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MG MGA - Could have been any of the above

Over the past couple of weeks I've been posting about a performance problem I've been having, wherein the engine stumbles at 3000-3500 rpm in 3rd and 3th gear.

I replaced all the plugs and retimed the car and the problem persisted.

I then focused on the fuel system. I took the fuel line off the carb and ran it into a jar, the flow "appeared" strong. So I went with the basics.

Took out the screen filter in the fuel pump, and there was some rust sediment which I cleaned out.

Whilst under there I discovered the DPO ran the hard fuel line under the rear spring, so when the car was up on a hoist the spring hung down and put a crimp in the line, which I put back to round (kinda)

And finally I opened up the float bowls to discover a solid 1/16 inch of rust sediment at the bottom of the bowls. I could imagine that with a strong enough suction on fuel bowl some of that sediment would be drawn into the carb.

After done she running pretty well, though she has a slight gallop to the idle, which I believe is a sign of running rich right?
Tysen

Hi Tysen. Cleaning out the float bowls is likely only a temporary solution. If it has not been cleaned for a long time, it is quite probable that your gas tank is filled with rust particles, which get pumped up to the carburettors. I would strongly suggest removing the fuel tank and thoroughly cleaning it out. There are very good proprietary products for cleaning and then coating the interior of the fuel tank, so it wont keep shedding rust. You might also want to think about installing a very high quality in line fuel filter somewhere after the fuel pump, to help trap rust and crud before it gets to the carbs. One with extremely fine mesh is what you are looking for. The Gallop you noticed could be caused by a rich mixture, or might be more rust particles being drawn through the jet. Such rust particles can wear both carburetor jets and neededles, so if you fuel mileage is bad, you might want to think about new jets and needles. Cheers, Glenn
Glenn

Galloping idle sounds like a rich mixture. Seems like you're finding all the gremlins common to these old cars, Tysen. You'll probably be cleaning the float bowls more often now. Many times, the cure is not new parts, but a good cleaning or adjustment. I'm glad it's not cold all year long, or I'd never keep up with the maintenance. I enjoy going out in the evening and just doing little things that need attention, so it won't give me trouble (I hope) this winter.
Tom

This thread was discussed between 22/08/2006 and 23/08/2006

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