MGB & GT Forum

I do a thorough examination and servicing of both the Roadster and GT every spring. Both cars go about 2000 miles a driving season and then get parked for the winter. Typically they are on the road about six months and hibernating for the other six.

When I wake them up in the spring I typically do the following. This is not a complete list (for that see bottom of posting) but rather just the things I thought I'd ask how others handle.

1) Oil change is done every spring.
2) Oil filter is replaced every other year.
3) Distributor caps and rotors replaced every 5 years.
4) Points on the GT left alone unless there is a performance issue.
5) Pertronix on the Roadster left alone unless there is a performance issue.
6) Air intake filters replaced every 5 years.
7) Grease fittings underneath done every year.
8) Differential, steering gaiters and transmission level checked every spring.
9) Transmission fluid hasn't been changed since the rebuilds: GT 5 years / Roadster 10+ years
10) Check front brake pads every spring.
11) Check rear brake pads every other year.
12) Pack front wheel bearings every 5 years.
13) Change engine coolant every 5 years.
14) Adjust the valves every year.
15) Balance the carbs every year.
16) Adjust the carbs only as needed.
17) Set the timing, gap the plugs every year.
18) Replace the fuel filter every other year.

Thanks,
BH

MG SPRING TASK LIST Car:_______________
Have for 2024: 1 oil filter. Date:______________
Check and/or get: 20-50 oil with zinc / 30w non-detergent oil / Mileage:____________
90w oil / carb. oil / distributor cap/rotor/points/wiper blades (see below)

UNDER THE CAR
• Change oil .....3 5/8 quarts 20w50 Valvoline Racing Oil or Castrol Classic
• Change oil filter in even number years (done in 2022)
• Grease swivel axle assemblies – 3 grease jerks per side
• Grease drive shaft U-joints
• Grease drive shaft front spline
• Grease parking brake cable
• Add oil to steering gaiters: add 90w oil in even years only unless leaking......done 2022
• Check rear end oil.......90w oil......changed in GT 2020........changed in roadster ?
• Tighten shock mounting bolts. Don’t top up the oil unless leaking or not working.
• Spray lithium grease lube on shock pivot points and 2 hand brake linkage points.
• Pack the front wheel bearings every 5 years …..GT done 2022.........Roadster done 2023
• Clean Tom’s Knob and check grill for debris and test for flow with water.
• Check starter electrical and bolt mounting connections
• Tighten oil sump and transmission drain cover bolts
• Tighten drive shaft nuts front and rear. Add lock washers if not installed.
• Check front brakes and check and adjust rear brakes. Roadster: new front pads 2023. GT 2021.
• Check/adjust rear brakes in odd years. Unadjust; remove 4 nuts; pry off with tie rod fork.

UNDER THE HOOD
• Grease steering U-joint if there is a grease jerk or spray with lithium grease.
• Check brake and clutch cylinder oil levels and top up with Dot 3 of Dot 4.
• Check coolant level. Flush & change every 5 years. Done May 2020 on both cars.
• Check the fan belt and all hoses.
• Cycle the heater valve with engine warm and running.
• Top up windshield washer fluid.
• Remove the oil cooler cold weather cardboard guard if it is in place.
• Check dist. cap, rotor & replace @5 years. 2025 for GT; Roadster got new dist.cap & rotor in 2023.
• Adjust valves to .013 hot or .015 cold
• Adjust points. Grease CAM. Gap .015 or better still check dwell for 60° (30° on 8 cylinder scale)
• Check timing at 3000 rpm. 28° for roadster......32° for GT.
• Check the spark plugs. with Pertronix gap = .032”………with points gap = .025”
• Tighten HIF4 bottom float bowl cover screws. Tighten HS4 top float bowl screws.
• Tune and balance and top up oil in carbs as needed
• Change the fuel filter inner cartridge on even number years.
• Replace air filters on every 5 years....both cars done in 2022
• Clean fuse box connections and fuse fittings
• Clean electrical connections including all ignition wiring.
• Clean horn connections on roadster steering wheel and under the hood on both cars.

INSIDE THE CAR
• Check trans. oil. 30w non-det.oil. 1 pint =1/4” on dip stick. New 2021...change in 2026
• Clean the battery terminals
• Check to see that brake failure warning light comes on when button is pushed
• Check dash light bulbs

AROUND THE CAR
• Check air in the tires to 28 psi (including spare)
• Examine tire tread and rotate if necessary.
• Torque bolt on wheel lug nuts to 85 ft.lbs. / check knock offs on splined wheels
• New windshield wipers: Roadster uses Anco 31-10; GT uses Moss 165-020
• Check lights all the way around the car
• Examine and adjust the trunk latch mechanism and engine compartment hood as needed
• Wash the engine bay BEFORE washing and waxing the car. Be sure to protect all ignition & electrical related items.
• Wash and wax the car.
• Drop of oil on Lift-the-Dot connectors that secure the back of the convertible top.

Notes:___________________________________________________________________________________________

That's more than complete BH. I was never that conscientious with our roadster. Only thing I wonder about is the timing on the oil change. Somewhere I once read that it should be done before storage; something about acids that build up in oil with use. That said, new oil every year/2K miles is generous, so it probably makes no difference.

Steve

I agree. The only thing that one might do different is to change the oil (& filter) before storage. Drain it after a long drive while the oil is hot, add the new oil (& filter) then run it for 10 minutes to circulate the fresh oil & check for leaks.

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Eric Russell ~ Mebane, NC
1961 MGA #61, 1981 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1984 Alfa Romeo Spider, 1991 Honda ST1100

This is basically what I do every spring. However, I have never had a printed list.

This will be helpful as a check list to follow

Thanks

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Oil leak?? What oil leak? That puddle under the car is just sweat from all that horsepower!!

Law of Mechanical Repair - After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will itch and you'll have to pee.

Wow! I get mine started, take it out and drive it and then start figuring out what it needs. This checklist is WAY too methodical and organized. An engineer in a former life?

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Don't you know there ain't no Devil, it's just God when He's drunk....
Tom Waits

Well, definitely that mind set. I've been accused of being "way too organized" more than once.

BH

That's a very thorough list and makes me feel a bit ashamed that I just get in, start 'er up and take a 20 minute drive on the parkway.
Change the oil and filter and I'm good to go for the season. Usually March through December.
When I put it away for the winter I add some Stabil and fill the gas tank, put the top on, roll up the windows and most times don't even look at it until spring.

But that's just me.

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Dave Loechel
66/67 roadster


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