1971 MGB GT - Engine now running good - see page 8

[wesacosa]

Before playing with the timing set the points gap first,  if you adjust them afterwards it will affect the timing 

If you start fiddling with basic tuning settings an automotive multimeter is a useful bit of kit to have, as it will let you measure dwell and rpm which is useful for fiddling with points and carb idle/mixture 

here's me impressing the neighbours by looking like I know what I'm doing!

 

[Peter C]

I won't move the MGB into my workshop until I return from my holiday, in four weeks time. In the meantime, the MGB resides in the short bay within the double garage, where working space is tight. 

To make fiddling with the engine easier, I removed the bonnet, which was always destined for removal, to enable stripping of the minging fabric that lines the underside of the centre panel.

I wanted to get the engine running properly.

I turned the engine over and lined up the timing marks to as close to 10 degrees BTDC as possible. Someone had already marked the points with white paint.

I removed the distributor cap, the rotor arm was pointing towards cylinder 1 plug.

The points gap was ok and I cleaned the contacts yesterday.

I rotated the distributor to the point where the points started to open up (not clear in this photo).

Next I had a look at the carbs.

The pistons can be pushed up with resistance and both drop down ok.

I had a look inside the carbs, I'm no expert but I can't see any obvious problems.

Before firing up the engine again, I decided to re-fit the air filter housings.

The air filter housings were in the boot when I first saw the MGB at Beaulieu and I wasn't sure how to get them back on. I found this on the internet, very useful.

Re-fitting the housings was a doddle.

I fired up the engine and it runs good, no more popping, the revs increase as the throttle is opened up. The B-series sounds healthy, the tappets may need slight adjustment, the oil needs replacement and I still want to fit electronic ignition. 

The only issue is that the engine idles too high because the throttle linkage does not fully return to closed position. Pushing on the top of the linkage gets the revs down to where they should be.

The linkage return springs are in place and it seems that the linkage is either a bit stiff or incorrectly adjusted. I need to spend more time getting it right.

I had another go at removing the steering wheel.

I fixed an arrangement of metal washers and brackets to the steering wheel boss and used a proper puller. Even with the reinforcement washers that I fixed to the brackets, the brackets and washers deflected and the boss will not pull away from the column. I suspect its been there for 53 years and doesn't want to budge. Any ideas how to get it off?

Finally, the boot lid had a few millimetres of play when shut. Adjusting the catch by releasing two bolts and knocking the catch down solved the problem.

I still have a lot of work to get through before the MGB hits the road but in the meantime I am enjoying myself and making good progress. Thank you to everyone who provided me with the advice that I needed to get the engine running properly. 

More soon.

 

 

[chadders]

 

 

This guy really knows his stuff.

[Matty]

Great news. Whilst you're at this point you can check that the pistons and pot aren't worn. From memory you take the needle out, plug any transfer holes in the piston, lightly oil the inside of the pot, insert one into the other and time how long it takes to drop out. Iirc it's around 7 seconds is ideal. Just proves there's no excessive wear between the two which would make accurate set up hard work or not a goer. 

 

(Obvs make sure you got a soft landing spot)

[Matty]

3 minutes ago, chadders said:

 

 

This guy really knows his stuff.

I take it you've still got yours? As a relative newbie I'd love a look at a thread if you've got one. Or at least some gratuitous photos 

[chadders]

Just found this one above, pre rattle canning.

No thread I'm afraid, I'm still analogue in a digital age.

Here's the latest pics after I rattle canned it. 

Incidentally I didn’t repair the dent in the passenger door, the slightly ill fitting bootlid (the result of forcing a tent into it in 1979 or 80) or various other things. They're part of my memories.

It needs cutting back and polishing.

I've no idea where the others are, sorry.

 

Edited 56 minutes ago by chadders

[Mr Pastry]

That's great progress and interestingly the adjusting screws and clamps on the carbs have been paint marked, so whoever set it up possibly knew what they were doing - hopefully anyway.  I wouldn't worry too much about the idle until you have driven it a bit and it's had some fresh fuel through it and settled down.  

[Matty]

3 minutes ago, chadders said:

No thread I'm afraid, I'm still analogue in a digital age.

Here's the latest pics after I rattle canned it. 

Incidentally I didn’t repair the dent in the passenger door, the slightly ill fitting bootlid (the result of forcing a tent into it in 1979 or 80) or various other things. They're part of my memories.

It needs cutting back and polishing.

I've no idea where the others are, sorry.

 

So you've basically had it forever. Great that is. I still think (yeah I know I've said it before) that these are no1 classic car. Pretty, go well, easy to work on, good parts etc etc.  Lovely colour as well. Is it snapdragon or is that too late?

[chadders]

Citron.

Not my first choice but I bought it 2nd hand.

[bigstraight6]

Good job there Pete, electronic ignition is a very worthwhile upgrade, I fitted it to my Zodiac when I acquired it 20 years ago and haven’t needed to adjust the timing since.

[Matty]

7 minutes ago, bigstraight6 said:

Good job there Pete, electronic ignition is a very worthwhile upgrade, I fitted it to my Zodiac when I acquired it 20 years ago and haven’t needed to adjust the timing since.

And everytime you say that I wonder why I keep shitting out of going down that route 😁

[danthecapriman]

9 minutes ago, bigstraight6 said:

Good job there Pete, electronic ignition is a very worthwhile upgrade, I fitted it to my Zodiac when I acquired it 20 years ago and haven’t needed to adjust the timing since.

Same. 
I’ve got it on the Mercury and the Capri now. Not done so many miles with the Capri yet but the Mercury it’s been absolutely faultless so far. 
I don’t think the points are necessarily a terrible idea really, it’s just the piss poor quality of replacement parts that causes me headaches. 
Spend good money on a quality electronic kit and you’ll not regret it.