Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Need reassurance

My 1995 Plus Four ( Rover ) was delivered to me just as we went into lockdown and I had never driven it until yesterday.
It was my 70th birthday, the weather was fine and the chance to ride out in the Morgan for the first time, albeit a restricted run was too good a chance to miss, so complete with roof down and a basic picnic off we went.

The first few miles required such concentration getting used to the steering, which I likened to the boat I used to have where constant correction of oversteer was the order of the day. Then the incredibly bumpy ride, watching the long bonnet bouncing up and down all the time made me wonder how you would drive at night with the headlights bouncing like that. After 5 miles my wife then complained about a petrol smell making her feel nauseous. I stopped and looked all over but no signs of fuel leak from engine all the way back to the tank. When we set off again after about 20 miles I began to notice an exhaust fumes type smell and can only assume the exhaust exit pipe is allowing fumes to be sucked up by a vortex over the rear of the car and back into the cab.
No matter what speed I travelled at along country back roads or along smooth A roads, the ride was back breaking and I cannot imagine how a long journey would be possible. We managed 85 miles over 3 hours and the journey home was just a case of “how soon can we get back”. Both had headaches and backache.

Back home today after a few hours to reflect the situation, I don’t want to make any rash decisions without your input and comments, is this normal Morgan behaviour or is something seriously wrong. The car was fully examined and serviced by Morgan main dealer with new exhaust and tyres fitted for good measure before I took delivery, unfortunately they are still closed and anyway 230 miles away with a now nearly expired 3 month warranty period.

I have wanted a Morgan for last 20 years since I first came into contact with one at a classic motor show. I have owned many classic sports cars and motorbikes in the interim, all of which have gone to make way for this, my 70th birthday present to myself.

Your comments / views / suggestions all appreciated and I look to your group years of experience owning a Morgan to saveThe day.

correct tyre pressures?......especially after 3 months laid up
steering....don't fight it! I had to learn to let the steering wheel do its own thing, steering is usually very positive.
I never experienced any exhaust fume blow back, fuel smell needs checking
In the spirit of pandemic I would have thought a Morgan warranty would be extended in the same way as every other car manufacturer has extended their warranties.

Driving a Morgan is different, I had two over 14 years and miss them both.

A few suggestions/comments, did you have the door sidescreens off when you took the top down ride? If not try them and see if it cures exhaust fume issue.

My Classic Mog took a small amount of getting used to mainly with the low geared steering and minimal feedback, but it was just that. Might be worth checking tracking if you are finding the steering too lively and needing correction - maybe you have toe-out.

The bobbing front end suggests inadequate front damping. AVO or Spax adjustable dampers tuned specifically are available for classic Mogs and set correctly will cure this and actually make the ride more comfortable,

Check tyre pressures, Mogs are quite sensitive to these and too much pressure will give a harsh ride. Remember although not so old, you have a car fitted with vintage suspension so the ride will err on the harsh side on bumpy roads compared with other modern cars.

How long has she been sat? Mine is a bit older (1972) but had little use for the previous 10 years when I bought her 18 months ago. She was really stiff and bouncey to begin with and it took a good couple of 1000 miles to loosen up - like most classics they don't like to be sat. I would certainly recommend getting some lube in the rear springs. Just replaced mine and its make an enormous difference to the ride quality. Stiff rear suspension can also cause the steering/bonnet bounce.

As said above - check tyre pressures. I run mine on the high side at 22psi, but I have larger tyres than standard and want to make the steering a little lighter. I find the steering quite direct and haven't noticed an issue like you've mentioned so not a 'they all do that' thing.

If it's a new exhaust, are you sure it's just not 'new exhaust' smell and all the storage coatings burning off?

Again, never noticed a smell with mine, and I rarely have the side screens on, so it's definitely not a case of 'they all do that'. If it does continue, you could always consider a side exit. I made one for mine for under £60.

Check the fuel hose from the filler cap to the tank, they sometimes perish leading to a fuel smell.

Arwyn

Dear Colin 725,

Had you ever driven or been a passenger in any Morgan beforehand?....
Demonstration test drive perhaps?...
Can't believe you wouldn't have done so....

I get a vortex of fumes when accelerating - and have had for years. Also I get petrol fumes on a full tank until about 20 miles then it goes away. All manifolds/pipes etc have been checked - fuel smell put down to breather pipe.
Check kingpins etc. for wear and possibly fit stiffer leaf springs & font springs - it sounds daft but it smooths the ride. Spanner Juggler is your expert on this for advice.

I think there are plenty of owners near you, perhaps one could pop over and drive yours and give a verdict?

Some excellent suggestions above.

How many miles has it done between MOTs?
When we got our first Morgan in 2003, it had done less than a 1000 miles in the previous 4 years. It took a bit of using it to free things off.

Is it a 2 seater or 4 seater? - springs are very different on cars of that age and as TBM says, changing them makes a huge difference.

That fuel smell needs checking - the fuel filler pipe does perish. A main dealer will sort this for you under warranty - and under lockdown restrictions, if you send them a picture to prove (the micro cracks are quite obvious when you look) it they will at least send you the parts to fit yourself.

Without the lockdown restrictions, I would suggest contacting your local MSCC centre - that way someone familiar with the cars will be able to look at it for you but that option is not possible at present.

Good luck.

OK Morgans are different but your descriptions sound as if there are issues which are beyond normal expectation especially if it has apparently been serviced by a dealer. It has only been a couple of months since lockdown so degradation to that degree over that short period of time should not be expected.
First of all, get an experienced Morgan owner to try it out. If he agrees then suggest you carefully list the issues and send in writing to the dealer together with a request for extension of warranty under these unprecedented circumstances. It will be worth the long drive to get it sorted as I think you will have problems selling it on, without declaring the faults to a prospective purchaser.
Good luck.