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MG MGB Technical - newbie needs help

i've just been given an mg think it's a c, it has rubber bumpers and is a 79 model.

i bought the haynes manual fir it today but it shows the su's on the right as you look at the front of the car, whereas mine are on the left as you look at the car. btw this is from the front
ghost_walker

from your description of age and that it has rubber bumpers you do not have a C. That MG was only built with chrome bumpers in the 1960's and it would have a straight 6 cylinder engine.
However if the carbs are on the other side of motor you MAY and I stress MAy have a cross flow head. Can you publish a photo on the web for all of us to view?
Cecil Kimber

The MGB has four cylinders the MGC has six. Externally the most obvious difference is the hood (bonnet) the B hood smooth while the C has an elongated rise.
Lee Sheldon

Carbs on the left looking from the front of the car? Sounds like a 1500 midget to me...

Tim.
Tim Jenner

ghost_walker,
Hello! Welcome to MGdom!

Is it possible that you've got a Midget? Here's a picture I found on the web of a 1979 US-spec Midget:
http://home.att.net/~barry.cohen/wsb/html/view.cgi-photos.html-.html

Note that this car has its carb on the right. As Cecil states, all Bs, on the other hand, had their carbs on the left (unless as he states someone has fitted an aftermarket head -- possible but unlikely...)

BTW, when referring to left an right on a car, it is customary to state it as if you were sitting in the car. So, if you are in front of the car looking at it, the car's right side is to your left. Just helps minimise confusion.....

Please, if at all possible, post some pictures!

Cheers!
Rob
Rob Edwards

If its an MGB, its VIN will begin GHN5. If its a Midget, its VIN will begin GAN5.

Externally, the most immediate spotting difference between a B and a Midget is that the B has headlights that are recessed into scallop cutouts in the front fenders (wings). The Midget has headlights that are flush with the front of the car. Even on the RB midgets, the headlights are not recessed.
Paul Noble

rob thats my engine almost, but with twin SU's.

spent all afternoon trying to get it started.
engine is not sezied, but the starter is.
battery needs a decent funeral
and the carbs, well i spent 3 hrs cleaning some black gummy stuff out of them, think that was the petrol!!

still an overhaul of the brakes and replacement of all the rubbers and a service of th eengine should get it going again
ghost_walker

Midget or B? I think you've got a 1500 Midget. Where is the battery? If it's at the very rear of the engine bay it's a Midget. If it's under a panel behind the seats, it's a B. If you've bought an MGB manual and your car is a Midget, it ain't goin' to be much use to you I'm afraid.

Mike


Mike Howlett

it's a midget!! battery is at the back of the engine.
got one of the SU's cleaned out and ready to go. haven't looked at freeing the starter. although it could be the solinoid switch. never mind, just looking forward to when it's on the road
ghost_walker

This thread was discussed between 13/04/2003 and 14/04/2003

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