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johntwist@universitymotorsltd.com

6490 East Fulton
Ada, Michigan 49301
616.682.0800
 
 

Line Service

The Complete Lubrication

Regular, routine maintenance is the key to problem free operation. The Complete Lubrication is based on factory maintenance charts and our 25 years' experience. It is the most comprehensive MG lubrication service available anywhere, and is our most popular service.

The Complete Lubrication covers over 100 points of inspection, lubrication, and adjustment - side to side, top to bottom, and front to rear! It begins and ends with thorough test drives. At the completion of the lubrication and the test drives, we prepare a service estimate detailing the faults found.

Undercarriage: We drain and refill the engine, gearbox, and differential. We open the rear brakes to inspect, test, lube, adjust and bleed. We lube and inspect the driveshaft, the fuel system, the rear suspension, and exhaust. We grease the kingpins; top off the front shocks; lube and adjust the rack and pinion, grease the outer front wheel bearings (and inner on T's, A's and Midgets), exercise and bleed the front brakes (open and inspect drum style), and inspect gearbox and engine mounts.

Cockpit: We wash the battery(ies), clean (or replace) the clamps, and tie down the battery. We lube the seat slides and door strikers; tighten the door strikers and top bow screws. We inspect all the dash controls and lights.

Underbonnet: This receives great attention! We glassbead the fusebox; tighten the fan belt; tighten the hose clamps; inspect the belt(s) and hoses, pressure check the cooling system, and test the antifreeze mixture. We either oil (earlier MGs) the air cleaners or replace the elements, and change the fuel filter, and lube the bonnet cable and latch.

Boot: We lube the jack, inflate the spare tire, and survey the tools and covers, lube the boot slide, and tighten the boot latch.

Exterior: We inspect the operation of all the lights, wipers, washers, inflate the tires, measure the ride height, and test the operation of the shocks.

Twenty years ago, when the MGs were still "new" and in hard, daily, utilitarian use, the Complete Lubrication was a suggested annual or 12,000-mile service. With today's limited use, an interval of five years is more common. Consider this a "holistic" service -- a starting point, "ground zero," "initial service," or "survey" that every owner should have performed on his MG at purchase. It is, absolutely, the best you can do for your MG.

    Model Year Description Code HRS COST
    TC 45 - 49 Complete Lubrication LTP 500 6.00
    TD 50 - 52 Vertical Oil Filter LTP 510 5.50
    TD/TF 52 - 53 Horizontal Filter LTP 520 6.00
    MGA 56 - 59 MGA 1500 LAP 500 5.50
    MGA 60 - 62 MGA 1600 LAP 510 6.00
    MGA 59 - 62 MGA Twin Cam LAP 520 5.00
    MGB 62 - 67 Factory Filter LBP 500 5.00
    MGB 68 - 69 Factory Filter LBP 510 5.00
    MGB 70 - 74 Dual Carbs LBP 520 5.00
    MGB 75 - 80 Single Carb LBP 530 5.00
    MGC 68 - 69 Not Automatic LCP 500 5.00
    MGC 68 - 69 Automatic LCP 510 5.00
    Midget 61 - 71 Factory Canister Filter LMP 500 5.50
    Midget 72 - 74 Factory Spin On Filter LMP 510 5.50
    Midget 75 - 79 Midget 1500 LMP 520 5.50

Concurrent Services

Radiator Flush

    Model Year Description Code Hrs Cost
    All All Radiator Flush LXP 570 0.25

Overdrive Service

    Model Year Description Code Hrs Cost
    B / C 68 - 80 Overdrive Cleaning LXP 500 0.25

Lube - Oil - Filter

The University "LOF" is more than four quarts of oil and a filter! We not only replace the engine oil with Castrol 20W/50 GTX and fit a factory or quality filter, but we: change the filter O rings and replace the drain plug copper washer; grease the front suspension and top off the front shocks; inspect and top off the master cylinders, the radiator, and carburettor dashpots; oil the dynamo and grease the tach reduction box, water pump, and pedal shaft; inspect the belts and hoses, tighten the visors and rear view mirror; and test drive the car. Of course, these tasks depend on the year and model.

Proper maintenance requires an "LOF" at LEAST annually (just before storage) and every 2500-3000 miles thereafter.

