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MG MGB Technical - Problem getting car to start

Hello, All.

I have had my '79B in storage for about three years, and am finally able to afors to get it back on the road... I think (once I get my alternator).

Anyway, because my alternator has been broken for all that time, I was unable to start the car periodically while it was in storage. However, i recently took the battery out and got it charged. However, when I try to start my car, there is definately power coming from the batter, but it just doesn't seem to be "kicking" into starting up.

AT first, I figured the gas had gone bad, so i siphoned out what was in there (the tank was almost empty when i put it into storage in the forst place), and I put in ~5L of 'fresh" gas. Still the same problem... definitely power, and starts to turn over, but unable to make that final "kick" into starting.

After talking to a firend's mechanic for advice (he was unable to have a look at the car himself), he suggested that it may be the sparkplugs, either they need replacing, or are wet, and therefore the spark getting "doused".

I am going to be replacing the sparkplugs with brand new "Bosch Platinum" ones today (after making sure that the plug "holes" are dry), to see if that's the problem (I figure puting brand new ones in there couldn;t possibly hurt anyway!). My friend's mechanic also suggested that before I put the new ones in, to put about a tablespoon or two of oil into the "plug holes", as lubrication.

Anyway, in case the new spark plugs don't work, is there anything else that I could look at (yes, I know that the problem could be almost *anything*, but I just want to know if there is something relatively easy and obvious that i could look at/test/replace?)

Additionally, would putting some gas directly into the carb (it's a Zenith-Stromberg) help a little bit, just so it's got somein it to begin with?

Sorry for the length of this post, but your advice is greatly apprecaited.

Alan

Alan

I would use NGK plugs, a bit less costly and one of the spark plugs almost everybody has success with. I never had any great improvements with the bosch platinums in any of the cars I have tried them in, but I did have one electrode come loose and ground itself.

The oil would help a low compression situation. While you have the plugs out use the starter to turn the engine over until you are registering oil pressure. Then put the plugs in and try to get it started.

A shot of starting fluid may help with the initial firing of the engine. In you need it after that, you have a problem which needs to be addressed.

Make sure you are getting fuel to the carb.
.

Could be after sitting for three years that the fuel pickup in the tank, fuel lines, filter or carb is varnished up from the old/stale gas. Pull the fuel line at the carb and try pumping some into a container. That should tell you if lines/filter are clear and the pump works.
If you haven't already, check that you have spark.
I know you'll get different opinions, but I wouldn't use starting fluid...too volatile. To me your idea of a squirt of fresh gas is better.
If you have fuel flow and spark it might also be the diaphram on the ZS has perished.

Mike
'79B
Mike Janacek

Alan-
After three years of very infrequent use your battery may well have at least one dead cell in it. Just because you can get the engine to turn over doesn't mean that your ignition is getting the power that it needs to fire adequately. Get the battery properly checked (sometimes it's the little things.) Also, platinum spark plugs have greater resistance and require more power to fire them (that's one of the reasons that so many modern cars have a coil incorporated into each spark plug lead. NGKs are more than adequate.
Steve S.

Mike Janacek wrote:
> Could be after sitting for three years that the fuel
> pickup in the tank, fuel lines, filter or carb is
> varnished up from the old/stale gas.

This could indeed be the problem. I pulled the fuel line at the carb (as Mike suggested), and there was "white stuff" (almost like something had crytalized, though it wasn't really hard or anything) not only in the fuel hose, but in the part of that carb where the fuel hose connects to the carb.

> Pull the fuel line at the carb and try pumping
> some into a container.

I did this, and absolutely nothing came out of the fuel hose. Although I had only pumped the gas; I didn't have the key in the ignition or anythig, tho I was pretty sure that pumping gas via the gas pedal didn't require the car to be turned on?

In order to test this theory, i would like to pour some gas directly into the carb itself, and see if it starts up, even if it's only for a few seconds (at least I'll know where the problem is!). The only thing is, I've never done this, and have just one question regarding it:

Do I pour the gas into the part of that carb where the fuel hose connects to it (tho that would be a little tricky, methinks <grin>), or is there somewhere else I should be pouring it? This is a Zenith-Stromberg carb. if necessary, please refer to the appropriate part on the carb according to the Haynes Manual (e.g., "page 85, Fig. 3.23, part #1...")

> To me your idea of a squirt of fresh gas is better.

Wel, actually, it was suggested to put a squirt of *oil* into the spark plug holes before putting the new spark plugs into their holes.

In case it really is the fuel lines being "plugged" (die to the old/bad gas), would just *all* the fuel lines need to be replaced, or would it involve replacing the whole fuel line system to make sure it's no longer plugged? Or is there a way to flush it out?

Anyway, thanx for everyone's help thus far!

Alan

Alan

Alan:

fuel pump won't work unless the key is in the on position. HAve someone else sit in the car and turn the ignition on for you as its easier and less messy. Don't smoke or try to turn the car on. Just click it over to on until the pump starts clicking. You'll hear it under the passenger seat. If you don't hear it that may be one of your problems. The points tend to stick. Sometimes a sharp smak with a screwdriver will turn it back on.

Undo the air filter assembly. Its the funny looking can over the steering shaft. Pour a very small amount of fuel down the throat of the carb (after re-connecting the fuel line) and try starting the car.

It is reccomended to pour some Marvel Myster Oil down the sparkplug holes before you start and disconnect the coil til you get some oil pressure if its been a while.

Good Luck
Luis

Alan,

Luis's instructions are correct. Pumping the pedal will only exercise your foot as the ZS has no accelerator pump.
The squirt of fuel I referred to was for the carb.
Assuming your B is the same as a FED US B, another thing that comes to mind is the mechanical inertia fuel valve. It's located between the fuel filter and carb and found on the tray next to the brake/clutch pedalbox. If it is still plumbed in, probably best to bypass it with a new length of hose as they were prone to leaking (read-BIG fire hazard).
Another simple place to check is the electric inertia rollover switch. Located above your knees under dash when in the drivers seat. This one removes power to the fuel pump when it's tripped and has a button reset, although I can't see any reason yours would have tripped.

Mike
'79B
Mike Janacek

This thread was discussed between 25/04/2002 and 26/04/2002

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