To: Moss Tech Support
Subject: MG TD_painting the engine
“…I have a 1952 MGTD, which we are trying to restore, as close to original as we can.
Was the oil pan painted the same color as the engine?
What about the valve cover and timing cover?...”
Sandy
From: Alexander, Lawrie
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2007 10:22 AM
To: Sandy
Subject: MG TD_painting the engine
Hi, Sandy,
When TD engines were painted red by the MG factory (Moss color, 220-510, is a perfect match for the original shade, by the way), they were assembled except for the valve cover so the pan and timing cover were originally red. The gearbox was already attached so it was red, too. Additionally, the generator and starter were already bolted onto the engine with the bodies masked by cardboard tubes, so that the mounting flanges of those units should also be engine red. Since they were not building show cars, some areas would not have received the same coverage of paint, and paint does not stick to aluminum as well as to cast iron, so aluminum showed to some degree on most original timing covers and oil pans, leading to the doubt about whether they were painted or not. To be absolutely correct, paint yours; however, a lot of people believe aluminum timing covers and pans look nice.
The valve covers were always painted a glossy silver and, again, the Moss color (220-560) is the correct color, though the current production does not achieve quite the gloss that was original. You will hear stories that the valve covers should be a greenish-silver rather than straight silver. I can assure you that the originals were just silver and that the greenish tint found on some original covers was the result of engine heat working with oil film to discolor the original paint.
Lawrie Alexander
Moss Motors Technical Adviser
Working on automobiles is inherently dangerous. Moss Motors, Ltd. is not liable for injury or damage due to incorrect installation or use of their products. All products are sold with the understanding that the safe and proper installation and use of the products is the customer’s responsibility. Follow factory workshop manual procedures and instructions, but use current shop safety standards and common sense. Some tasks will require professional advice or services which Moss Motors cannot provide.Email (for Moss Tech help):
BritishTechnicalSupport@mossmotors.comEmail (for comment on Forum Tech Tips):
TechTipAdmin@mossmotors.com