• The Roadster Factory Recovery Fund - Friends, as you may have heard, The Roadster Factory, a respected British Car Parts business in PA, suffered a total loss in a fire on Christmas Day. Read about it, discuss or ask questions >> HERE. The Triumph Register of America is sponsoring a fund raiser to help TRF get back on their feet. If you can help, vist >> their GoFundMe page.
  • Hey there Guest!
    If you enjoy BCF and find our forum a useful resource, if you appreciate not having ads pop up all over the place and you want to ensure we can stay online - Please consider supporting with an "optional" low-cost annual subscription.
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Subscribers don't see this UGLY banner)
Tips
Tips

MGB '77 MGB runs for a bit, then shuts down

Share this page

Wizardd

Wizardd

Freshman Member
Offline
Was able to get it running after sitting for at least a couple of years, got the dwell set and the timing is as close as I can get it w/o timing light. Starts and runs (seems a bit rich, I think) but will suddenly die as if it's out of fuel...will restart easily after it cools down. Any ideas on what gremlin to chase first? Am new to these cars...just aquired it from brother and sis-in-law.
 
14dna

14dna

Luke Skywalker
Country flag
Offline
Just a thought, but if you have a spare, try another coil.
Also, did you replace the points and condenser or just set them. It could be the condenser, but try coil first.

Hope this helps.

Dave :savewave:

Let us know what happens. Welcome to the forum. Lots of good knowledge here
 
JPSmit

JPSmit

Moderator
Staff member
Silver
Country flag
Offline
before condenser, check the obvious - is the gas flowing? is the float stuck? Is the gas fresh. More likely after two years that something is gummed up somewhere along the fuel system.
 
OP
Wizardd

Wizardd

Freshman Member
Offline
Ah-ha! moment? Maybe...or not, will let you know! Think maybe the fuel pickup tube (am guessing it must have a screen on it?) is being fouled by who knows what. Will drop the tank, drain it and have a look. Since it's been sitting for so long, it may be clogged by 'varnish'...and maybe other trash. when it shuts down the fuel pump gets noisy, as in no fuel in it, I took off the filler cap, disconnected the hose from the pump to the tank and blew air into the hose in hopes of unclogging the pickup, added more fuel to the tank (in case it was simply low on fuel) and the results are the same. Thanks for the input, will post results later.
 
fogliner

fogliner

Senior Member
Offline
Hi;
I agree,probably fuel related in some way.Also check the float bowl vent line for airflow.If you have old gas in the car change out the old fuel filter for sure if you haven't already. You could unhook the fuel line from the carb(s?) and attach a tube to the line and pump the tank out into a gascan and refill with good fresh gas,this is a good test for your fuel pump too, to make sure its consistently performing etc.
Also check your fuel tank vent line for being plugged,a buddies midget had that problem years ago and we ended up running a wire down it and probing and blowing through it with compressed air till it blew the crud out.
The vent line on my 74 sticks up close to the carbon canister on the passenger side,it comes up out of the tunnel and gets joined by a rubber vacuum hose to the carbon canister.The other end is inside the trunk on the right side up near the top of the inner fender ,there is a seperator tank there with the vent lines running to it.Not sure how your 77 is rigged but should be close.
:cheers:

Good luck and keep us posted

Mark
 
OP
Wizardd

Wizardd

Freshman Member
Offline
Long day of it! Checked tank pickup...found it wasn't necessary to drop tank...just raised passenger side with floor jack and it was right there on other side of leaf springs...no problem there. Checked quite a few other things, too. Seems to be a problem with the ignition switch but that's not the issue...pump still seems to 'run out of fuel' for a few minutes, then will restart with no problem but now suspect crankcase breathing system...will pursue that further tomorrow. I have the hose from the valve cover removed (the one to the vapor cannister), removed valve cover and ensured the 5/64th inch hole isn't clogged. There is a hose going from the cannister to the carb (I think or the air filter?), there's a square hole in side of filter (Factory?)...is there supposed to be some sort of fitting there to accept one or more hoses? Car has Weber downdraft carb. I'm slowly running out of ideas here! Thanks for any input!

Vance Roberts
 
OP
Wizardd

Wizardd

Freshman Member
Offline
Ah! A new day...with a bit of rain interferring with my next step! Am preparing to attempt adjusting the valves...rather ugly there but not prepared to pull the head and have it hot tanked just yet...that'll be for another day. Cross fingers and hope it goes as smooth as it's supposed to be!
 
Mickey Richaud

Mickey Richaud

Moderator
Staff member
Gold
Country flag
Offline
Vance -

Not sure if it has already been suggested, but have you tried running with the gas cap off? If it runs OK, then you have an obstruction to deal with.
 
OP
Wizardd

Wizardd

Freshman Member
Offline
Yes, I've tried that too! Didn't solve the problem, very frustrating!
 
Mickey Richaud

Mickey Richaud

Moderator
Staff member
Gold
Country flag
Offline
Hang in there - no doubt it'll be something simple, and you can do the Homer dope slap!

~~Like I do all the time!~~
 
OP
Wizardd

Wizardd

Freshman Member
Offline
Valve adjustment went smoothly and quieted the engine...but didn't solve the 'running out of fuel' problem...am wondering, has anyone ever experienced an intermittent fuel pump problem? It's almost as if it gets heated and loses it's ability to suck up the fuel...seems that it should either work or not work, but...??? It's an aftermarket pump BTW...just have it laying there, two hoses, two wires...will permantly attach if/when the problem is resolved.
 
