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MG MGA - runnig fast

I have just replaced the points and condenser, and now the engine is ticking to fast. Is this normal, or have I done something wrong?
Nigel Munford

Nigel

Did you adjust the timing after replacing the points? Putting fresh points in alters the timing. You need to recalibrate.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Thanks Steve, but how does that happen if the points are set with the same gap as previously?
Nigel Munford

The plastic bit on the points that makes contact with the cam lobes gradually wears down, causing the points gap to slowly close up. When you readjust the gap you alter the timing a smidge. Strictly speaking, whenever you adjust the points you should retime the ignition - we are talking only very small adjustments, but often enough to be noticeable, paricularly with idle speeds.

That's one of the reasons a lot of us go electronic. Once the timing is set it is correct for ever.

Steve
Steve Gyles

"For ever" is a looooooong time....:)
I'd keep a spare set of points available..just in case.

GTF
G T Foster

This thread was discussed between 13/04/2009 and 14/04/2009

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.