MG Car Repair: checking for oil pressure, oil pressure gauge, windshield wipers

Question
QUESTION: i have a spitfire 1500 engine in a 1975 mg midget. i have had the head work done, valves and guides,push rods, two new rocker arms, re done the carb .I am waiting for a couple of new studs. the car had been sitting for at least 5 years. i think it will start when it is re assembled. that said how can i be sure i have oil pressure.  cranking the engine with the head off shows nothing on the gauge, but i am reasonably certain it doesn't. work.  dumb question #2 where is the oil pump located? also i have no intention of re placing the air pump.  thanks

jim moore

kent ohio

ANSWER: Hi Jim,
All 75 midgets had Triumph Spitfire engines in them.

It is very important that you see oil pressure before you start the engine.

Remove all of the plugs and remove the small wires on either side of the coil then spin the engine over until you see oil pressure. You should see at least 25 PSI up to 65 PSI just with the starter. If you don't have oil pressure you need to find out why before starting the engine. An engine running can only run for a few seconds without doing major damage to the bearings without oil pressure.

The oil pump is in the pan. It is very rare for an oil pump to fail. It is most likely a problem elsewhere. Oil filter, pressure regulator or a air lock in the oil galleys.
Howard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for the quick follow up. as far as the oil pressure is concerned, does it matter that i have not re assembled the head to the block? there is some power to the dash as the windshield wipers work and the erg light comes on. no lights or horn. is there a way to check the oil pressure gauge and where is that pressure measured.  thanks again (no pressure, no start):)

Answer
Jim, Even though you should loose oil pressure with the head off it should pump oil all over the place with the head off.

As far as all those electrical problems, I learned a long time ago to ONLY pick one problem and trace that one item from the power source to the load (the one item) with a test light and a wiring diagram. If you don't have a wiring diagram let me know and I will put one up on my web site so you can copy it.

Howard