MGB Thackery (double coil spring) Washer Substitute? What else works?

[Vardaman]

So this is a user-error problem, but after two attempts to order the Thackery washers that hold the carburetors to the manifold, I now have an assortment of tiny and not so tiny Thackery washers, none of them the proper size for mounting my HIF 4s. I'd like to get the carbs on today if I can. Is there another way to provide that same kind of firm but flexible tension on the mounting flanges without using the double coil washers?

 

[JPSmit]

Don't think I have ever seen one before - can't you just use a lock washer or even locktite? I don't think there is anything special about the joint - my HS4 has only ever had a lockwasher.

 

[PAUL161]

A Thakery washer. A metric size would probably fit a British stud/bolt. Not sure. PJ

.

 

[JPSmit]

I googled it and recognized and I suspect there might be one in my parts box but unless you are going for concours I would just use a standard lock washer

 

[Vardaman]

I thought there was something functional about them, like they allow a bit of movement in the mount, or worked as a vibration damper.

 

[DrEntropy]

I thought there was something functional about them, like they allow a bit of movement in the mount, or worked as a vibration damper.

That's their purpose. If you had more mass overhang than the HIF-4's, the Thackery washers would be better. Weber DCOE's benefit from them since they "hang" from the intake studs with adapter plates and O-rings. You're mountings are gasketed to hard surfaces, much less prone to vibration. Split washers would likely be just fine.

EDIT: If you MUST have 'em, try Dave Bean Engineering as a supplier.

 

[billspohn]

WASHER, thackery

WASHER, thackery

mossmotors.com

Nothing else really does the same job. They use them on Alfas so if you have an Alfa shop nearby it would be worth a call.

 

[DrEntropy]

Alfa and Lotus both when outfitted with DCOE Webers. That's why I suggested Bean. 5/16" studs. I've Webers on both Lotus cars as well as the Alfa (close enough!) and the MGB. Thackery washers on all, many supplied from Bean Engineering.

 

[billspohn]

We've been solving the vibration issue that the factory never correctly diagnosed on the MGA Twin Cams that led to burnt pistons, by grooving the intake manifold for O rings (or using captive O ring Weber mounts) and using Thackery washers!

 

[Grantura_MKI]

These are used originally on the gearbox sifter surround.