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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Difficulty starting and keeping engine running

1978 MG midget 1500: I have been having problems in starting my amidget since its clutch was replaced whilst in storage. The battery is fine as I keep it on a monitor charger. I started her with a timing light on the crankshaft and found that the crankshaft timing mark was sitting at 3 o'clock and I had to turn the distributor anti clockwise to get it to line up with the static mark. I returned the Distributor back to its original location with the mark again at 3'clock. I have checked the points etc but am of the opinion that the distributor may have been removed and replaced incorrectly. I replaced the plugs and have added fresh fuel because when i have managed to get it running it is irratic and wont tick over but without any improvement. I would welcome any advise on what may be the problem.

thanks

Mike Young
Mike Young

Definitely sounds as if you have an ignition timing issue. Do you have a workshop manual? Read the section carefully and follow the instructions to the letter. I don't know the Triumph engine well but you might even have to reposition the drive gear if it is in the engine incorrectly. My MGB one was installed a tooth out.
Mike Howlett

I wonder if the plug leads have been refitted incorrectly.
Dave O'Neill 2

I agree with Dave. Incorrect order does sound quite likely as it is possible to get an engine running, just about, with the wrong firing order. But it wont rev at all and is very erratic, as one would expect.
GuyW

This thread was discussed on 21/12/2022

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