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J

Jayhawkgirl

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Hello all. I am new to the forum looking for some help. I just inherited a 1957 MGA. It has been sitting for the last couple of years, when Dad got to sick to drive it. The engine turns over, but it won't start. I have replaced the spark plug wires. The plugs are not getting any spark. I checked the ignition coil and that is good. Does anyone have any ideas what it could be? Any help would be very appreciated.
 
Welcome aboard. One quick thing to check is to look at the points and see if they have oxidized from sitting. Clean them up with a fine file and see if you get spark. If that doesn't help, we'll dig deeper.
Jeff
 
Jayhawkgirl, Welcome to the forum! Once you get the spark plugs to fire, before starting the car, check to make sure you have good fuel in the tank. After setting for a couple of years the gas could be bad. I would also replace the fuel filter and I hate to say this but I would be surprised if the carbs don't need cleaning also. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif PJ
 
Provided it was running when it went into storage the carbs should be ok to get it running, but you'd want to clean them before driving it around much....Do check the fuel, usually I just take the cap off and see if it smells right.
Start with Jeff's suggestion on the points and we'll see what happens...If the car was running before it usually isn't too difficult to get it running again.
 
Welcome to the forum!!
 
Welcome. I'll concurr with Bugeye58 that the points are the first place to look. if you can run a piece of ScotchBrite {green or red scouring pad) thru them in situ, you may clean out enough of the corrosion that it'll start/run.
 
Welcome to the Forum! now go to "theautoist.com" and read the article on waking a sleeping B...it will be informative, even for your A

Good luck! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

Bruce /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
I would look at the condesor(sp) too. They have a habit of going bonkers and causing fits.
 
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