SPRITE MG MIDGER 1275 Service Repair Workshop Manual

🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

MG

Model:

Midget

Model Variant:

Sprite MG Midget 1275

Production Years Covered:

Covers the 1275 cc Midget era, 1966-1974

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY owners, classic car restorers, and independent technicians servicing the MG Midget 1275

Competitive Advantage:

Complete factory-level repair and overhaul procedures in a single downloadable workshop manual

Key Features:

Step-by-step service, repair, and rebuild instructions with specifications, diagrams, and fault diagnosis

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant digital download

Binding:

Digital (PDF, no physical binding)

Coverage Areas:

Maintenance, repair, overhaul, and operation of the Midget 1275

Page Count:

100 pages (per listing)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

1275 cc A-Series engine: removal, refit, cylinder head, pistons, bearings, full rebuild

Fuel System:

SU carburettors, fuel pump, tank, and lines servicing and tuning

Ignition System:

Distributor, coil, plugs, timing procedures

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses

Clutch:

Hydraulic clutch removal, inspection, and overhaul

Gearbox:

4-speed manual gearbox removal, overhaul, and reassembly

Final Drive and Rear Axle:

Differential and halfshaft service

Suspension:

Front coil spring, rear quarter-elliptic leaf springs, lever-arm dampers

Steering:

Rack-and-pinion steering gear service and adjustment

Brakes:

Front disc and rear drum brakes, master cylinder, hydraulic circuits

Wheels and Tyres:

Specifications, fitment, and wire wheel details

Body and Fittings:

Panels, hood, trim, windscreen, and exterior fittings

Electrical System:

Wiring, charging system, starter, lighting, instruments

Routine Maintenance:

Scheduled service tasks, lubrication, adjustments

Fault Diagnosis:

Symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, driveline, and electrical faults

Removal and Refitting:

Major component removal and installation procedures

Overhaul Procedures:

Complete disassembly, inspection, and rebuild instructions

Torque Specifications:

Fastener tightening values throughout

Depth:

Workshop level - full teardown and rebuild detail, not owner's-manual level

Diagrams:

Exploded views, wiring diagrams, and adjustment data

Parts Information:

Exploded diagrams with part identification for ordering reference

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)

Compatibility:

Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader

Requirements:

A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)

Searchability:

Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic

Print Quality:

High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity

Binding Type:

N/A — digital download, no physical binding

Paper Type:

N/A — digital download, no physical paper

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

BMC A-Series 1275 cc inline-4 (single engine offered)

Displacement:

1275 cc

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, overhead valve

Fuel System:

Twin SU carburettors (HS2)

Performance:

Approximately 65 bhp in later emissions-market versions; earlier 1275 models around 76 bhp

Cooling:

Water-cooled, radiator with mechanical fan

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed manual gearbox, floor shift

Optional Transmission:

No automatic offered; some markets had overdrive or later models an optional all-synchro gearbox

Features:

Remote gear lever; single-plate dry clutch with hydraulic actuation

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 80 in (2030 mm)

Length:

Approximately 137 in (3480 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1400 lb (635 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A - not crash tested by modern programmes for this classic era

Active Features:

Front disc brakes; later models fitted with dual-circuit braking

Passive Features:

Energy-absorbing collapsible steering column on later models; optional lap/shoulder belts

Seat Belts:

Inertia-reel belts fitted on later production

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

N/A - period radio was optional dealer-fit equipment, no factory infotainment

Driver Assistance:

N/A - none; 1960s-70s sports car with no electronic driver aids

Instruments:

Speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature, oil pressure gauges

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Oil and filter change every 3,000 miles; full service every 6,000 miles per factory schedule

Engine Oil:

S viscous-grade monograde 20W-50 typical for A-Series engines

Gearbox Oil:

EP 80/90 gear oil

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol antifreeze mix

Known Issues:

SU carburettor wear and tuning drift; oil leaks from rocker cover and rear main seal

Common Wear Items:

Lever-arm damper degradation, king pin and trunnion wear, handbrake adjustment

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

MG, part of British Motor Corporation (BMC), later British Leyland

Model Evolution:

Midget introduced 1961; the 1275 cc engine arrived in 1966 from the Austin-Healey Sprite lineage, sharing the Spridget platform; square-arch bodies and larger bumpers marked later updates through 1974

Production Location:

Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Classic Status:

Recognised as one of the most popular British sports cars of its era with strong club support (MG Car Club, Sprite/Midget enthusiast registers)

Motorsport:

Widely used in club racing and historic rallying; successful in period competition