I am new to this group but glad I found it.
I have just bougfht the most beautiful (I think) 1976 Midget. It has only done 50,000 miles which I presume is genuine as I have the last
18 years MOT's. It isnt concourse but just excellent condition and very useable. I had a Midget in 1983 and wish I had never sold it.
3 points with the car.
It is undergeared in top. I know that the Spit 1500 O.D box fits if u can get one. Is it worth it or is the Ford 5 speed (Mk9?) conversion better? It seems more difficult to do. I am a reasonably competent mechanic.
Mine seems to run hot. I havent yet flushed the rad or looked at water pump impeller. It has an oil cooler. I did remove the stat which is OK (It is still out) but it is always at mid range on the gauge but very quickly creeps up to hot when in traffic even with no stat. Is the Black bumper Midge prone to overheating? Is the rad prone to getting blocked? The heater is brilliant. The fan belt is fine. The weather has been really hot though (I am in the UK). Any ideas anyone?
The bottom end rumbles. I am going to replace the big ends and mains from underneath. I know that the front main bearing can't be done that way but the front bearing in most engines doesn't wear as it only is stressed by the fan. BUT, the car has loads of oil pressure even when hot and at tickover! Is the oil pump worth replacing at the same time or does it last for "ever". Any ideas why the oil pressure is so high and botttom end still rumbling?
Thanks for all replies?
James
North Wales