Tom,
Start by determining how much compression you have in each cylinder.
When you check the compression, note the condition of each plug. Is it wet &
oily, dry & grey, black & sooty...whatever.
Check to see if all 4 cylinders are firing. You can do this by removing each
plug wire one at a time with the engine running. See if it makes any
difference to how the engine is running when you do this.
Post another note when you get this far.
Congradulations on the start of a great adventure!
Jim
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Emmons <tom@emmons.com>
To: 'MGB' <mgs@autox.team.net>
Date: Friday, October 23, 1998 5:46 PM
Subject: New owner and don't know where to start (running rough)
I haven't rebuilt a car since I was 18 but I finally convinced my better
half to let me go at it. I just purchased a 78 MGB. Its in good condition.
Body straight no bondo, engine starts, all gauges work ( very well ). One
of the conditions is this be a fun car, meaning she wants to drive it so
down time has to be minimal. As I indicated it starts. I have drove it
only about 40 miles now but the mechanic I bought it from said it had some
bad gas and after a tank or 2 it would run great. I ran the tank almost dry
and put in a new tank of Hi octane replaced plugs and fuel filter. It still
runs the same. It has no power at all. It takes about 60 seconds to get to
50 MPH and top speed is around 60 MPH. I back fires from about 2K to 4K.
On the low end and High end no back fire but still no power. Any
suggestions on where to start. I have plans of a rebuild later but I have
to get this one going if I want to buy more later. Thanks in advance.
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