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Rebuilding a 1953 Wolseley 4/44
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The 4/44 XPAW 1250cc motor is interchangeable with the MG TD - TF series sports car XPAG motor. This can be unfortunate as 4/44’s are sacrificed to donate their power plant to keep the more sporty MG on the road. The connection with the T series does have positive benefits - although expensive, engine spares are very well catered for. In Wolseley tune, the engine rated output is 46 bhp at 4,800 rpm, with a top speed of 70 mph and 23 - 28 mpg fuel consumption. The timing cover / sump seal and the oil slinger at the flywheel leak small annoying amounts of oil. If the crank tunnel is line bored and great care is taken during assembly the leaks will not appear during the early life of a rebuilt motor - but it will reappear! A very permanent fix is available from Bob Schapel, 80 Sydney Street, Glenunga, South Australia, Phone 61 8 8379 1719 (08 8379 1917 inside Australia). The registered design modification kit installs a lip seal at the back, held in by a supplied retainer. Instructions are given for fitting a similar seal to the timing cover. If well maintained, these engines will see long service.
The 4 speed column change gearbox is similar to the earlier 4/50 and does not pose any real problems. Wear in the change linkage bushes and incorrect column adjustments can produce indifferent gear selections. Some internals are interchangeable with other Austin / Nuffield gear boxes.
1250cc ohv four, 66.5 x
90 mm, Output - 46 bhp @ 4800 rpm, 7.3 to 1 CR, Single 1.25"
SU,
Gearbox - 4 speed, Gear ratios - 19.511, 11.547, 7.718, 5.125,
Top Speed - 70mph, 0 - 60 mph - 32 + sec,
12 Volt electrics,
9.5 gallon fuel tank,
Production - 1952 - 56
Some specifications of this car
Year of manufacture: 1953
Body number: 3402
Engine Number: 26919
Colour: Grey matelic paint
Registration Number: OWL-707
Interior: Early style dash - wood dash cap without glove boxes.
Engine: 1250cc ohv four, 67 x 90 mm, 9.3 to 1 CR, Output - 56 bhp @ 5000 rpm, Single 1.5" SU, 36 mm MGTF inlet valves, 34 mm MGTF stelite faced exhaust valves, Polished ports, Hepolite MGTF pistons, MGTF cam, Bob Schapel crankshaft seal kit. 32 mpg fuel consumption. Built to MG TF Stage 2 racing specifications, Top Speed - 70 + mph.