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MGA MGA vs MGB Pressure Plate

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Bumble_Bee

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Hi, I have a 1956 MGA Roadster and did a complete frame off restoration. When I bought the car it had MGB trans, starter, pressure plate etc. I installed a nice original MGA trans but used the MGB pressure plate. My problem is that the clutch barely disengages and it's about 1 inch from the floor. I extended the clutch rod but it's a Mickey Mouse job. Is the MGB pressure plate the problem? I got a sinking feeling that it is. Any advise would be greatly appreciated...Thanks....BUMBLE_BEE
 
Gotta ask - 5-main or 3-main MGB engine?
 
If you used the stock MGA release bearing and throw-out arm then there is your problem. The MGA spring type pressure plate is taller. To use a diaphragm pressure plate and an MGA gearbox you must change the front cover of the gearbox and the clutch lever assy to an early MGB type. And it is still a pain because the lever is thicker and will not allow you to slide it between the case and the front cover.

Alan T
 
BINGO......I was hoping you'ld say that! I will have a new MGA pp by mid week. All I have to do is just pull the engine and bolt it on right? The British Maintenance Manual states that I need to remove the seats, carpet and floorboards in order to change it out. I'd rather pull the engine. Am I right? Thanks
 
OK , So here's the deal. IMHO , yank the engine rather than going through the interior. If your flywheel has two dowel pins 180 degrees apart , it is an MGA flywheel . If there are three dowel pins 120 degrees apart it is an MGB 3-Main flywheel. The MGA clutch cover is a spring type and the MGB cover is a diaphragm type. You must keep the correct clutch operating lever and release bearing for the appropriate cover.

Alan T
 
Alan T.,
Thanks for the response. A question tho'......If it is an MGB flywheel, is that a problem? I don't remember if it is an MGB flywheel or not...will the bolt pattern be the same as the MGA flywheel? Will I have to buy a MGA flywheel? The flywheel did have pins in it for centering...I just can't remember if had two or three.
Thanks again, Larry
 
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