MG TC Roller Camshaft

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malcolmr18zoy
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by malcolmr18zoy »

It's strange that it wouldn't start with a different condenser. That would indicate an ignition problem, perhaps.
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by Steve Simmons »

I tried two of them, but I did it by swapping the whole plate so maybe there was some difference. Just finished reinstalling the exhaust and starter after unjamming it. Another two hours gone. I'm stumped.
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by Stewart »

So inquiring minds what to know. What did you drive this weekend?
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by Steve Simmons »

Sadly, it wasn't a TC. I can't figure out this missing issue and neither could any of the experts on Friday morning. I have some ideas but it will take some time to implement them.
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by Larry Kluss »

I feel your pain...
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by Steve Simmons »

Last night I took the car for another test drive and something in the exhaust system was rattling. I couldn't figure it out so I ignored the noise for the time being. On my third lap around the block, I gave it some gas and there was a noise. Sort of a clang-pop followed by something metal tumbling down the road behind me. The rattling noise was now gone.

When I went back to see what fell off the car, this is what I found. Must have dropped it while working on the engine, and it went straight down the downpipe and took a couple miles before it spat out the back end!
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by gorms68 »

Keep drying you might find the rest of the set ;)
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malcolmr18zoy
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by malcolmr18zoy »

Is that one of your spinners, or has it been in the exhaust system for years? Did the misfire disappear afterwards?
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by malcolmr18zoy »

I meant scanners not spinners. My iPad corrected it for me, incorrectly.
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by malcolmr18zoy »

It's done it again. The word is spanners!
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by Steve Simmons »

No, that's one of the "spanner wrenches" that I was using to work on the car with. I can't believe I didn't see it fall down the pipe. And unfortunately it made no difference to the running problem.
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by Martin Keller »

Steve Simmons wrote:No, that's one of the "spanner wrenches" that I was using to work on the car with. I can't believe I didn't see it fall down the pipe. And unfortunately it made no difference to the running problem.
Hi Steve,
That is amazing that the SPANNER WRENCH passed through the exhaust system without lodging in the curve at the head of the pipe where it mounts to the header or in the muffler. I guess that is the return for the BLACK HOLE were all small parts seem to disapear when dropped to never be found again except for your wrench...... :lol: ......

Have you figured out what is causing the stumble yet.

:drive
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by Steve Simmons »

No, it's still a mystery. I plan to attack again today in full force. That gremlin is going down!
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by malcolmr18zoy »

Any luck yet with the TC?
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malcolmr18zoy
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by malcolmr18zoy »

Any luck yet with the TC?
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by Steve Simmons »

It wasn't quite full force yesterday but I did work on it and so far no improvement. I have another idea for today.
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by Steve Simmons »

The missing is gone! I had already swapped a known good condenser, rotor and cap from another distributor and the problem persisted. Then I put those parts back in the spare distributor and put that whole lump into the car. It's a TD unit with some problems of its own, but when installed, the miss is gone.

So, the problem is either with the points themselves, or some other problem I can't readily see. I can't leave this distributor in the car but at least I know where the problem area is now, so I can send the original unit to a specialist to be checked out.

And on the even brighter side, after a five mile test run, there isn't so much as a drop of oil from the rear seal. The only oil I see is coming from up top somewhere and it's very minimal. Never owned a TC that didn't drip at all (from the engine anyway). I hope it stays that way!
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by malcolmr18zoy »

Wow!!! Well done. Why can't you leave the TD distributor in there? Is it quite different from the TC distributor?
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by malcolmr18zoy »

I'd guess you had a weak spring on your points giving you points bounce above a certain rev level. I can't think why it didn't show before the camshaft change though.
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by malcolmr18zoy »

It's so easy to make a diagnosis when you know what the problem is!
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Re: MG TC Roller Camshaft

Post by Steve Simmons »

The TD distributor I have is the type with a thicker collar underneath, so I don't have room for the clamp. For now I'm using the securing bolt as a set screw to hold it in place It works, but isn't ideal.

Actually now that I think of it, I might have the measurements wrong in my head. It may be OK. But the distributor is still a little wonky. The top works its way loose and I'm not sure it even sits level.
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