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MG MGA - Cant get the MGA past 3000 RPM : SOLUTION

Well it's solved.
No mystery work here just some stupidity on my par, diligent investigative work and going by the book.
The main guilty parties seem to be TIMING...FUEL STARTVATION...DASHPOTS.
Here is the line up

TIMING: My origional dizzy had to much play in it which did not allow me to set the timing,dwell advance etc to spec. I replaced the dizzy with an alternate one and was able to get the timing "spot on".

FUEL STRAVATION: As in my origional post, I stupibly in my quest for security, installed a fuel line cutoff valve that seriously reduced the fuel flow (when I accelerated) causing the car to bog down at 2800/3000RPM.

DASHPOTS. Here is the real kicker. Last night I removed the dashpots. My reasoning was if I was not getting gas on accelaeration, then the dashpots were not rising properly and possibly binding. I cleaned them inside and out (very gently) along with the needle holder. Then I replaced everything back togeather again. BUT here is the best part. I assumed(stupid me) that if the oil in the dampers was a heavy type it would slow the rise of the dashpot piston so I added 3 in 1 oil, as I had read somewhere else. I also richened the mixture (now assuming the gas flow would be better and I have leaner needles in my car)by about 4 flats. Staring the car was a little sputtery for the first few moments but then things started to fall in place. When it was warmed up I took it out for a test. HOLY COW. NIGHT AND DAY from the previous drive. The front end of the car lifts slightly with every push of the gas peddle and 3500 + RPM's in first gear is easy. I did not get a chance to take it out on the highway but I refuse to believe it will not chase down a Ferarri with ease.

The next set will be to upgrade my needles from BB to the standard GS needles.

MANY MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED TO MY MISERY AND WITHOUT YOUR HELP I COULD NOT HAVE SUCESSFULLY CONQUERED THIS PROBLEM.
Gordon

Gordon Harrison

Congratulations Gordon and welcome to the Ferrari chasers! (I haven't managed to catch one yet). I felt for you, my car doesn't really get going until 3000rpm.

Neil
Neil McGurk

Gordon

It's amazing the learning points that came out of the thread, not just for you. I was somewhat surprised to find out how many owners in our small community had the carb piston air vent holes blocked. I bet a lot more will be having a sneaky look over the next week or so!

Steve
Steve Gyles

Nice on Gordon. I was driving home from work on Friday in the A at 6,000rpm and had to think of your problem.
Glad to hear you have solved it and can now enjoy your car again.

Best regards
Neil
Neil Purves

Neil, do you really take your engine up to 6,000rpm? I cruise at about 75 mph with a 3.9 back axle and 1622cc engine doing about 4,000ish rpm. At 6,000 your over 100 mph !!
J H Cole

This thread was discussed between 23/05/2007 and 28/05/2007

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