    Model Year Description Code Hrs Cost
    TC / TD 45 - 52 Vertical Moss Element LTP 010 1.00
    TD / TF 52 - 55 Horizontal Filter LTP 020 1.00
    MGA 56 - 62 Factory Filter LAP 010 0.75
    MGA 56 - 62 Bottom Load Spin On LAP 015 0.50
    MGA 59 - 60 Twin Cam LAP 020 1.00
    MGB 62 - 67 Factory Filter LBP 010 0.75
    MGB 62 - 67 Bottom Load Spin On LBP 015 0.50
    MGB 68 - 69 Top Load Canister LBP 020 0.50
    MGB 68 - 70 Top Load Spin On LBP 030 0.50
    MGB 1974 Bottom Load Spin On LBP 040 0.50
    MGC 68 - 69 Top Load Canister LCP 010 0.50
    Midget 71 - 72 Bottom Load Canister LMP 010 0.75
    Midget 72 - 74 Bottom Load Spin On LMP 020 0.50
    Midget 75 - 79 Midget 1500 LMP 030 0.50
    Last updated 990925 jht

The "Complete Tune"

The properly tuned MG should start with the turn of the key, idle well, and run powerfully in all gears. The proper operation of the engine depends upon the condition of the: engine; ignition; fuel; emission controls. Our "Complete Tune" attends to each of these areas. We torque the head, adjust the valves; remove and service the distributor, wires, plugs, coil; disassemble the carbs for cleaning; service the ELC, PCV, and smog systems. Plus, we test drive the car to ensure it is running great.
    Description Labour Cost
    The "Light Tune" 1.5
    Dual Carburetter 4.0
    Single Carburetter 3.0

The October Special

Every MG (for that matter, every engine) should be stored with fresh oil. Dirty oil is acidic and damages the crankshaft and bearings during storage. The October Special includes the LOF, of course. In addition, we: coat the engine bay with a rust protector, similar to WD-40; inspect and correct the tire air pressures; erect the hood; and we spread Naphthalene Mothball crystals in the boot and engine bay, leaving the remainder for the owner to spread in the cockpit. Rodents avoid mothballs!
    Model Year Description Code Hrs Cost
    TC / TD 45 - 52 Vertical Moss Element LTP 010
    LTP 200    		 1.00
    0.25
    TD / TF 52 - 55 Horizontal Filter LTP 020
    LTP 200    		 1.00
    0.25
    MGA 56 - 62 Factory Filter LAP 010
    LAP 200    		 0.75
    0.25
    MGA 56 - 62 Bottom Load Spin On LAP 015
    LAP 200    		 0.50
    0.25
    MGA 59 - 60 Twin Cam LAP 020
    LAP 200    		 1.00
    0.25
    MGB 62 - 67 Factory Filter LBP 010
    LBP 200    		 0.75
    0.25
    MGB 62 - 67 Bottom Load Spin On LBP 015
    LBP 200    		 0.50
    0.25
    MGB 68 - 69 Top Load Canister LBP 020
    LBP 200    		 0.50
    0.25
    MGB 68 - 70 Top Load Spin On LBP 030
    LBP 200    		 0.50
    0.25
    MGB 1974 Bottom Load Spin On LBP 040
    LBP 200    		 0.50
    0.25
    MGC 68 - 69 Top Load Canister LCP 010
    LCP 200    		 0.50
    0.25
    Midget 71 - 72 Bottom Load Canister LMP 010
    LMP 200    		 0.75
    0.25
    Midget 72 - 74 Bottom Load Spin On LMP 020
    LMP 200    		 0.50
    0.25
    Midget 75 - 79 Midget 1500 LMP 030
    LMP 200    		 0.50
    0.25
    Last updated 990926 jht

Spring Check-Up

The Spring Check-Up is performed in addition to the Lube - Oil - Filter. In this service, designed to ensure that the MG is ready for the driving season, we: Inspect and top off the gearbox and differential oils; Adjust the rear brakes and either adjust the front shoes or inspect the front pads, depending on the model; Inspect and correct the tire air pressures; Inspect the running lights and report those out; Inspect the operation of the washers and wipers; ensure that the battery is clean and tied down, and that the clamps are clean and tight; Inspect the air filter(s); and finally, "de-mouse" with a vacuum cleaner. In addition, we test drive the MG and make notes.
    Model Year Description Code Hrs Cost
    TC / TD 45 - 52 Vertical Moss Element LTP 010
    LTP 100    		 1.00
    1.00
    TD / TF 52 - 55 Horizontal Filter LTP 020
    LTP 100    		 1.00
    1.00
    MGA 56 - 62 Factory Filter LAP 010
    LTP 100    		 0.75
    1.00
    MGA 56 - 62 Bottom Load Spin On LAP 015
    LAP 100    		 0.50
    1.00
    MGA 59 - 60 Twin Cam LAP 020
    LAP 100    		 1.00
    1.00
    MGB 62 - 67 Factory Filter LBP 010
    LBP 100    		 0.75
    1.00
    MGB 62 - 67 Bottom Load Spin On LBP 015
    LBP 100    		 0.50
    1.00
    MGB 68 - 69 Top Load Canister LBP 020
    LBP 100    		 0.50
    1.00
    MGB 68 - 70 Top Load Spin On LBP 030
    LBP 100    		 0.50
    1.00
    MGB 1974 Bottom Load Spin On LBP 040
    LBP 100    		 0.50
    1.00
    MGC 68 - 69 Top Load Canister LCP 010
    LCP 100    		 0.50
    1.00
    Midget 71 - 72 Bottom Load Canister LMP 010
    LMP 100    		 0.75
    1.00
    Midget 72 - 74 Bottom Load Spin On LMP 020
    LMP 100    		 0.50
    1.00
    Midget 75 - 79 Midget 1500 LMP 030
    MP 100    		 0.50
    1.00
    Last updated 990926 jht

