MG Car Repair: 1977 MG Midget Engine, oversize pistons, piston rings

Question
I have a 1977 MG Midget and looking at rebuilding the engine.
How can I find out what the size of the engine is so that I can order piston rings?
Thanks
Dennis

Answer
Hi Dennis,
The only way to know what size pistons are in the engine is to remove the head and measure the bore. Knowing the size of the engine does not tell you what size the pistons are, or if the cylinders are worn enough to need to bore the block and put new oversize pistons in. The same is true for the bearings. Even if you knew the size of the pistons you still need to check the ring groves in the piston to see that they are not worn so badly that the pistons will need replacing even if the cylinders are in good condition.

You need to take the engine apart and take the block and pistons to an auto machine shop to have them measure the bores and pistons and measure the crankshaft to see what needs to be done. Be sure to mark each piston as it is removed as to it's number cylinder it came out of and DON'T get the rod caps mixed as they are not interchangeable.

You need to read my tech tip on engine rebuild before you take the engine apart.
http://mg-tri-jag.net/Preamble.htm
Howard