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MG MGB Technical - Gearbox and wiring

Just got a 1972 MGB (UK) open top. Couple of 'oddities' -

1) in top and 3rd the gear lever gives out a noise best described as 'a
sizzle' (I think I know this one - the sound of one's credit card
wilting at the thought of a recon gearbox... ?)
2) the previous owner had the dashboard 'replaced' after a break in. I
suspect one or more 'earths' are duff. Symptoms - the tacho, brake
lights and fuel gauge stop after a few minutes driving, the indicators
also pack up.

Also he'd had the brake master cylinder replaced (with what I suspect
was not an MG cyl?) The brakes are very heavy and not particularly good
(wrong bore cylinder?)

All suggestions gratefully received
Thanks
M S Akehurst

I had the sizzle when the lever was pressed to one side by securing ring (under the tunnel cover). I slackened the bolts, reseated the ring and did the bolts up again. The bolts need special washers (Thackery?) and very light torque otherwise you get a stiff gearchange and the sizzle.

The wiring changed over the years, but on mine the one fuse controls the brake lights, indicators, and fuel gauge so it may be worth checking the fuse box contacts. I don't know about the tacho but would not be surprised if a common earth is used.

By the way, welcome to MGing! If you need any local info drop me a mail.

Steve
Steve Postins

This thread was discussed between 18/06/2003 and 19/06/2003

MG MGB Technical index

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