Lot 7766: 1961 MG A 1600

The 1961 MG A 1600’s 1588cc B-series engine has a few well-known quirks, but they’re all manageable with the right approach. Here are the most common issues and their fixes:

1. Oil Leaks (Especially Rear Main Seal) The three-bearing B-series engines are notorious for oil leaks, particularly from the rear main scroll seal which can never be completely leak-free. Check for oil at the gearbox joint and under the car after standing. Fix: Replace all gaskets during a rebuild, consider upgrading to a lip-seal conversion kit for the rear main. Keep a drip pan handy - it’s part of the vintage British car experience!

2. Low Oil Pressure If you see oil pressure drop below 20 psi when warm, worn connecting rod bearings are usually the culprit. Fix: First inspect the oil pump rotors for scoring and proper clearance. If the pump looks good, plan on a bottom-end rebuild with new bearings. Always check that the sump isn’t pancaked against the oil pickup (a common issue that starves the engine).

3. Overheating in Modern Traffic The original radiator and fan setup struggles in stop-and-go traffic. Many owners report temperatures climbing above 212°F. Fix: Install a larger aluminum radiator, add an electric fan kit, use water-wetter additive, and ensure your timing is spot-on. Check that the fan shroud is intact and the grill slats aren’t blocked.

4. SU Carburetor Issues The twin HS4 carbs can develop worn throttle shafts and bores, letting unmetered air in and causing rough idle and off-throttle leanness. Fix: Rebuild with a throttle shaft/bushing kit, then re-sync the carbs using a flow meter. Don’t forget to check for vacuum leaks elsewhere first - many owners wrongly blame the carbs for ignition problems.

Quick wins for reliability: Start with a carb rebuild and timing check (weekend project), add an electric fan (day project), then plan the gasket refresh when you are ready for a winter project.

Given this car’s $23k asking price and Project condition, these fixes are part of the journey. Comparable recent sales range from $9k to $25k, so there is room in the budget for some mechanical TLC. Want me to find you some similar MG A 1600s currently for sale, or dig deeper into any specific issue?