DNK

DNK

Great Pumpkin
Country flag
Offline
Wizardd said:
...am wondering, has anyone ever experienced an intermittent fuel pump problem?
Click to expand...

It's an MG for crying out loud.
Self answering question
 
OP
Wizardd

Wizardd

Freshman Member
Offline
Lol...so I'm beginning to understand! The pump however, is not MGB...it's aftermarket...am convinced at this point that the impellar must be losing suction after running for a bit. Will break down an get a new one soon. Perhaps I can then get on to the other issues I want to do on this vehicle.
 
DNK

DNK

Great Pumpkin
Country flag
Offline
Anything you install on an LBC takes on the characteristics of the mother ship.
Therefore...
 
DrEntropy

DrEntropy

Great Pumpkin
Platinum
Country flag
Offline
A Facet brand low pressure pump from any autoparts store will work.
 
JPSmit

JPSmit

Moderator
Staff member
Silver
Country flag
Offline
check the float in the carb - it may be binding
 
PAUL161

PAUL161

Great Pumpkin
Silver
Country flag
Offline
Make sure the pump isn't sucking air! I had that happen and the culprit was a cracked suction line between the tank and the pump. After setting, enough fuel would move up to the carbs and it would run for another short period and then shut down. Just a possibility. PJ
 
OP
Wizardd

Wizardd

Freshman Member
Offline
After extensive testing, looking for blockages/vacuum buildup in tank, etc. I'm convinced the problem is the pump...it simply gets noisy as it ceases to pickup fuel...though I'm surprised that it's an intermittent problem. I would have bet money that a pump would either work or not work...glad I didn't bet the farm, would have had to buy a farm to pay off the debt!
grin.gif
 
DrEntropy

DrEntropy

Great Pumpkin
Platinum
Country flag
Offline
A quick trip to A-Z or Advance for that Facet will end the messin' 'n guessin'. :wink:
 
Similar threads
Thread starter Title Forum Replies Date
B MGB 1972 MGB, Head Gasket replaced...runs very poorly. MG 30
RickB MGB 70 MGB runs rough - sputters & backfires esp. cold MG 44
N MGB 79 MGB runs, quits and time lag before re-starting MG 22
S MGB 1976 MGB Runs Hot MG 23
A Wanted 1970 MGB - Emissions Parts MG Classifieds 2
C MGB Re strapping a MGB seat bottom MG 2
Simmo MGB Re Engined MGB MG 4
Carlbanan56 MGB MGB rear break rebuild MG 6
C Wanted Early MGB soft top and/or tonneaus, condition not very important MG Classifieds 0
Carlbanan56 MGB Mgb turn signals MG 17
J MGB 1970 MGB Steering Lubrication MG 1
C Wanted Wanted: 1977 to 1980 MGB Dashboard MG Classifieds 0
L SOLD!! For Sale MGB Hardtop MG Classifieds 3
EvansClassicCars For Sale 1980 MGB for sale MG Classifieds 0
J MGB Tire pressure for 1980 MGB MG 14
5 Wanted Wanted 1966 mgb banjo type axle rear hub MG Classifieds 0
I MGB Purchase of 1972 MGB Roadster MG 3
C MGB-GT MGB-GT Front Ride Height MG 0
J MGB Advice for new MGB owner? MG 16
D Wanted Wanted: Chicklet Headrests for MGB/C! MG Classifieds 0
Editor_Reid MGB Anders Clausager's "MGB" book MG 4
J MGB 1966 MGB won't start MG 1
Erica General MG Oil Drain Valve -- mine is an MGB, but they have others MG 3
TunaJ Will MGB Upper Seat Runners work with Midget seat rails? Spridgets 1
Erica MGB Carburetion and MGB fuel economy. MG 0
wkilleffer MGB MGB clutch slave bleed driving me nuts MG 38
R MGB side chrome installation MG 4
C MGB MGB MG 5
3798j Off Topic MGB at the Drive in Bank MG 1
wkilleffer MGB 1974 MGB clutch master cylinder questions MG 1
Rut MGB 62-67 upper MGB steering shaft MG 3
VeeCee MGB 1974 MGB Roof Installation MG 0
J MGB Just bought a 1966 MGB MG 50
T MGB MGB hoses MG 6
AngliaGT ANOTHER TR6,& an MGB Spotted 0
G MGB Sorry from the Newbie...Clutch gone on 78 MGB MG 17
Briancole702 MGB-GT 71 Mgb gt no gas in float bowls MG 1
Ranger68 Wanted 1969 MGB Sun Visor Wanted MG Classifieds 0
R MGB MGB Roadster Door Panel Speakers MG 9
DrEntropy MGB Good video on the MGB MG 0
adcronin For Sale MGB Turn Signal (lights, horn, indicator) Switch, New for 62-67, also Sprite MK 3 & 4, MIDGET MK 2-3 thru 67 MG Classifieds 0
J Wanted 1969 MGB Roadster sun visor clip MG Classifieds 4
JohnGone MGB 1980 MGB Spark Plug recommendations MG 6
R MGB 1972 MGB Defroster Hose MG 2
T For Sale MGB Black Label Overdrive For Sale Or Trade For New RB Parts MG Classifieds 2
T MGB-GT cant rails on 1967 MGB GT MG 12
JohnGone Wanted '80 MGB without seat belts? MG Classifieds 3
JohnGone MGB Help getting my 1980 MGB to pass CA smog test MG 19
JohnGone Wanted Spare & Jack for an '80 MGB MG Classifieds 0
B MGB 1977 MGB Battery Box and Shifter knob MG 4

Similar threads

Top