REBUILT CARBS - HIGH IDLE: Rebuild carbs should, of course, be free from
error, and perhaps they are. Loosen one of the four nuts (4BA) on the two
accordian shaped couplers. Unscrew all three adjuster screws until they
have no effect on the speed. Listen to each carb to find the one still
drawing air. Remove that carb and reposition the throttle disc.
WEBER or DUAL SU's: If you MUST replace your Stromberg, the Weber is an
often suggested replacement. Properly fitted the MG will perform very
nicely. But remember, if God had wanted Italian parts on MGs, then He
would have made Kimber work a deal with Mussolini. Besides, most Webers
stall on heavy acceleration from idle.
STROMBERG EXHAUST MANIFOLDS: Few of the "newer" reinforced manifolds have
cracked. Virtually none of the non-catalytic converter manifolds have
cracked. When refitting the manifold, it is IMPERATIVE, to refit and re-
position the exhaustd, and tie the exhaust to the Engine/Gearbox. I have
had great success in brazing cracked (not broken) manifolds.
TF1500 FAILING TO REV: If the needle and jet are too worn, then the
mixture can become too rich at higher speeds. If the fuel supply is NOT
the problem, try jets and GJ(?)needles.
RUBBER TO CHROME CONVERSION: Why? If you want a chrome bumpered MGB, buy a
chrome bumpered MGB. If you want to lower your rubber bumpered MGB, then
purchase the shorter front springs and de-cambered(?) leaf springs. We
converted a rubber bumper to chrome bumper years ago, under strict
instructions from our customer. It was hideously expensive, and for what?
1977 MGB ELECTRICS: Several peculiar problems are common with the 1977
MGB. First, the electric cooling fans were wired to the BROWN circuit.
This allowed the fans to run for up to 20 minutes AFTER the car was shut
off! The wiring was changed in 1978 to the WHITE/BROWN circuit, allowing
them to run only when the key was ON. Second, the ignition WAS wired
through the ignition relay. This was changed in 1978 but the relay
continued to be called the ignition relay. In the 1977's, it is possible,
if the anti run-on system is NOT working, to have the engine continue to
run for up to a minute, ignition switch turned OFF and key in your palm.
Also, in the 1977 -> 1980 models, a failure of the brake warning light
diode can allow the engine to start when the handbrake is pulled UP!
TOOLS: Remember that a FIRE EXTINGUISHER is an important addition to your
toolbox. If you are a REAL LBC fanatic your toolbox should be filled with
spanners etc made by BRITOOL!
John Twist, 1962 MGA 1600 MKII Deluxe
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