Flexible pipe between engine &oil pressure gauge.

[frank burch]

I have owned my 1968, fully restored by Moss of Richmond M.G.B Roadster since 1993.It if fitted with 1950 cc engine.After about 13 years I noticed that oil pressure gauge was reading nil near home.I realised I was leaving a trail of oil .The flexible pipe had burst throwing oil around engine bay.& under car. I had pipe replaced & car cleaned up,engine was O.K.A similar thing happened about 7 years later again fortunately near home.Current pipe is 7 years old.Should I renew it before it fails .? Have any of you had similar problem.if so what was your solution.? Thanks

[Peter Cresswell]

Hi Frank
Some parts available today are not as good as the factory fitted parts when the car was built, and I notice that Brown and Gammons now only list a High Quality flexible pipe for the MGB, which suggests they have found the standard items to be not too durable. The part no. they list is AHH6554HQ
and is priced at £14.64 inc vat but plus P&P. This is nearly twice the price of others so perhaps this tells you something!

[Vic Butler]

I had to replace that pipe a couple of years ago. I heard that the standard replacement was rubbish so I bought a top quality one but it wasn't from any of the regular MG outlets. It's slightly longer and braided. I think I bought it from Stevson.
There was a posting on the MGOC Technical Forum some time ago that made me check the pipe on my MGB GT. The flexible part was starting to pull away from the union at the bulkhead end. Fortunately it hadn't started to leak oil.

[Peter Cresswell]

Hi Vic,
The original oil pressure hose was braided. Yes, Stevsons in Birmingham specialise in braided hoses for many applications, so are worth considering for brakes and as in this context oil pressure pipes. They also rebuild Armstrong shock absorbers and as I have been there, an I can vouch for them doing a proper job, rather than just changing the oil!

[Ian F]

The flexible oil pressure pipe on my 72 BGT is braided, and it's the original one fitted in Abingdon all those years ago. Never given me any trouble and therefore never given it a great deal of attention (until now). Just checked it and looks as good as it always has been, hopefully will go on for a few years more.

Ian F

[frank burch]

Thanks for very helpful comments .All my hoses have been braided.I think my engine is a Brown & Gammons ,1950cc Stage 2.I will start by giving them a phone call. Cheers.

[Michael Barclay]

Unfortunately this is a familiar story with this part. I have heard so many stories of this part failing and is indicative of the quality of parts, particularly rubber components sold for our MG’s by the main supplies. I purchased some quarter light rubbers and screen pads for my MGB only to find they were nothing like the originals and a poor fit. They ended up in the bin. I purchased a new rubber seal and sponge that goes between the rad diaphragm and rad, couldn’t shut the bonnet and the sponge fell apart before I left the shop.
Talking to a major supplier of parts at last year’s Resto show about the quality of parts, their comment was that it all comes down to price and people will not pay for higher quality. My reply was that you don’t give us the option. I would gladly pay more for a part in the knowledge it will last and is fit for purpose than something that will be reconciled to the bin in a few months.
It is ironic that one of the main factors for the demises of the British car industry was product quality. How things have changed as we are all now looking for that NOS (New old stock) item as you know it will fit.
Mike Barclay

[Ian F]

Michael,. I agree completely. I too have suggested that the option of having good quality parts is something that should be considered.

The number of items I have purchased and which eventually had to be binned is too large to list here. Parts for the BGT and the Midget, from various sources.

As you say, the search for NOS is often the best course to follow.

I do have an amusing tale from my son, an engineer who deals with Chinese manufacturers. A worn part was sent to China to act as a pattern and to get a quote. The quote was very favourable and a sample was ordered. Disappointingly when the part arrived the copy was a little too accurate - the worn areas had been copied perfectly .

My son assures me this is a true account, you will have to make up your own minds.......

Ian F

[Vic Butler]

At least there is a choice of Land Rover parts quality. Some parts for my nearly 45 year old Land Rover are still available from a main dealer. I always buy the expensive parts which are good quality.
Example. Genuine Land Rover brake drums £102. 00 each, cheapos £20. I bought the genuine ones from a main dealer.

[Peter Cresswell]

There is a choice for many MGB parts. If the Part No. has a 'Z' suffix it is a cheaper aftermarket part; without the 'Z' it is (or should be!) OEM quality. For example - Clutch Slave Cylinder GSY106 about £50; GSY106Z about £16 says it all!
Also beware of 'Lucas' parts being sold on Ebay. If the picture shows the part with a Lucas box, read the description and look out for 'Box not included'. Then you have to ask why?