Runs and Drives

Jun 17, 2006 update to the MG Midget project car

After bleeding the clutch and brakes, filling the engine, gearbox, and differential with lube, and filling the cooling system with coolant, we got ready to fire it up.

First, we made some preliminary carb linkage adjustments to make sure that both throttles operated at the same time and the chokes were adjusted properly.

With Josh at the distributor, ready to adjust the rough timing to get the car started, Carl turned the key and it started on the first try.

We set the timing to 32 degrees at 3500 RPM (vacuum disconnected). It’s no easy feat to see the timing marks on a Midget—they are on the bottom of the engine.

As it warmed up, we looked for leaks and other anomalies. Finding nothing serious (there is a small oil leak at the oil filter head that will be easy to fix), we took the car for its maiden voyage. It drives very nicely. It’s tight, responsive and no rattles. Come and see it at MG2006 next week.