Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Hydraulic/mechanical power steering conversion

Thanks for all your replies everyone.

I hadn't thought of taking the drive belt off. I noticed that the steering turned easily without the engine running, which might have been a clue. I think it is a 2.9 turn rack.

There is another car, rather different, in my favourite colour which may be available to view next weekend. I think I will see how that one is and decide which one, if either, to follow up.

Thanks again

David Stuart

Hi all

I've been meaning to round off this thread for weeks.

Yes, I bought the car above. 1996 +4 4 seater. Very pleased so far.

Have done a few little jobs: cambelt, tyres, aux belts, check over by Matt at Life's Motors, AVO's all round, brake reaction bars, spare relay acquired, Taylor/Phoenix storm hood ordered and foam filter for the heater intake (25 year old foam was disintegrating and being blown into the footwell!).

There is more to do but I feel reasonably confident to take it away on holiday next week.

The power steering rack is ok. It seems to limit the lock slightly but not a big deal (the wheels don't come very close to touching the rubbing blocks). The steering is very light when low speed manoeuvring. At speed I suspect it to be similar to an unassisted car - I have yet to try it with the drive belt removed, to compare.

The ride at the rear, with 7 leaf springs, is better than I anticipated, with little/no crashing. The front is slightly improved by the AVO's and maybe the reaction bars but with such short travel I think there will always be the risk of the occasional crash. I'm still tweaking the AVO's at the front. I started on 3 clicks and have moved to 4, I may try 5 but doubt it will improve much more now. It has hard chrome kingpins and Rutherford steering bearings.

I tried my luggage for size the other day and can fit the large wheelie case and a grip on the back seat, with room for bits in the rear footwell, leaving the front passenger seat free for any companion. In due course I may remove the luggage rack.

I don't yet have a power socket but have bought a powerbank for my phone and a rechargeable tyre pump, both of which I'm pleased with. The pump is only just over 500g and is small enough to fit in the bulkhead tooltray, it charges via USB and can also be used as a torch and emergency powerbank. The pump will be handy on tour as the tyres do seem to lose a little pressure, presumably because of the spoke ends, despite the goo covering them

I ran out of petrol a couple of weeks ago - had got it into my head the tank was 55 litres, whereas it is really 35 litres, as stated in the handbook!

I had driven Morgans before but even so, I am relieved to find the reality of Morgan ownership as good as the idea.. It all started 19 years ago with a factory tour. I've spent countless hours reading and online. Not checking Morgans for sale every day is nearly enough to make the car a net time saver!.

With the end of lockdown, I hope to attend occasional Devamog noggins and events.

Buying any Morgan is a set of compromises and I'm happy with my choice so far. I do already fantasise about my second Morgan though- a narrow, light, bare-bones 4/4 for local country lanes!

Thanks for the answers given when I've asked questions in the past.

Best wishes and happy summer Mogging!

David Stuart
Mogdavid

That's a good looking four seater David.

Enjoy the experience!!

Congratulations, lovely car

Yes enjoy it. Is it the t16 or m16 engine?

Good looking car.It seems that your ideal Morgan found you.

Hi John

It is a T16. Pulls quite nicely from 2k revs, if pottering along. R380 gearbox it pretty good - I have to pause or double declutch from 1st into 2nd but otherwise it is good.

Best wishes

David Stuart
Mogdavid

You shouldn't need to double declutch. It could be the gearbox oil or the bushes on the gear lever mechanism. On mine I found the librands manifold released mid range torque

Nice looking car. The back seat looks very "deluxe"...I haven't seen one like that before.
Nick

A pause is all that is required really. Just not to rush it. I think it improves a fraction once warm. I haven't changed the gearbox oil yet. Changed the diff' oil, which came out very clean.