Rear Brakes

Rear Brakes are our most common repair. We rebuild or replace the rear wheel cylinders, fit new hub oil seals, new shoes, turned drums, hand brake adjustment, bleed and adjust. Pinched rear brake lines are not uncommon.
    Description Labour Cost
    TD/TF/MGA 3.0
    Midget / Banjo MGB 3.0
    MGB Salisbury/Tubed/GT 2.5
    Pinched Line Repair (each) 0.5

Front Brakes

We see many more rusty, worn, scored, and frozen front brakes than ever before. The front brakes perform 2/3 of the braking. Their proper operation is essential! We replace rotors, pads, hub seals, and properly shim and grease the wheel bearings.
    Description Labour Cost
    MGB/Midget 3.0

Overdrive Conversion

An overdrive is a wonderful addition to any MGB, albeit an expensive one! The engine rpm drop from 3500 at road speed to about 2800. We remove the engine and gearbox, replace the clutch assembly and gearbox mounts, fit a new speedo cable and wire the overdrive circuit.
    Description Labour Cost
    MGB 1968 - 1980 20.0

Camshaft

The camshaft controls the power curve and torque of the engine. A tune-up cannot make up for a worn or detuned (1975-1980) cam. Stock and modified cams are available. The cam, lifters, chain, tensioner, front seal, gaskets, oil & filter, and attention to tune are included.
    Description Labour Cost
    MGA/MGB 8.0

MGB Front Suspension

The wear and tear of scores of years and thousands of miles leaves the kingpins badly worn unless the front end has been religiously greased every 2000 miles! We provide rebuilt kingpins, A Arms, improved V8 bushings, seals, and bolts, plus an alignment. Include coil springs with the front suspension and save 3 hrs labour.
    Description Labour Cost
    Coil Springs TD - 80 MGB 3.0
    Front Shocks MGA - 80 MGB 1.0
    Front Shock Midget
    1500 RH only    		 2.0
    V8 Bushings TD - 80 MGB 3.0
    MGB Kingpins 6.0
    Complete MGB
    Front Suspension    		 8.0

Leaf Springs

The driver's side rear of the MG sags first, lifting the right front. The chrome strips on the MGB should be horizontal. If the difference between the right front and the left rear exceeds two inches, rebuilt leaf springs are badly needed. Bushings and pads are changed, too.
    Description Labour Cost
    MGA Leaf Springs (rebuilt) 3.0
    MGB Seven Leaf Springs (rebuilt) 3.0
    MGB Eight Leaf Springs (rebuilt) 3.0

Clutch

All clutches eventually fail, requiring engine or gearbox removal to access the clutch assembly, Factory Borg & Beck parts and genuine Lockheed hydraulic parts are used.
    Description Labour Cost
    TD/TF Clutch Replacement
    Linkages often need reworking    		 10.0
    MGA Clutch Replacement 9.0
    MGB Standard Gearbox 8.0
    MGB Overdrive Gearbox 9.0
    Midget 1500 9.0

Exhaust

We stress originality at all times - almost. The ANSA exhaust is a dramatic improvement on the factory exhaust. The twin chrome pipes and mellow note are distinctive.
    Description Labour Cost
    MGB 74/2 - 80 2.0
    Add for all new mounts 0.5

Differential Clunk

The Salisbury, GT, or Tubed Type differential clunks after tens of thousands of miles. We replace the diff and pinion gear washers and pinion shaft to quiet this common but annoying noise.
    Description Labour Cost
    MGB/MGC 3.0

Gearbox Mounts

Half of the oil leaking from the engines washes over the gearbox mounts. Originally hard rectangular blocks, they are reduced to amorphous gobs of goo after years of use. New mounts will firm the feel of the gear lever and steady the drive train.
    Description Labour Cost
    MGB/MGC 2.0

