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MG TD TF 1500 - She runs

I've been longing to post under this title for the past year, but now I can and, boy, does it feel good.

A couple of weeks ago, I finally finished the wiring on 24232 and connected the battery, fire extinguisher in one hand, finger poised nervously on the trigger. Nothing dramatic happened.

I then gingerly turned the ignition key - and none of the wiring let the smoke out. Everything was eerily normal. Tested all the lights and they were A-OK. Then the indicators: LH was "sticky" but worked eventually (see my previous post).

Ran out of time, so had to leave well alone for a week or so before installing the new dizzy, prior to starting the engine. Took the time to read up about it all, bought a second-hand timing light from Flea-Bay and then got down to it.

Worked-out when No 1 cylinder was on compression, rocked the car to line-up TDC, rotated the dizzy to just before the points were about to open, set-up the ignition leads to the right sequence, paused for a quick beer - Newcastle Brown Ale as no Speckled Hen to hand, I'm afraid - gave it some choke, brief pause to screw up some courage ...... and then hit the starter.

Fired straight away, without even a cough. Timing was way out initially but it was amazing the hear the revs pick-up, as I rotated the dizzy and it came back into tune.

Apologies to all those who might think this is rather routine, but, as a total novice, I haven't had so much fun or felt such a sense of achievement in ages. SWMBO is v. happy with the heater I've installed but is even more thrilled with the new ignition leads, which now don't make the telly go fizzy every time I'm tinkering about with the engine running. I suspect the neighbours - who've suffered the same thing but in silence - are equally pleased.

Just got to sort out the petrol leak around the low-level sender and bleed the brakes and I can send it for its MOT and get back to the open road.

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago how much I'd relied on the info on this BBS. I'd like to repeat my thanks for all that, now, and confirm just how effective that advice can be - even in the hands of a complete amateur like myself.

Regards,

- Tom.
Tom Bennett - 53TD 24232

...well done... nothing like that first time starting it up......
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

Congrats. Everyone of us has been there!

warmly,
Dave
Dave Braun

Congratulations Tom, and I can assure you that this wonderful feeling of joy and satisfaction will last forever in your mind, greetings, Huib
Huib Bruijstens

...and when you come around her next morning, you will notice a complete diferent set of smells.....hmmmmm, delicioous!!!!!huib
Huib Bruijstens

Nothing like that first time they jump to life!
Well done ...enjoy!
David Sheward

It has been 49 yrs since I have heard mine run. I am about to try it. I only hope mine does as well as yours. Belated congratulations.
Bill
William McClure

Congratulations !
The first day I started a forgotten and rebuilt car was 15 years ago. I remember it as yesterday.

And when it starts as it should for the first trial it is a huge satisfaction.

Laurent.
LC Laurent31

Well done Tom. A great sense of personal achievement, richly deserved. Rgds John W
John Winzer

Way to go!!!
JIM N

That is one of the greatest feelings. Congrats.
Bruce Cunha

Well done.

Cheers Mate!

Gary
79 MGB
Gary Hansen

Now all you need to do is wait for the warmer weather. Congratulation Tom. John, Sydney Aust.
J Walton

WTG Tom. I am always a bit apprehensive when starting a motor after a rebuild or after it has set for a long time.

I know your MOT is an inspection system, but I thought older cars were exempt? Do you have to go through MOT because the car was off the road for a long period of time?
Bruce Cunha

This thread was discussed between 28/04/2011 and 17/02/2021

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