MG Car Repair: 75 MG Midget, crankshaft seal, oil leaks

Question
Why does my Midget leak oil when I drive it, but you can let sit and idol for a long time and it won't leak?

Answer
Hi Clyde:

Compared to most more modern (newer) cars, the run-of-the-mill MG does, and will,leak oil even when new or newly rebuilt. Not much, but they do leak. Having said that if I were you I'd clean off the motor really good, particularly the bottom and sides and try to see where the oil is coming from. Probably either the rear crankshaft seal area, or the front seal area, though it could be from other sources as well (like the valve cover).

When you are driving the engine is at higher revs and more oil is moving about at higher pressure. At idle the oil pressure and revs are lower. If you can tell where the oil is coming from, I may be able to help you more. You didn't say how much oil you are losing. Anyway, just check your oil level frequently, keep it topped-up to the right level and don't worry about it much.  Just park over someplace where the oil leaks won't matter. I've used a big double thick piece of cardboard,