MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - Help - my car just died!

Er, guys...

'69 B roadster, standard engine, 3 branch & K&Ns. Car has died. She overheated, and oil pressure was low. Limped home, colled it down with the Kenlowe, checked the oil. Needed 1.5 pints!

No oil leaks, or smoke or anything - I think it's just gradually burned oil so I didn't notice.

Anyway, started it to get to the underground lock up (a kilometre away), ran fine, but low oil. Bought oil, filled her up.

This morning, problems. Starts, but runs incredibly rough (sounds like a Harley) for a few seconds, then dies. So there is a spark etc. I don't see how it could be a fuelling problem, as it ran fine the other night. The SU's can't be flooded, can they?

Please tell me it's not the head gasket. There is no oil in the water, or those mayonaise deposits. Yet.

Excuse the imbecilic questions and panic, but I'm still an amateur at this.

Any pointers would be hugely appreciated.

Resh (worried)
S R Ellawala

Pull your plugs, sounds like one or more may be oil-fouled. Then, you'll have to find out where the oil is going, and where it's coming from.
Ken Lessig

I think you need to figure out why it overheated. OK, I won't tell you it's the head gasket, or a cracked head.

Wayne
Wayne Pearson

Resh, you could do with the attentions of someone who knows what they're doing. You've really got to tackle the problem in a logical and orderly fashion, starting with the basic settings of ignition, condition of plugs and leads, and fuel flow. If these are all OK, then you need to look at more sinister problems. Hopefully the ignition timing has slipped or a plug has failed - let's hope it's something simple.

The loss of oil is another issue. When well worn, these engines can easily get through a pint of oil in 300 miles and still run great. At that stage (which is where mine is) it's far cheaper to keep pouring oil in than to rebuild the motor.

Let us know how you get on.
Mike
Mike Howlett

Wayne, could it have overheated because it was short of oil? Lets hope it wasn't so short that it's run a bearing.
Mike
Mike Howlett

Guys, thanks for input so far. Will check plugs etc. I don't see how the timing could have slipped so drastically so quickly - it was given a full tune 600 miles ago.

It may be the fuel pump - I'm not getting the characteristic clicking when the ignition goes on. Another stupid question, but where is it? I've heard a quick tap could free it up temporarily...

Resh
S R Ellawala

In the Boot, on the left hand side.
Nick Ashmore

Mike, quite true. But then, I've seen engines use oil while running hot. Assuming that drain back was not hindered, as long as the oil pickup was covered, it should be OK. But, then again...

The "Harley" sound the following morning bothers me a bit. I guess we (or, at least, I) need a little more description.

Wayne
Wayne Pearson

Guys, me again. Have just been downstairs. Saw the thread on fuel pumps, thought I'd give it a go. unplugged fuel line, turned ignition on, no petrol flow. I think we may (touch wood) have our problem. Heading back downstairs with a small hammer and a prayer.

Thanks so much for your help so far. Once again this board proves to be a godsend for people starting out with these cars...

Resh.
S R Ellawala

It was indeed the fuel pump. The Harley noise was probably the engine sucking the last vapour through the lines. A sharp tap with a hammer and it worked. Died again a few minutes later, another tap and it worked. Looks like a replacement is in order.

I shall wander over to the fuel pump thread for yet more advice.

You folks have been excellent. If anyone is in Clapham, SW London after September 1st, e-mail me and I'll buy you a beer at The Fox & Hounds by way of thanks.

(relieved) Resh.
S R Ellawala

Resh - Try Burlen Fuel for a replacement pump, they make the pumps. Web site: http://www.burlen.co.uk/
Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

For now, just open up that fuel pump and clean the points... or, replace just
the points. Loads cheaper than a new pump, and doesn't take anything
more complicated than a screwdriver.

Anders
Anders Green

This thread was discussed on 02/08/2002

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.