DID YOU KNOW?

1. That a weak solution of antifreeze/water transfers more BTUs than a strong mixture. Therefore your marginal cooling system Healey or Jag will survive hot summer better with a mostly water mixture. Don't forget to strengthen up the ratio come winter.

2. That many standard transmission British cars must use engine oil instead of transmission grease for the synchronizers and overdrives to work properly.

3. That more engines are ruined by frequent changing of the oil filters, unless surgically clean parts and installation procedures are followed.

4. That 80% of all late MGBs are totaled out by fires rather than collisions. In most all cases the cars could have been saved if the driver would have had a small fire extinguisher handy.

5. That the lower ball joint on most Triumphs is not a ball joint, but a large threaded joint, and is supposed to be lubed with hypoid 90.

6.That most early British cars have extra wide belts and should not be tightened near as much as late model cars, unless you like replacing generator and water pump bushings.

7. That most lever type shocks can be refilled (topped up is the right saying) by using either hydraulic jack/shock oil, or 20W engine oil.

8.That the late MGB cooling system plastic filler plug or an unsecured cooling fan outerstat is an engine disaster waiting to happen. Therefore, make a simple clip to hold the outerstat in place and replace the plastic plug with a common tapered pipe plug.

9.That most positive ground (earth) electrical systems can be changed over to negative ground quite easily, therefore allowing use of modern ignition systems and modern solid state sound systems.

10. That most British brake and clutch systems do not use cup or seal lip expanders. Therefore even with everything in like new condition it is not unusual for them to suck air, especially during long storage. If no external leaks are evident just try bleeding the system first.

11.That most early British generators have an oilling hole, or an oil wick, on the back bushing. Oil this once a month or every 1000 miles. (Twice as often on a TR2-3-4). These cars have this bearing only about an inch away from a red hot manifold.

12. That wheel bearings and u-joints without grease zerks last 2 to 5 times longer, because there are at least 5 base types of grease, of which     none will mix with each other without major reduction of lubricating ability. Therefore always use the same brand and type of grease.

13. That most S.U. and Stromberg/Zenith carbs live best with 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 pounds of fuel pressure.

14. That most American electric fuel pumps deliver 4 to 7 pounds of fuel pressure.

15. That 1975 and newer MG Midgets need both statements #14 and #14. How's that for catch 22!

16. That many early MG tail light circuits are unfused and even a very minor rear end collision will burn wiring clear to the main battery terminal.

17. That most 1980 and older British fuel systems are not compatible with Gasohol.

18. That most fuel lead additive substitutes are only about 30% as effective as lead.

19. That actual lead additive is still legal and available.