[Spridgets] Lever Shock Fluid Recommendation

[Peter C]

At 07:40 PM 9/16/2008, Miniac7 at aol.com wrote:
>So that means the nut (approx,13mm) that sits atop and on the side of the
>shock is the filler hole? If so, that's how I remember MGB shocks being
>configured.
>
>The reason for my question is; I just watched an MG Midget shock  absorber
>Tech Tip You Tube video off the ChicagoLand MG site. In that  video, the guy
>doing the hydraulic fill said in order to fill the shock with  fluid, it was
>first necessary to remove the top plate off the fluid  chamber, 
>which is held on
>by a series of screws. I wasn't planning to go  thru all that, including
>replacement of the cover plate gasket, if I could  merely unscrew 
>the fill plug. I
>guess he was working with some other make or  model shock, other than factory
>original ????
>
>Someone please confirm all of the above for me.
>
>By the way, the shocks I pulled out from the Bugeye had LARGE amounts of
>free travel before any resistance was found. I have a spare set of 
>shocks  off a
>'73 Midget that I plan to use instead. They are firm throughout the entire
>length of arm travel, so I'm thinking they'll be a more suitable 
>candidate in
>this case.
>
>Thanks,
>Howard Collins
>Virginia Beach, VA.
============================
Howard,
         A few items.
         First, the guy on the You Tube video says some correct 
things, and some incorrect. (references to our rebuilding procedures 
are a little incorrect and misleading.)

         First, to merely add oil with the shock on the car, you 
remove the 1/4" Whitworth filler plug that you've identified. (a 
widened 13mm will work. a 9/16" is a little big, but if you are 
careful will work) With a syringe, oil can, or the spout on the fork 
oil container, add oil slowly into the hole. Be patient, there are 2 
very small holes at the bottom of the turret that need time to empty 
fully. Add more oil. It IS possible to overfill. Let the oil drain 
into the shock completely. The shock does not need to be full. Given 
time, the oil will displace any air. Working the arm will speed that 
up. Working the arm vigorously will induce air bubbles, though. Go slowly.


         To do this on the bench is COMPLETELY different, and takes 
more space to describe. I should do this with photos. I think it 
would help. I was hoping the LoTO video of my presentation would be 
available. Someday I will do a You Tube,. Anyway, give me a call, and 
I can walk you through it.

         Regardless, IF your shock needs oil, it leaked. Period. I 
doesn't need to.

Peter C.