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MG MGB Technical - really need help!

I have just upgraded from an mg midget to an mgb.

The car runs fine. But doesnt start up too well.

When I try and start the car it acts like there is no battery, but my battery is giving of 13.0 readings.

Also the exhaust fumes give off a very strong smell of petrol. Although its idling at around 1000 rpm

Another problem I have noticed is that when I switch the lights on the rev counter stops working. Can this be related.

Any help appreciated
C Glear

The rev counter problem sound like the earth/ground wire is missing, so it's earthing through the panel lights.

Have a look for a black wire attached to one of the mounting studs.
Dave O'Neill2

If you have lights on when you try to crank do they go out when you crank?

You need to measure the voltage on the battery posts (not the clamps) while you are cranking to check them. You don't say the year (always give that) but if you have twin 6v batteries measure each independently and add them together.

If they are showing close to 12v then it sounds like bad connections in the starter circuit i.e. battery clamps, battery earth cable where it is connected to the body, battery cable where it is connected to the solenoid, or engine/gearbox earth strap.

It's normal to give a car new to you a fulls ervice and the full setting-up procedure of valve clearances, ignition settings and carb settings. Someone selling it may not have looked after it very well for a while.

Tach problem is indeed a missing earth. Early tachs did have the earth wire under one of the knurled nuts that hold it into the dash, but later ones had a spade on the back of the case, maybe from the late 60s.
PaulH Solihull

This thread was discussed on 11/04/2013

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