MGBGTV8 checks after a Winter layup
As many MGBGTV8s come out of a winter layup, we have a useful checklist of some of the service items and checks that will need attention.

See article on the checks after a winter layup
Link to the four page detailed article. Link

Posted: 260228
Time to renew the engine oil?
The Buick derived V8 engine is a design dating from the early 60s but does include hydraulic cam followers. The importance of regular oil changes with this V8 engine cannot be repeated too often because the engine lubrication system is a low pressure-high volume system and the oil passageways to the rocker shafts are prone to sludging up. So an oil change every 3,000 miles or at least annually is vital.
Replacing the external oil filter
It's a disposable item located on the offside front wing valance. Slacken the filter cartridge from the filter head and unscrew the cartridge clockwise - note that when fitting a strap wrench to loosen the canister. To fit the new cartridge, smear the new seal (6) with engine oil and fit it into the groove (7) in the new cartridge. Then screw the new cartridge onto the filter head. Do not overtighten it. Check for leakage when the engine is started again.
Topping up SU dashpots
With SU carburettors, topping up the dashpots with engine oil is essential as it improves driveability, particularly a smoother pick up from low speeds. Using an oil can with a long projecting spout makes reaching over the engine to the carburettors much easier to deliver the oil to the dashpots. See V8NOTE387 on topping up SU carburettors. V8NOTE387

Check the gearbox oil
It needs checking regularly as the level can drop through slight weeping. A gearbox and overdrive unit must be drained and the sump filter and the relief valve cleaned every 24,000 miles (40,000km) or 24 months. An oil change uses EP90 like Castrol Hypoy rather than engine oil. MGV8 Conversions and RV8s with LT77 or R380 gearboxes use Automatic Transmission Fluid or ATF.
Check the back axle
They are quite highly stressed and the correct grade of oil noted in the handbook must be used. Check the combined oil filter and level plug (1) which is located on the rear face of the back axle. Maintain the oil level at the bottom of the plug aperture and ensure the car is level. After topping up the oil allow any surplus to run out of the aperture before replacing the plug.		  
Greasing the front suspension
Putting the front of the car up on a pair of ramps will provide good access for greasing the nipples on the front suspension. A Wanner grease gun with a good pressure capability will enable new grease to be pumped in to push out and replace old grease. Greasing the nipples is a very satisfying annual routine. Many use Castrol LM grease but other lubricants are suitable.

What else needs lubrication?
Certainly throttle linkages, bonnet catches and especially the bonnet release cable on a MGBGTV8 and MGRV8. These are difficult to get at but a spray of WD40 along the outer cable will help as it is usually an open wire wound type. The choke cable will benefit from the same treatment. The throttle cable is nearly always a nylon lined type and should not be lubricated. If you suspect it is sticky then replace it as it's embarrassing to have a throttle stick open!
Checking tyre pressures
Check the tyre pressures and clean off any WD40 spray on the Dunlop composite wheels used to deter corrosion during the layup. Check how old your tyres are because classic cars may be driven infrequently and so tyre wear isn’t the issue that determines tyre life - ageing of the rubber is the dominant factor. Change tyres at 7 to 8 years
old and certainly at 10 years as rubber compounds harden
which compromises wet and dry grip, handling and ride comfort.
Battery & alternator condition
Battery conditioner, an intelligent
electronic charger, left connected to the car when in a lay-up provides trickle charging and when fully charged it switches to a monitoring function checking the level of charge and when that level fell it will resume trickle charging.
Using a battery and alternator tester you can make checks on the battery condition and the performance level of the alternator to avoid the mistake of overlooking the reduced battery performance as they age.
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