Thread: 51 MG restoration.

A successful night of running it in.
Idle dialed in at around 900 rpm and oil filter seals held after rebuild. Got the car up to 210’ water temp and manually kicked in the fans which brought her back to 185. Need to order a lower set point thermostat switch as the 210 kick in is too high I think.
While running, pumped the brakes a bit and yes the booster adds a nice firm and modern feel to the brakes. No fresh fluid drips so I think I’m there brakes wise. May still run a round the wheels one more time to bleed them, but that’ll be after the road test.
Figured out that it’s the exciter bulb that s not kicking in the alternator by jumping the two posts on the little white connector at the alt itself. She then kicks in and provides a steady 14.8 volts across the posts.
Thereafter, if the idle drops the bulb does light to show its not charging and if I Rev her, the light goes out again, so not sure if the bulb wattage is too low or high maybe? Or my diode is pooched perhaps, not sure as it only shows around 3.5 volts on that leg through the alt light, figured it should be closer to twelve despite the bulb..
Anyway, had her running steady for 30-40 minutes and she sounds good. Coolant all the way through the system, heater box works and basically I’m gonna carry on with the final details and maybe get her out on the road test in short order.
Can’t wait.

Nice work Mike. I've been out for a while but you're doing well bringing it in to port.

Alternator working properly now, diode was bad, wiring was good.

New rad switch installed and works the charm, kicks in around 190, and off around 180, and being fed from the hot side will run after engine off to target temp.. I like that.
Still a little oil leak at the front and rear, like drips after a half hr run, hoping I didn’t mis diagnose main seal leaks as breather and pan gasket issues when I took her out. I really wanted a drip free British car, knowing that that may be impossible..
Ripped off the fuel regulator as it was restricting fuel flow and the carbs hold the fuel pump pressure without it.
Made a couple of steel grease plates so I can get my alignment close enough to maybe try a rolling test soon. Couple of plumb bobs and a yard stick I should be able to get close.
I’m running it just to listen to the engine now, hehehe.
Cheers gents.

You'll figure it out Mike! You always do!

Spotted a tiger loose in Caledon the other day!
What a car Tom.!

Modded from Hell....Supercharged!

Yup, 471 ci ford and a 14 psi Paxton in her. Original owner still had it since 65!

This was my first car when I was 16…. Took my driving test in it….1963 Triumph Spitfire..paid 200.00 for it ,and drove it home. It did need a clutch…and I dove in…lol

That's a lovely car.

When we take the driving test in the UK, to have any chance of passing you either drive the instructors car or you borrow your mums old thing.

If I had taken my test in your beautiful soft top, I would still be trying to get my license now

Originally Posted by STF

That's a lovely car.

When we take the driving test in the UK, to have any chance of passing you either drive the instructors car or you borrow your mums old thing.

If I had taken my test in your beautiful soft top, I would still be trying to get my license now

Thanks !…..and the guy that gave me my road test,must have weighed 300 pounds…you should have seen him get in and out of that car. Needless to say…we only went around the block..it was quick…lol…and that was 50 years ago..hehe