MG Car Repair: mg midget, chain and sprocket, chain and sprockets

Question
Hi I had a timing chain oil leak but I fixed it. But now I have an oil leak either from the plate behind the timing cover or from the oil pan.How hard is it to remove the front motor support plate from the front of the motor. And what kind of gasket is behind it.

Answer
Hi Alison,
The front plate on the Austin engine and the Triumph engine (both used in the Midget) use the front plate to support the engine and both have a paper gasket between it and the block. You would need to support the engine and remove the front pulley, timing cover, cam chain and sprockets and the chain tensioner (if it has one)

I would try to tighten all of the bolts first as that is a lot of work if necessary.

If this Midget is a 75 or later (Triumph engine) be careful to keep the chain and sprocket in time and together as it is extra work if the chain is separated from the sprocket.

Howard