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MOTRS

Midget

1961-1979 / Roadster / United Kingdom

All Midget problems All workshop problems
Critical Brakes

Clutch Hydraulic Failure

Symptoms

The clutch pedal drops to the floor with no resistance. The car won't go into gear with the engine running. Fluid visible on the carpet or bellhousing.

Cause

The clutch uses a separate hydraulic circuit (master and slave cylinder) identical in principle to the brake system. The seals fail with age. Forum members report that the rigid copper pipe connecting master to slave corrodes at the flare fittings and is a common leak point. Aftermarket slave cylinders fitted with a flexible hose rather than rigid pipe are easier to bleed and service.

Fix

  1. 1 Replace the master cylinder ($30--60), slave cylinder ($25--50), and connecting pipe. Bleeding tip from experienced Spridget owners: unbolt the slave and hold it above the master cylinder level while bleeding -
  2. 2 air rises and exits much faster. Cost: $60--150 for all components
Cost mentioned in fix
$30$25Cost: $60

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// More Midget problems

Other known issues

Minor Brakes

Brake Master Cylinder and Wheel Cylinder Corrosion

Spongy brake pedal, fluid leaks visible at the wheel cylinders or under the dashboard. One wheel may lock or drag. Fluid on the rear drums.
Minor Body and Structure

Sill Corrosion

The outer sill skin softens, bubbles, and crumbles. When prodded, it offers no resistance. In severe cases, the door drops when opened because the inner sill has lost its structural integrity.
Critical Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

Soft or perforated floors, particularly in the footwells. Wet carpets after rain. In extreme cases, visible road surface through the floor.
Minor Body and Structure

Rear Spring Hanger Deterioration

The rear leaf spring mounting points crack, distort, or tear away from the body under load.
Minor Body and Structure

Inner Wing and Suspension Turret Corrosion

The inner front wings around the front suspension top mounts corrode and thin.
Minor Engine -- A-Series (948, 1098, 1275)

Thrust Washer Wear (Crankshaft End-Float)

A metallic knocking or clunking noise from the front of the engine, particularly when the clutch is depressed or released. The clutch may feel different -- pedal travel changes, engagement point shifts.
All Midget problems