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1980 MGB on test drive suddenly loses electrics and dies - what to look at?

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RickB

RickB

Yoda
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I'm on my way to see the car, the owner just took it out and it died.
What should I look at first? He says it's electrically dead.
New battery one month ago is all I know at this point.
I have a digital meter and some scredrivers and a compression tester, an adjustable wrench and some needle nose pliers along with a ratchet and spark plug socket.

Now he says it progressively got worse fast, now the inside light comes on when you open the door and that's all.
GM alternator, I assume I can meter the thing somehow and tell if it's dead?
Something else?
 
Obvious checks are battey, alternator, or a ground. If you have a battery load tester you could try that. I don't know how to field test an alternator, but most parts stores can do that -- nut much help for you, though.
 
Battery dead terminal on back of alternator really loose, big Brown wires. am at car now, I guess bad alternator.
 
Cheap alternator to replace, Rick, most auto parts stores can check them for you.

Kurt.
 
Rick
You might want to email Rich Ball directly- he knows the electrics of the later cars better than anyone else I know
BillM
 
Puts you in a stunning bargaining position though!
 
Yes JP it did. Car runs great now, it's parked outside my hotel room The missus is really pleased with it too. Post pics when we get it home.
 
RickB said:
Yes JP it did. Car runs great now, it's parked outside my hotel room The missus is really pleased with it too. Post pics when we get it home.
Click to expand...

:thumbsup: Well done! congrats - even though without pictures, it still didn't happen!
 
Alternator was shot, went to parts store got another and bolted it up. guy knocked a grand off the price and I'm a B owner again!!
 
Excellent! Welcome to the MGB/Spridget Owners Club! :smile:
 
aeronca65t said:
Excellent! Welcome to the MGB/Spridget Owners Club! :smile:
Click to expand...

Indeed! Well bought Rick...good to have the forum support when you need it!
Rut
 
Nice bargaining. Good to see the BCF community coming through for you too.
 
Thanks, I'm going to have a bunch of questions but now I just need to get her home!
 
Rooadster!! Top down eastern Washington driving today!
 
Sunburned arms and all I'm here in western Washington again, what a difference - it's about 60F and overcast here, supposed to rain.
So the top went up when I parked in front of our house.
The drive was uneventful, I stopped once to put my jacket on up at Snoqualmie pass.
The OD seems a little touchy, actually a lot of the electrical is, and I know what needs doing, pull apart connectors, clean, make sure the grounds are rock solid.
More heavy duty questions will be in a new thread, so stay tuned.
Here were were at JD's diner for breakfast this morning.
 

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Good looking B, Rick, and you can't beat an OD. I think I prefer them to a 5 speed.

Kurt.
 
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