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MG MGA - Un-baffled

OK, I knew it would come down to something simple (see my earlier "I'm baffled" thread).

Symptoms were:
- not running on all cylinders
- almost die, then catch again
- backfire through the exhaust

Blew out needle valves and float bowls, checked carb piston operation, changed rotor, points, condenser, distributor cap. Seemed the more I did the worse it got.

Would you believe it was 15v wire going to the coil? Broken at the connector, but hanging on by some electrical tape. It was making intermittent contact.





KR Doris

Just proves the old adage that most SU problems are electrical!
dominic clancy

Reminds me of a not dissimilar problem with my Fiat Strada in the early 80s. One of the battery cables had sheared clean through. When I put my foot on the throttle the engine rotated sufficiently under torque to separate the cable. As soon as it returned to its 'at rest position' contact was remade.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Great to hear from you again Ken, glad to hear that have you have found the problem and that your MGA is running sweetly again.

Which reminds me to ask, how is the other love in your life? (Melon of course)

Colyn
c firth

Hi Colyn - happy to say that the other love is running fine. Here's a photo from Watkins Glen two weeks ago - just before we got out on the track.

- Ken


Ken Doris

Dominic - exactly right! I have to give the credit to my friend Gerry Duff, owner of a '53 Jag XK-120 and a '62 E-type. He stopped by and insisted it was most likely ignition, not fuel/air. Humoring him, I began hunting down every possibility. When he suggested swapping out the coil, that's when I found the wire!

- Ken
KR Doris

This thread was discussed between 29/09/2014 and 30/09/2014

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