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MG MGB Technical - Update from Minnesota

Well here is the update on my new MGB:

As far as the oil pressure problem I have some new ideas. I pulled the dipstick and the oil looks really thin. I can hardly read what level it is at. I was told it has 30 weight in it. Is this correct. I know it is a stupid question but my manual has not arrived yet. Is it possible it is diluted?

Leaking fuel: When I turn on the ignition I can hear the electric pump working. This is followed by the noise of fuel leaking all over my garage floor. I thought it might be a bad fuel line but I am not sure. It seams to be coming from close to the rire wall. Maybe a return line? Any ideas?

By the way I will offer my air conditioning for sale here first. I am open for offers. I would like to trade it for a motor that runs or one that would be great for a rebuild. I will have pictures to post by tomarrow.

Thanks for your help,

Matt
Matt

Chec kthe fuel line along that area and see if its leakingthere, may need a partnet. Also the float may be stuck and the fuel is goingto the Evalaporative loss system (charcoal canister) by the passengerside firewall.

Change the oil, correct weight is 20/50 (Castrol recommended) It is usedi nthr engine, transmission and if you have SU carbs, the dash pots.
William Fox

Matt. Find out where the fuel is leaking from. It is unsafe to trouble shoot any other problems until the fuel system problem is solved. Fuel on the ground can mix with air and a single spark makes for an excellent explosion. A single spark can also ignite the fuel that has overflowed even if it has not formed an explosive mixture. In any event, this is not something to delay fixing. As to oil. Clean oil, which may sometimes be found with MGs, is clear, seems thin and is hard to read on the dipstick. Fortunately, for most of us, it soon darkens and becomes much easier to read. As to oil weights. William is correct that the Castrol 20-50 is the most commonly encountered oil used, but it is not the only oil used or recommended. Straight 30 weight oil is excellent for summer only use and may provide better protection, over the time between oil changes, than a multi-grade oil. In winter, one would use 20W-20 oil with a daily driver if one were to use straight weight oils. For most of us, the multi-grade oils, changed every 3K miles work quite well, but there is nothing hard and fast about this. While waiting for your manual, recruit a friend and find out where the fuel leak is. Then will be time to change the oil and filter and start your troubleshooting. Make a list of what you have on the car. Does it still have a Z-S carb? Have any of the emissions controls been removed? If the outside of the engine is dirty, clean it. Much easier to work on and in the engine compartment when you do not have to keep stopping to wash your hands or wipe them off. A clean engine and engine compartment also allows you to keep track of what is developing or what problems are there. Les
Les Bengtson

What Les said!!
Paul K

Matt, contact me. Regardless about the AC, maybe I can give you a hand or some phone advice. I own 3 MG's and do all my own work including body work. I am NOT a dealer or a "For Hire" mechanic. Just a hobbiest who is a fanatic about MGs.
Tony Mason

Tom,

Call me when you recieve this.

Thanks,

Matt

612-490-5696
Matt

This thread was discussed on 07/06/2002

MG MGB Technical index

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