MGB Rivergate 5 speed fix

I purchased a 74.5 MGBGT with a rivergate conversion already installed. I did not like the way the clutch line was converted.Many years ago a very good friend purchased a NOVUS kit for his MGB. They used a MGB slave that was modified.Well that did not work out. We ended up getting a 1275 MG midget slave (smaller bore)and that way the throw was greater and the syncros woud not get trashed. Fast forward to the Rivergate setup. Its a 5+ foot braided flex line mated to a modified slave cyl. It looked like crap under the hood and it was leaking! So i get a new Midget slave, change the position of the mounting holes and remove some of the aluminium backing plate for clearance. Then add a factory steel line and factory flex line. Works great! And it would be alot less work when putting in a new kit. Now for the next part of the story. When i was picking the car up from the last owner the oil line to the guage sprung a leak. So add a new line and we are off. After my new slave cyl conversion the car does not want to start. Well who knows how old the battery is and it was starting a bit slow anyway.I thought the doors were left open a bit too long and it drained the battery. New battery in and same problem! Turns out that the Rivergate flex was the engine ground. The fellow that installed the kit did not reground the engine.That is why the melting the oil flex and the braided clutch flex line. Rubber bumper cars ground the engine at the trans mount. I added a ground strap to the engine and it spins over fast now! Maybe you can pull some usefull info out of this long post! bob

Bob, your problem solving experience is just one more reason I thoroughly enjoy the MGE! Good one mate.

Thanks for posting the thought process. It is only by reading the cause-effect-solution that we learn.

This would have made a good 'diagnostic puzzle' post, which we all seem to enjoy.

Any pics of the install

Rivergate install documented in my Journal

http://www.mgexperience.net/journal/pmittler/1035

I simply bought a datsun slave new ($28) and drilled/tapped the threads to fit the MGB clutch hose. There was more than enough "meat" there to make the very simple adaptation. The slave is slightly smaller, which gives a great clutch feel.

The drill and tap works great also. That is if you have the tap. The way i did mine all you need is a small round file and a vise. Which ever way you go the Rivergate way is the least appealing! Here is a pic of the car with the bumpers back to black. Bob

I like the black bumpers!!

Robert, not to change the subject or hijack your thread (which has great info), but I have always admired the "Group 44" style nose stripes on your CB GT and wondered if you used some kind of template to position them?

Hi, Robert.
When you switched to the Midget slave cylinder, did you also have to get a new pushrod, or did the Rivergate one work? Mine also leaks, and I've always hated that braided hose.
thanks
walter

Walter, the slave rod was shortened by about 3/8 inch. I usually just go by memory doing the TR250 / group 44 stripe. I think the 44 stripe was much further up the hood. I can give you basic measurements if you want them. bob

ALways interesting how many problems relate to insufficient ground. As we know,it will find a ground somehow,somewhere

Nice RB GT. What color is the car painted? Looks to be a tad darker than Old English White. May be the lighting.

My Rivergate kit came with the long flex line, but I did npot use it. Instead I got a stock-kegth piece of hose that fit the new slave, and an adapter that let it connect to the stock B hardline. works like a charm, and has for a couple years.

I also found I had to trim about 1/4" off the pushrod to make it work the way I wanted it to.

Redwind, Charlie the car is painted a beige. Its a 75 Corvette color. Bob

Great story and my rivergate has the same thing, but I have it grounded in two places....lucky the flex hose broke before it was too hot and started a fire with the fluid.... Send the info to rivergate so they can put something into their instructions to be sure to reground the engine.

Bob - your post reminds us all to try and remain 'well grounded' in our approach to MGB maintenance :)

So which do you prefer - OD or Rivergate or T5? I seem to remember you talking about having done something with a T5 before.

Norm,
Each has a purpose. The Rivergate works and is fairly cheap if you can find a good box. The O/D is just plain British and fun BUT when it breaks i am a bit lost for parts and the desire to try to fix it. The T5 i am using in my early cars is fantastic BUT it can only be done on a limited base. I can not set up and cast bell housings! I am looking forward to Hap getting a bell in so i can put the T5 up to it and see if it can be made to work. I want to drive a T9 car also. So no real answer here. Its whatever floats your boat and what your wallet can handle. Looking forward to seeing you at some shows this season. Bob

Thanks Bob, I appreciate your insight. I am looking forward to trying out the Sierra 5 speed in the MGA whenever I get that finished probably in 2010. I finally got started on it and am currently having fun with MGA kingpin rebuilding :) Hope to see you guys at Dobson, weather permitting.

Norm