MGB 1800cc Engine types demystified

how to identify your MGB engine type using hints from the external components
References:
www.mgaguru.com/mgtech/engine...
www.mgexp.com/article/mg-engi...
mossmotors.com/piston-ring-se...
mossmotors.com/piston-ring-se...
mossmotors.com/piston-ring-se...
#mgb #classiccars #automechanic #restomod #restomods #britishcars #convertable

[@americanpatriot2422]

Outstanding information, presentation and video/photo shots.

[@David-wy9jl]

I believe there is also a casting date on the block. Also, the dipstick tube may be different, depending on the year. I had a 69 and the timing marks were on the bottom. Great video. Thanks.

[@RedDawg2k]

Alex thank you for this series. I have a '77 MKIII so everything you produce is directly helpful. Just pulled the engine and am disassembling before sending to machine shop. Discovered its 0.20 over on the pistons (they're marked) and all sorts of weirdness like metric replacements holding the timing cover and who knows what else is in store :o

[@AlexPlatacis]

Yeah you find a lot of that. I have just been replacing most every bolt or soaking in acid then painting the heads. Those I replace are replaced w stainless. To reduce rust. It's been 3 years last month since I started this project. Without stainless bolts, some of those replaced would already be rusty. 😆

[@NZbird]

Nice video thanks! My '72 GT has the engine tag 18VFH33489 which doesn't totally conform to the normal alpha-numeric standard. I've never been able to get a definitive answer despite extensive research. It runs just fine though which is the main thing!

[@brucefraser5363]

Great video! What would also be very helpful would be the different cylinder heads and what head works with what block. For example I had to replace a cracked head on my 1980 MGB and did it with a head from a different year(not sure now but it might have been a ‘76). I had to be very careful to get a head that was compatible with my block. Cheers.

[@AlexPlatacis]

true. at this point there is a lot of that type of cannibalization only makes it harder to ID. for the most part, 71 and greater is a V, so the valve clearances are OK. you probably cannot put a V head on an earlier model because of the larger intake valves. I am not an expert, I am just sharing what I had to go through so it makes it easier for others. Great comment though. Thanks Please consider subscribing if not already.

[@brucefraser5363]

@@AlexPlatacis I hear you-keep up the good work!

[@sascenturion]

Cool 👍 .. Really enjoying your video's . Thanks for the time and effort 😀 I have a 1969 mgb with an 18GG engine ( i think 😂)

[@johnwren3976]

A small correction. I have a 1974.5 MGB which has an 18V with inverted oil filter standard. 🤷‍♂️

[@grahamepigney8565]

The plate on the door shut only applies to US models. Some of the information about emissions mods only apply to US versions, California versions are sometimes different again. Non-US (& Canada?) versions are different.

[@AlexPlatacis]

all true not to mention that now the cars are no longer in production, the engines are being scrapped and parts are mis matched even further complicating identification.

[@fredlipton7771]

The circular stamp near the bottom center indicates year and week the block was cast.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

year and month

[@raulthepig5821]

I have 2 18V engines. A 1972 and a 1975 and neither have the down facing oil filter canister. So I don't think which way the oil canister faces is proof. It may have to be in concurrence with other differences.

[@elainematthews521]

Hi , that was very informative ,thank you .I have a 3 bearing 64 MGB engine and I am thinking of buying a Ivor Searle reconditioned 5 bearing engine ( MGB HIVE ,UK ) . They say it is for a chrome bumper mode .I have been told that all the peripherals ( Carb , water pump , dynamo , exhaust etc may not fit onto a later block . What should i look out for mainly ? Thank you very much . My car is a 1958 MGA Roadster with a 64 MGB Roadster motor ( 18 GA 27942 , which the MG Club UK , called a 'Welcome upgrade ' . Thank you again Elaine.

[@AlexPlatacis]

the 1800 MGB engine is pretty much interchangeable with most other models of MGB... However... I understand that the back plate for the newer engines are not compatible with the transmission on MGAs. so if the new engine has the "bump" over the starter like mine it may not work out. I really like the look of the MGA. they look so sleek and sexy. If I find a barn find one day I might have to restore one of those. thanks for the comments. please subscribe so I can keep the KZbin algorithm happy

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Stick with a 3 main bearing unless you want to bang out the transmission tunnel, get ready for an electronic tach and a host of other details. The three main is a fine engine. Saying that a block is good for a chrome bumper model exhibits gross ignorance. In 1970 I stuffed a 3 main B motor in my 56 MGA...

[@windmill1965]

05:00 please be advised that my 1964 MGB with GA engine (3 bearings) has an oil cooler. Having an oil cooler is not limited to GB and newer engines.

[@AlexPlatacis]

Thanks for that... Actually yes, the oil cooler was removed for the newer engines, and was available as an upgrade for some depending on the market. There were lots of cost cutting steps taken in the 70s.

[@davesmith2262]

Well that was as clear as mud lol

[@AlexPlatacis]

I know right?... Well I hope I help someone prevent ordering wrong parts. References are vague, and by now most MGs are a mix of parts from different years

[@davesmith2262]

Am learning more with every video just brilliant

[@donnajones-np3bl]

sorry but this guy dose not know about mgb engines some info is correct but some is not >

[@AlexPlatacis]

True. You found me out. I have only restored this one 1977 MGB. I am just sharing the info I had found out while researching parts on my project. For the benefit of those on their own journey, please add to the comments, anything where I was incorrect, or incomplete. My 1800 is a mix of model years. The block is from a 77, the head is from a 74, and the rocker assembly is a mix as well. So you can see where I had trouble finding parts.

[@steveporritt1550]

A good try, my engine is a bitza engine as well. The block is 18V but when I took it apart the cam followers & pushrods were from the original 18GG, as is the timing cover, so I had to remark the harmonic balancer (crank pulley), instructions are in the MG manual. It is now mostly 18 V since I changed the pushrods & used the much cheaper & lighter 18V cam followers.