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MG MGB Technical - sputter and die in brooklyn

72 mgb. Car ran hot yesterday, does when sitting in traffic on hot day, but was ok. Turned on this morning and big problems, sputtering and dying constantly, no power when taking off, smelly and black smoke. Temp gauge says normal, and since didn't get very far today couldn't have overheated today. Manual throttle didn't help. Thought if I got on the highway and opened it up, it would go away, didn't, sputtering even at higher speeds. I tried filling gas (high octane)thinking yesterday's hot ride may have put air into fuel tank, etc., but didn't help in fact just flooded on next failing and had to wait 45 minutes to restart, barely made it home.

Car runs great normally and I just had major tune-up before shipping it here to brooklyn so must be hot/humid weather of east coast or traffic jams in NYC being cause of my prob.

I am not technically savvy as yet with my MGB. The last 14 years I have had a wonderful mechanic in Canada. Now in Brooklyn, I need to start doing my own repairs, help with troubleshoot please - carbs, fuel gauge, radiator, what? When it dies it feels like when the car runs out of gas, less about low idling and more about no gas getting through, ring a bell?
allison

Black smoke says it's rich, but first I'd check the fuel filter if you have one installed, then try running without the gas cap (might be vacuum in fuel tank) based on your "runs out of gas" statement. Also check the fuel pump for fuel delivery. Remove fuel line and place in suitable container, turn ignition on and verify flow and if any contaminents are in fuel.

Mike
'79B
Mike Janacek

I agree with Mike, sounds like rich running. Check that the choke cable is not hung up, i.e. that the choke cams on the side of the carbs are returned to the normal, off position.
Andrew Blackley

Hmmm. Black smoke, hot and humid weather; when was the last time you cleaned/changed the air filter(s)? If they're really dirty and the humidity hits them, they may have "muddied up" and be choking the intakes. Worth a try.
Fred Burr

It's possible the jet in one or both of the float bowls is blocked open by speck(s)of rust or dirt causing a flooding situation. Does the fuel pump tick continuously if you turn on the ignition but don't start the engine?

Regards,
Jerry
Jerry Causey

Sounds like a verturi problem to me. I would check that
Bob

What kind of carb do you have on it?
william fox

This thread was discussed between 26/06/2002 and 27/06/2002

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