Petrol Tank

The MGB petrol tank rusts from the outside at the front of the top. No repair is possible. Nearly ALL MGBs need new tanks! before installation we thoroughly cover the top of the new tank with rubberized undercoating.
    Description Labour Cost
    MGB 64 - 70 3.0
    MGB 70 - 76 3.0
    MGB 77 - 80 3.0

Petrol Tank Sending Unit

The most common fault with the gas gauge is that it falls to zero. The fault is, 99.99% of the time, the sending unit. This is easily changed, but it's better to do so with a near empty tank!
    Description Labour Cost
    MGB Sending Unit 1.0

Fuel Pump

The SU Fuel Pump has electrical points - and after years of use, winters of moisture, or disuse - it does not click. It is futile to rebuild the units as replacement units are readily available.
    Description Labour Cost
    TD/TF (bulkhead mounted) 0.5
    TF/MGA (frame mounted) 1.0
    MGB all models 1.0
    Midget 1275 1.0

Water Pump

The water pump is an essential component of the cooling system. When it fails, you stop! The pump can leak but not wobble, wobble but not leak, it sometimes sounds like gravel in a tin can (a sure sign of impending doom.) Various models require various labour charges and differently priced pumps.
    Description Labour Cost
    MGA (Cast iron Rebuilt Pump) 3.0
    MGB 77 - 80 1.0

Storage Charges

We expect you to collect your car within a day after we let you know it is finished, unless other arrangements have been made. After one week we will charge $1/day until collection. Once a job is started, we expect to see that job through to completion. If we must stop for lack of funds, or other owner considerations, the project immediately defaults to storage of $1/day.

 

Boosting Oil Pressure

The MGAs and MGB s should run down the road with 60- 80 psi of oil pressure. Readings below 60 are cause for concern, as oil pressure is an indication of the condition of the engine. We can help you raise your oil pressure by following this gradual list:
    1. Change the oil and filter. The oil is sometimes contaminated with gasoline which cleans out the inside of the engine quite nicely - but it's no lubricant.
    2. Change the oil pressure relief valve. This valve, located at the bottom left side of the engine block, controls the upper limit of the oil pressure. It's easily removed, but often requires a strong wrist to replace.
      Description Labour Cost
      Oil Pressure Relief Valve & Spring 0.5
    3. Change the rod bearings and oil pump. The pump makes the oil pressure and the bearings use it. Both the pump and bearings wear - and they are located in exactly the same part of the engine.
      Description Labour Cost
      Rod Bearings & Oil Pump 5.0

MGA/MGB Oil Consumption

While all of our engines use some oil, once the consumption has hit one quart per two hundred miles (or one quart per tank full of gasoline), most owners elect to rework the engine.

Oil is consumed by leaking or burning. If there are not dramatically large puddles on the floor, then the engine is burning the oil. Oil is burned because the PCV system is plugged, the valve guides are worn, or the rings are bad. The PCV systems is easily tested: worn valve guides cause the engine to smoke horribly at idle - so the common problem is faulty oil control rings. The head and sump are removed and the pistons withdrawn. The cylinder walls are honed, the rods recircled, the valves in the head lapped and new umbrella seals fitted. THis work is done in combination with the oil pressure work mentioned before. John performed this work to his wife, Caroline's MGB/GT at 95,000 miles. It now has 180,000 miles, still has good pressure and still uses little oil!

    Description Labour Cost
    MGB Rods and Rings 12.0

Test Drive Services

University Motors offers two types of test drives: a "once around the block with notes," and a "Complete Test Drive." The "around the block" drive, with the owner (or prospective owner) gives an overview of the vehicle and the major faults, if any. The Complete Test Drive follows a pre-printed form and is especially helpful for those contemplating the purchase of an MG which is unfamiliar to the University Motors shop or personnel. Both include written lists of faults and their approximate repair costs, but the Complete Test Drive gives far greater detail and includes checking the compression.

    Year Model Description Code Hrs Cost
    All All Test Drive LXP 300 0.25
    All All Complete Test Drive LXP 330 1.00

The Engine Wash

While the exterior, interior, and boot of many MGs gleam, the engine bay is often a dark hole. Years of accumulated grease, oil, dirt, can make it an eyesore. Some MGBs still have the original coating of cosmolene (a protective layer sprayed on at the factory so the cars would better resist the salt air during shipping)! A fifteen-minute bath of grease remover and hot soapy water will brighten all but the very worst engine bays.
    Year Model Description Code Hrs Cost
    All All The Engine Wash LXP 320 0.50

Statement of Valuation

University will appraise your MG and provide a page long record of the vehicle. This may be required by an insurance company, a divorce attorney, an estate lawyer, or a buyer and seller haggling over the price. This statement is signed and sealed.
    Year Model Description Code Hrs Cost
    All All Statement of Valuation LXP 400 0.75

 

 
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