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MG Tech Tips by John Twist
Miracle on 28th Street
by guest columnist Allen Bachelder The corner of 28th and Patterson in Grand Rapids Michigan looks totally normal. Just ten blocks north of the Gerald R Ford International Airport, a well-developed string of hotels, restaurants and bars line up on 28th Street, seemingly for miles – everything to comfort the weary traveler. 2023 Summer Party…
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The Twist Library
During March 2023, John Twist and his assistant Martie started relocating his MG Technical books and archives. John’s 50 years of MG books, magazines, factory literature, and University Motors memorabilia are settling into a handsome new space. Fortunately, we enjoy organizing archives. Here’s a sneak peek at our progress.A fresh space with lots of sunlightThe…
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Is Your Engine Tired?
I talk to a lot of MG owners about the condition of their engines. Over and over, I hear the phrase, “My engine is tired.” I tell them there is no such thing as a tired engine. The real question is: does your engine have what it needs to run well? Think of your own…
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Spring Maintenance & Lubrication Checklist
Ready to wake up your MG after cold weather hibernation? If you followed the Winter Storage Instructions, you should be in good shape. Here is John Twist’s Spring checklist to get ready to enjoy the warmer weather in your MG.* Change Engine Oil and Filter* Lube Front Suspension* Top off front shocks* Check Differential Oil*…
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Celebrating 48 years of University Motors with John Twist
John Twist with UML Employees, January 2023John Twist celebrated the 48th Birthday of University Motors on January 21, 2023 in Grand Rapids, MI with his employees, customers, and friends. Guests at the 48th Birthday PartyPhoto displays of University Motors locations and employeesThe 48th birthday party was held in the same room as many other UM…
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Eliminating Rear Axle Clunk
By John H TwistA common problem I hear from MG owners is “There’s a clunking sound in the rear of my car!” The Salisbury, Tubed-type, or “GT” rear axle fitted to all MGB/GTs, virtually all MGBs from 1967, and all MGCs develops a clunk after as little as 50,000 miles. This clunk is evident when…
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Winter Storage Tips
Ask a dozen MG owners how each of them stored his MG last year and you will receive a dozen different answers. Methods range from abandoning the MG under a tree in the front yard, to complex routines involving raising the MG off the ground and removing the seats. There is no one “proper” method…
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FAQ Archives: Timing Chain on MGB
Hello John,I have a stock 1971 MGB that appears to have jumped a tooth on the timing chain. The engine will start and run but has a pretty bad shake in it (no knocks) and is down on power.I was pulling away from a light when there was a “ba-bing” noise (sounded more like a…
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FAQ Archives: A Ticking TF
Question:Dear Mr. Twist,Here is a thorny problem for you to cogitate! I have conducted extensive research and value your input.My 1955 TF 1500 is making a ticking sound, prominent at idle. It sounds like a valve lash set way too wide. Here are some observations related to this sound: 1. It occurs regularly at cam…
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TD Clutch Repair Misadventures
Guest post by David CapalloIn October 2022, John Twist visited me in Savannah, GA to replace the clutch on my 1951 MG TD. This was his second time visiting me in Savannah. I hosted him in 2021 when he repaired the front suspension on my TD. I was looking forward to working with John and…
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1977 MGB Run-On
Peculiar to the 1977 MGBs (and some, very early 1978’s) is a wiring design fault that allows the engine to continue running when the key is turned off. This problem is quite distinct! When the key is turned off and even removed from the ignition key switch, the car continues to RUN – not diesel…
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FAQ Archives: TD Oil Leak
Dear John, How would you like to hear another MG adventure? I recently started up a TD that had the engine rebuilt several years ago. I went through the start-up sequence to make sure I had oil coming to the rocker, but was concerned that it took a long time to prime the pump and…
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Restoring an MGA
The MGA restoration is a huge project! It will eat up time and money for several years. Take your most liberal estimate of the time and cost — then multiply by three or four to reach the actual time and money you’ll have invested. A case can be made for professional assistance on those parts…
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John’s Guide to Buying and Selling MGs
The rules of selling an MG and buying an MG are so diametrical that they barely deserve to be covered in the same article. Yet they bear a symbiotic relationship which cannot be ignored. The rules for selling an MG are so brief that I list them first:Selling an MG1) Make it look stunning! Spend…
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FAQ Archive: Valve Guides on MGB
QUESTION:I hope you can help me. I had the head rebuilt on my 1969 MGB with hardened valve seats. The engine ran fine for a few minutes then started skipping. I removed the valve cover only to find a valve stuck open. I removed the head and took it back to the machine shop. The…
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FAQ Archives: MG History & Trivia
Dear Mr. Twist,Over the last few weeks I have been trying to research into the history of the MG Sports Car, but have not been successful in answering these strange questions.I was wondering if you could spare a few minutes to help me find answers. 1) What was MG’s famous slogan? 2) What was the first…
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FAQ Archives: Cruise Control Conversion on MG TD
Question:As sinful as it may seem, because of a leg problem, I must install a cruise control in my 1951 MGTD. Has anyone done this before and what type is recommended? Who manufacturers units that would be compatible with the MG and how easy are they to install? I have done a minimal bit of…
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Sounds of the MG: Zizzes, Clunks, Rattles & Ticks
By John TwistThe familiar sounds of the MG — a throaty exhaust, the whine of the engine, the sounds of rushing air — make MG driving its best! Strange and unusual noises may be simply annoying, but they also might be warnings signs of impending failures. A thorough test drive will elicit any unusual noises…
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Workshop Safety Guide
Safety First!A safe, clean, well-illuminated workshop can make the difference between an exciting mechanical endeavor and a tedious, filthy, time-consuming undertaking. Plan ahead! Organize your workshop before you begin your project.FIRE!Carelessness, mixed with a bit of gasoline, can spell disaster. The resulting inferno can incinerate your MG, your house, and kill you. To be caught…
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University Motors Ltd Archives: Transforming loose parts into a classic MG VA
Excerpt from MG, Interrupted – 1937 MG VA Tourer: A father-son restoration project that lay dormant for 25 years is brought to completion. Written by David LaChance on 09/23/2018 for Hemmings.comFew things on this earth hold so much promise as a new restoration project, especially when you’re a 12-year-old boy who’s looking forward to many…
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