afternoon
Well, the 1960 MGA 1600 I bought several weeks ago is on the road and
running like a top. Of course it should be after an initial tune up
quieted things down enough to determine there was a very noticeable rod
knock. Pulling the oil pan allowed confirmation that the bearings were
shot (this despite an alleged rebuild in the recent running past - the
cylinders were fine with okay rings; the connecting rod bearings had
been fitted, but the crank had not been ground so there was too much
play. And on top of all that, the main bearings had been replaced -
.020 over except for one shell that was .010 over. A patch of rust was
discovered in the bearing cap which would bind - hence the shade tree
mechanic's fix of a different bearing shell on one side of the center
bearing). All this led to a "proper" rebuild with crank turned down to
.030, rods sized, cylinders honed and now its has 80 lbs oil pressure
when hot at road speed, dropping to 60 lbs hot at idle. New valve
guides all around, new exhaust valves and I am a real happy camper.
EXCEPT - the starter seems to be dragging at certain times. Sounds like
it is hitting up against the ring gear on the flywheel. Took the
starter off and removed the gear and springs and cleaned and greased
real well - all to no apparent effect. The toothed gear (pinion gear ?)
on the starter shows minor but noticeable wear on the end. Now this car
sat for more than twenty years before I got hold of it. Could these
springs just be tired ? The starter engages fine, but the noise that
sometimes comes from the area is annoying, at best, and a little
frightening at worst.
I note that Moss in their catalog (page 17) notes that " MGA starters
have a habit of chewing up the flywheel ring gear." and goes on to
suggest that the ring gear be checked when the clutch is replaced. But
they offer no suggestions as how to avoid or minimize the chewing.
What suggestions do you have. Replace the springs (easy); replace the
starter (easier but more costly); duct tape the pinion gear and always
park on a hill (not the best as the MGA usually lives in a flat floored
garage.)
Advice appreciated and acknowledged.
M. W. Jordan, Jr.
Marietta, GA
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