This is my general blog site for “stuff” I do.

Month: May 2023

VMAXSCART – Pulley Mod Not working

May 21, 2023 /

One of my goals was to keep the original 1974 fan for cooling. The American version in 74 included a compressor for the ‘smog reduction’ systems. That was removed from this car before I bought it. The original pulley extends the gap between the water pump and the radiator for a second belt to drive the compressor. It’s just enough to allow the Super Charger belt to fit between the fan and the alternator belt. But… my configuration of the SC belt just touches the empty compressor belt area. This is visible in the photo below. Notice the mark on the SC belt where the ‘rib’ of the pulley is touching it.

I’ve found a machine shop that will reduce the diameter of the area which will allow the SC belt enough room to work as planned.

I’m hoping the fan is enough to cool the system. This, plus the new radiator, may prove enough. I can hope, can’t I?

UPDATE: I was trying to route the belt so it would give more space to the bottom radiator hose by putting the tensioner pulley behind the lower belt. It looked good, but didn’t work. The upper belt continued to rub even after I had it reduced in size. So I went back to the original configuration of the tensioner. More on that later.

VMAXSCART – Radiator Plug

May 13, 2023 /

It always seems to be the simplest thing that stalls a project. The new radiator was shipped with a stripped, plastic, drain plug.

I’m contacted the supplier and they are sending a new plug. I’m hoping it will arrive this week so I can take advantage of the spring weather we’re having.

In the mean time I’ve completed everything else I can. This included attaching the cooling pipes, overflow tube for the radiator, fuel line/filter install, installed under hood insulation and many other small items.

The most important thing was that I started the engine for a very short idle. Since I don’t have any coolant in the system I couldn’t run it for very long. But, it was GREAT to hear the sound of the engine after a winter of storage and upgrades.

I’m hoping to do a summary of the project after I’m completed. I’ve noticed slight differences of installation that weren’t expected but understandable. The 74 MGB U.S. version includes the wonders of environmental accessories. I’m still researching what to do with all of that plumbing. Ah, the European MGBs are so much easier.

UPDATE: (5/15/23). I just received a new, brass, pitcock in the mail. Very fast replacement by the vendor. I’ll be filling and tuning the carb in the near future.

On Vacation

May 9, 2023 /

Well, I had my first vacation in about 3 years. Covid kept us home. I was in Florida for about a month. Work on the super charger install was stalled. I’m back and next is finishing the project before the car shows start in the north.

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