MGB 80 MGB engine earth strap

[Rick31]

Trying to locate the engine earth strap on an 80 MGB to check its condition and fixings but not sure where to find it?

Looked in Haynes, but to a newcomer like myself that book is next to useless as it expects you to know were things are.

Any info would be great as I am beginning to learn my way around the engine slowly!

 

[DrEntropy]

Should be one on the port side motor mount. Steel braided cable with lugs on each end, held in place by engine mounting bolts.

Hope that helps!

 

[Rick31]

Thanks v much! Is it visible from inside the engine bay or underneath the engine?

 

[DrEntropy]

You should see it from on top, peering down at the mount. It's short, about 6" long and looped from chassis bolt to motor mount bolt.

 

[Rick31]

Thanks will have a look. On an earlier look today around that area I did notice a rusted bolt fixing on the engine but no cable there. Wondering if the cable is missing and the possible cause of my non engine turn over? The car did fire up last weekend and I went for a drive of 30 miles or so. The next day no start. Would it be possible for the car to work without this cable?

 

[DrEntropy]

It will look for a ground when you engage the starter. If it is missing a stout grounding strap it can track thru the throttle cable and make a right mess of things. I've seen many LBC's with FUSED cables and assorted other metal bits hot enough to start a fire. Best if you take the time to confirm it's in place or PUT one there as precaution. Results of NOT having it secure are kinda ugly.

 

[DrEntropy]

Just had a thought: your car is "newer" so p'raps the grounding strap is at the starter motor mounting bolts. Starboard side, pro'lly easiest to see from under the car.

 

[Rick31]

Thanks again will have a good look around!

 

[tony barnhill]

If you don't find it in all the above places, look back on the transmission.

 

[jlaird]

If you don't find one add one now. Anywhere is good for an immidate fix.

 

[Steve]

On both my '79 and '80 MGBs, the engine earth strap was on the right hand side, at the rear of the engine block, bolted to the firewall. It takes the form of a flat, braided steel strap, about an inch or so wide.

 

[DrEntropy]

There ya go! Thanks, Steve. I thought I recalled the "later" cars had it back there instead of the motor mount.