224 MG Tech | How to Jack an MG (not stealing)

[@boatman222345]

As a one time MG mechanic I enjoyed watching this video but you left a very important fact out. To whit Never jack a single front corner of the car up as it is the surest way to crack a windshield!

[@danjoneshistory]

I've been jacking up cars for 20 years and I learned a ton from this video. Don't even know why I clicked on it exactly, but I'm thankful for John and for still being alive.

[@TahoeRealm]

I watch this every so often just to make sure I’m doing it right. Thanks for the great video.

[@just-dl]

I tend to be grateful being alive most days; but, after watching this, I'm REALLY glad I'm still here....the number of times I changed the oil, while the car was on *just* a trolley jack....damn! no one ever told me, and it's pretty damn obvious why. Not for the first time, I wish I'd had someone to teach me this stuff when i was younger. Thanks, John. Love your videos....

[@garryacton]

John, your video clips are fantastic. I have recently bought an 1966 MBG Mk 1 and your videos have given me knowledge I would never gained anywhere else. Thank you so much. Best wishes from the Gold Coast, Australia.

[@4gunner]

Im gonna start off by saying I have been doing a little drinking. I do not own an MG or do I ever plan on owning an MG. Nothing against them, they are just not for me. That being said, something about this guy talking had me watch the entire damn thing and feel like I learned something valuable. Good on you man. lol

[@yleeuser]

Great video. I use the same way to lift, but find it convenient to put my Jack stands under galvanized pipes that I have put into the factory lifting points. I have found it very stable. My car has little rust.

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Still enjoy watching these informative videos, thanks John

[@donthuis]

I'm a fanatic about safety when jacking and supporting my MGB, even more after an aquaintance of us lost a family member when his car crashed him to death. John's advice is clear and is the minimum precaution for everyone. When working on my MGB high up on 4 sturdy jacks, I also put a spare ramp partly under. When changing a wheel, I first shift the spare one under the car and only take it away after the existing wheel is fully off. Only twice in 35 years did I need the factory jack on holiday

[@FredMiller]

Great tips! I am sure a LOT of folks have learned a few things eg: "front first" Good stuff! Thanks-

[@NickNakorn]

I've been working on cars for decades but I've still managed to make dangerous mistakes. The worse was when removing the hub nut from a Citroen 2CV. 999 times out of 1000 I always use a minimum of two stands and leave the trolley in position with it touching but not supporting the car. But I was working in the street 1/2 mile from the shop and had only one stand with me and the Citroen jack - when it fell I slipped and the car landed on the fallen stand and on my leg - lucky minor injury!

[@jamesworsham125]

I plan to be on your ZOOM meeting for the 1st time. I really look forward to it.

[@bydesighn]

Used one of those factory jacks and sill broke in two lol, it taught me a lesson, good video john thank,s

[@SenorSenorStacks]

Here in May of 2024, and I greatly appreciate insight. Watched this after having just put my 69 MGB on 4 jack stands and now know that I got things close to right. Failed the parts about leaving the parking brake off and lowering back first then the front, but I’ll remember for next time… because there’ll most certainly be a next time😊

[@1971mgb]

Best advice ever,don't use the factory jack. I carry an aluminum mini trolley jack. Hardly takes up any space in the trunk and comes in handy and safely when needed.

[@mikaeleugh546]

John,i loved the way you teach us thru video...I really appreciate you"re sharing your knowledge in fixing cars...thanks a lot...

[@neugidad]

Love it! You are so authentic! Greetings from Austria.

[@Alway213]

Brilliant! Highly amusing but very wise words….thank you..

[@btm9823]

Great video! I just got an 65 MGB recently & turn to your channel for advice. Thanks for the informative video. Keep the videos coming.

[@BruceBoschek]

Excellent video, excellent advice...for any car. Thanks!

[@mthotdog]

Videos are amazing! Tangents are just funny lol!

[@derekbarton9098]

Excellent advice! Verry well presented..

[@aflatminor]

Love your videos John :)

[@linctexpilot8337]

You can indeed jack the rear first... I've been doing it for decades! I use a piece of plywood under the rear diff. It's exactly the same as you describe - the front wheels roll ever so slightly as the jack comes up., or the trolley rolls slightly. Either way - same way, same method, same results.....

[@ludvigaro]

If the camera went under to show would have helped

[@MGB-learning]

Great video!

[@aaron___6014]

I learned quite a bit. Thanks

[@jasonbennettmga]

Sure you've saved a life or two here, thanks.

[@funkysatty]

just last year I learned a tip from my neighbor on using a trolley jack as you sayt. Im a young guy and I always felt safer twisting the handle all the way tight when lifting the car, but I always ran in to a hard time releasing the car slowly. as disengaging the lever took a lot of force and the car would drop. he said to tighten the handle ALMOST fully but not quite, that way I can lower the car in a controlled manner. I'm curious if you agree that not fully tightening the jack handles safe?

[@NickNakorn]

Oh, just wanted to add that I always stand the car on a solid chassis or monocoque rail - never on a suspension /spring/axle - I don't like the car moving about at all if I'm under it.

