MG Car Repair: 1973 MGB Clutch Spin, british car club, pan gasket

Question
Hi Howard,
I removed the clutch assembly and was surprised to find that the driven plate assembly spins on the splines of the transmission first motion shaft because it is too large!
My old plate fits perfectly so the new plate was the wrong part.

On more detailed inspection the rear main seal appears to be dry and the oil may from loose distributor bolts or the oil pan gasket.

Also, would the engine restraint rod assembly have been standard on the 73 MGB. I thought I disassembled the rod when the engine was removed but the semi-completed car came back to me without it.

Sorry for all the questions but I do appreciate your help with my MGB challenges.

Answer
I think there is a good break down picture of the engine restraint rod on the early and later "B" on the Moss Motors web site. I don't know how much of it is still available but seeing it you should be able to make one or have it made. Find a local British Car Club and you probably will be able to locate all that stuff off of a parts car as most people who are in clubs keep parts cars too. You can tell if it came with one by looking at the trans cross member for the mounts. I think the 73 did have the rod and I believe all had it except the early "Bs" had a different one. Put one on it even if you have to make it.

Howard