Skip to content
MOTRS

Midget

1961-1979 / Roadster / United Kingdom

All Midget problems All workshop issues
Minor Engine -- Triumph 1500

Crankshaft Failure

Symptoms

A sudden, catastrophic failure -- loud metallic banging followed by engine seizure. Oil on the road. The engine is destroyed.

Cause

The Triumph 1500 engine has big-end bearing journals that are marginally sized for the loads they carry. Under sustained high-RPM driving, the bearing caps flex, the bearings overheat, and the crankshaft can crack or the connecting rod can let go. The problem is exacerbated by low oil pressure, overheating, or insufficient oil changes.

Fix

  1. 1 Prevention is the only real fix. Keep the oil fresh (change every 5,000 km), avoid sustained high-RPM running, monitor oil pressure, and ensure the cooling system is in excellent condition. If the crank fails, the engine is typically beyond economic repair -
  2. 2 a replacement engine ($800--1,500 used) is cheaper than rebuilding the broken one
Cost mentioned in fix
$800

Know something we don't?

Owned a MG Midget? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update
// More Midget problems

Other known issues

Minor Engine -- Triumph 1500

1500 Overheating

Persistent overheating, particularly in traffic.
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.
View all 17 Midget problems