QuestionHey there, I'm new to the MGB world or rather my father is. I'm working on his 1980 rubber bumper and am trying to locate the thermostat housing, and/or water pump. Bentley is on the way, but I'd like to have the car ready tomorrow to take advantage of this nice weather. Thanks
AnswerHi there Kyle, welcome to the world of classic MGs.
The water pump is on the front of the engine, close to the radiator. It is turned by the fan belt which also goes round the alternator, which has a tensioner bracket. You must slacken the fan belt first. The water pump is attached by several bolts. All the nuts and bolts are AF, not metric, so use a half inch wrench not 13mm.
Above the water pump there is an alloy housing with a black plastic filler plug. This is the thermostat housing. It is held down by 3 AF nuts. On a 1980 MGB the thermostat should be 82 degrees C.
If you intend to remove either of them, then make sure that you have a new gasket and some gasket goo. I recommend Hylomar Blue or Hermetite Red.
Finally, remember to fill up the system via the black plastic filler plug. A spark plug wrench is the ideal tool for removing it, and if the O ring looks squashed, fit a new O ring. Do not overtighten.
