MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - MGB GT - won't start!

Having taken some advice to convert the 2 6V battery setup in a 1972 MGB GT to a single, modern 12V battery, I find that I can't get the car to start.

The sequence runs as follows: I turn the key to the II position, the red ignition light comes on, a further turn all the way and the engines sounds like it is turning over but just won't start! Admittedly, the car hasn't been started in over a year and there could be all manner of problems with it. If any budding expert would care to try and diagnose the problem by listening to a very small sound file (150kb .wav file) that I made of my attempt to start the car, please let me know and I can e-mail it to you. I have tried, and failed miserably to create a web page on which I could upload the file. Unfortunately, I don't think this bulletin board allows posting of .wav files either.

Any help would be gratefully received, as always.

Raymond.
R Li

Since my earlier post, I have now created the following blog, which contains the sound file. See what you make of it.
R Li

Since my earlier post, I have now created the following blog, which contains the sound file. See what you make of it.

http://intrigued2.multiply.com/
R Li

Raymond

I don't hear any ignition. I would start with the basics. Pull a plug and ground it to metal and see if you are getting a spark. Check the plug to also see if it is wet with fuel.

If no spark, pull the cap and check the points to assure they are not stuck or corroded. Also look at the rotor and cap for corrosion.

If you have spark, and the plug is dry, you will need to see if the fuel pump is working. Do you hear the fuel pump run when you first turn the key? If not, a rap with a screwdriver to the pump may jar it loose.

If yes, Are you getting fuel to the carburettor bowls? A year is not usually enought to gum up a fuel bowl, but a needle valve can stick if it was dry.

Another rap with a screwdriver to the top of the flot bowl will sometimes loosten the needle vave.

If you did not disturb the timing and the car was running, spark or fuel is pretty much all it could be.

Bruce Cunha

This thread was discussed between 13/04/2006 and 14/04/2006

MG MGB Technical index

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