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MG MGB Technical - Bentley Service Manual

Hello All,

I want to buy a Bentley Service Manual for my 74 1/2 "B" Roadster. The Manuals are two different volumes, 1962-1974, or 1975 to 1980. I e-mailed Bentley Publishing asking which one would cover my 74 1/2, and frankly their answer sounded a little uncertain, but they did say the 1975-80 would be most likely. Does anyone have a 74 1/2, who is familiar with the Bentley Manual, and if so, which is best for our odd configuration? Thanks a lot.

Doug
Douglas Keene

Douglas,

I just put a new Bentley manual on ebay (friend gave me his old one) for sale. It states in the preface to the Fourth revised edition that it "has been expanded to include the most recent additions to the Driver's Handbook, the Workshop Manual supplements issued for teh 1974 model year, and the engine emission control data applicable to 1972 through 1974 cars with the SU HIF4 carburetors." It was published in 1975. I can't remember specific changes to the 74 1/2 other than the black overriders, but if someone can tell me of a substantive change in the 74 1/2 that would be discussed in the new material, I'll be glad to check. Hope this helps.
Jay

Doug - If your car is really a 74 1/2 it will have rubber bumpers and a raised ride height (as compared to earlier MGBs). If this is the case, then the 75 - 80 manual will be the one you want to use. Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

Dave. While the 74 1/2 cars do have a rubber bumper and raised ride height, most of the other systems are CB systems, not covered in the RB manual. The RB manual does not cover the twin HIF-4 carbs and their set up and tuning. The brake master cylinder should be non-servo type, but only servoed systems are covered in the RB manual. Tranny should be a top fill/dipstick type. Distributor should be a Lucas 25D4 rather than a 45D4, etc. Thus, the RB manual will not cover some very important areas--ones commonly serviced by the enthusiast. The main value of the RB manual will be to cover the different steering set up (similar to the CB cars but runs through the left motor mount), how to remove and replace the rubber bumpers and, probably the wiring diagram. As I mentioned on this same thread on the MGB General board, I have both types of cars and copies of both manuals. The CB manual contains information that is "must have" for this car. The RB manual has some areas which would be nice to have available. However, if you only have one, it should be the CB manual because it covers more of the systems on this particular car than the RB manual does. Les
Les Bengtson

This thread was discussed between 15/11/2002 and 16/11/2002

MG MGB Technical index

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