[@SteveMyBell]

glad your doing well john you deserve it :)

[@graysonbill]

Good sound information. I really appreciate it. How do you feel about car ramps? Over the years I have use them home to get under my 72 Midget. I even replaced the clutch using the ramps.

[@robertdavidson3090]

Fine unless you need to work on brakes, bearings, springs or shocks.

[@MGBDCM]

Once, jacking up my wifes Miata, someone had set the parking brake, plus there was a bit of a rock behind the wheel on the jack.... It slipped off and I ended up replacing the OIL PAN!

[@gfurstnsu]

Do not understand his dislike of the factory Jack. I have owned my 1973 MGB Convertible since 1990 and have always used the factory Jack. Today I was checking the rear brakes and cleaning the wire wheels and I used it again. I put on the parking brake, put four wedges on the opposite wheels and Jack up the side of the car all the way. Then I get out me very strong Jack stand and put them on the frame and lower the car a little so there is pressure to on each of the Jack stands. Then I am ready to work under the car. Yes, I never work under the car with just the factory Jack, only when my Jack stands are in place. One important thing he did not mention, you must have a good foundation under the jacks. In my case it is flat and concrete. This is very important!! I really love the factory Jack and it easily lifts the car and allows you to put the Jack stands in place. Never have had a problem with them. They are sturdy and using the hole provided under the door for them I feel they are very safe!

[@NickP1]

What’s the point if you can’t see where the Jack or stands actually go?

[@John-s8s8q]

I took several automotive classes, they never showed us how to jack a car. I was too embarrassed to ask, assuming everyone else knew how..

[@kylestevens5350]

Hi, my engine over heats and smokes, it's a 1966. Can you advise?

[@danryan3146]

Fairly simple job to replace to test or replace the thermostat

[@tenntony2]

Hi John. We were at the meet when you changed that axle. That turned out to be a lot of work as the old one did not want to come out. The card that you showed of the woman sitting in the MG was that the one Janet and I sent you years ago? See you at the Summer Party.

[@jamesworsham125]

What do you think about changing my 66 midget to a 3 blade wiper system? I have both systems at my disposal.

[@mjh5437]

I am told both wiper systems are basically useless on the 50s MG TDs

[@BlackLabel7345]

Great Video! I have one small question: would it be ok to lift the car from the pinchwelds on a 2 post lift or do you have to do some sorcery to put her up in the air?

[@johncross9306]

Have a 1976 mg midget what would cause the shifter to sometimes to have a lot of play and not go into gear

[@davidstinson5095]

Synchronizers could be the culprit or bushing issues on the linkage hope thet information could solve problems I work on cars for 30 years

[@hootersvilledavid]

Love ya' John...wonder how many kids you saved from injury with this video? I once spent several hours wedged under a bug eye using a prosthetic left leg as an impromptu jack stand before a friend stopped by to lift it off me. Lesson learned: Jacks stands are best if not a vital part of your anatomy. LOL

[@TomfromExeter]

! :)

[@warrenblain2365]

I thought I was the only one who uses prosthetic limbs for axle stands.

[@dirktenhaaf100]

... Great Information !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@schrenk]

Thank you!

[@florenciocachua4772]

Tengo un mg 65 para recostruir

[@florenciocachua4772]

Si alguien está interesado tengo un motor extra

[@DimVid]

hey whats the song playing at the beginning

[@jerryp2433]

Everyone says to jack under the rockers....Those guys don't live where it snows. I don't even have rockers left on my MGB.

[@franklinauto2504]

Great safety Info John,,,,But Suggest You ,,learn Or tell Folks to Use a more Technical Term of Placing Jack Stands At or On Torque Boxes,,,All 4 Wheel Cars Have 4 Torque Boxes ,,3 wheel #torque boxes,,2or Motorcycle 2 torque Boxes,,,THEY ARE The STRONG and Build Points of The Vehicle,,And Are Always Just Behind front Wheels,,Or in front of Rear Wheels,,Look Under Car For Good Strong Structure That will Support All the Weight you are going to put down on that Specific Corner,,,Torque Boxes Are YOUR,,Friends and Need To Be Used Always to Support,,Repair and Adjust Frame ,,Unibody or any Structure Repairs ,,Great Info Watching You Just Used U R videos other day to Fiix Clucth Master Cyl and Bleeding info ,,Thanks Frank Heiss ,Franklin Auto

[@LordSandwichII]

If someone wants to jack my car, then they are welcome to try! I've been trying to start it for ages! XD

[@genevievemadoyan6931]

Nul pour un non anglophone ! Plutôt que de parler sans arrêt et de se faire filmer, il ferait mieux de dire au cameraman où pointer l'objectif. Dommage ça aurait pu être des vidéos instructives pour TOUT possesseur de MG, mais c'est du coup: nul !

[@antechinus100]

Why do we have a talking head 80% of the time? Hey, the factoryjack, the wind-up type, is fine. Always use it with an axle stand. And CHOCK THE WHEELS!! Don't know what sort of jacks nthe put into export cars. Most likely to comply with US specs. What ever they might be, Jack.