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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - starting help

hey ho :) as my previous posts have mentioned, i am in the middle of converting my midget to chrome bumpers and replacing the starter. I spent today fitting the new starter (horrible job :( ) but now i am trying to get it started. the started works brilliantly but she wont fire. i removed the dizzy a couple of weeks ago and cant get her fired. used a timing light and lined up the timing markers but the car just puffs out the carbs. im getting a spark and fuel, so its def a timing thing.

any advice on how to start over and ensure everything is set up ok?

cheers all
Rich K

Check the plug leads are on correctly for the right firing order. Its the easiest thing in the world to connect them in the wrong sequence.
Guy Oneandahalf Sprites

Sounds like it could be 180 degrees out

Check that you have number 1 plug fiing when number 1 cylinder is on compression (look at the rockers when it is on the timing marks, should be clearence on both tappets.

Also check that you have the correct firing order and importanly in the right direction. The distributor turns anti clockwise when viewed from above

All pretty basic stuff but just needs to be checked.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

yeah i have tried flipping it round 180 degs, but still nout :(

firing order is set up is ok.

will start again and see how far i get.
Rich K

i have gone back to basics, reset the timing mark (checked that the valves are closed on no1), the dizzy is pointing to no1 spark lead, checked the firing order (1342 anti clockwise). the car cranks over, and every so often the it sounds like its about to fire (the starter wines and stops, and the engine tries to pick up). I have tinkered with the dizzy position, even flipped it round by 180, and just got pops out the exhaust

I have a look at everything, and found my dizzy cap needs replaced (the carbon tip in the centre was pushed up) but it must still work, as i was getting sparks. my electronic module looks ok, though the wires could be in better nick. I have a new set of points to replace the electronic module.

the plan is to replace the dizzy cap and see how that works. if it doesnt, i may replace the module with the points. If you take it as if i have bought a new dizzy, new points, how would i install it and set up the timing, is there an order?

lastly, there is fuel in the float bowls, the pump works and the choke pulls the jets down.

thanks people :)
Rich K

finally managed to get her started yesterday. it seemed like a combination of things. I replaced the module with a new set of points, replaced the dizzy lug and cap. She still didnt fire, until i realised that when the engine was cranking the dizzy lug wasnt spinning. The dizzy was in, but wasnt engaging (due to a stiff pinch bolt). Bit of tinkering and the car fired first time!

Rich K

This thread was discussed between 09/01/2011 and 16/01/2011

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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