MGC MGC loss of power

[MadRiver]

Howdy all. I experienced my first problem with my MGC tourer today, and I would appreciate wisdom from the collective. I was cruising home from the office when I noticed that Abby was starting to idle a little rough. I was at a light, didn't think much of it, and gave her a little goose. No problems. When the light turned green, I started to drive on, but as I progressed, the car felt that it had less and less power, had to be given a lot of gas to keep moving, and the exhaust note got lower and slower. I crawled home in first and second gear, and when we arrived home, she wouldn't idle, and would just die. I started her again, but she gave me trouble starting, which is uncharacteristic for the car.

It as dark, so I wasn't able to diagnose, but it felt like a lack of fuel, perhaps? It wasn't all that hot out, so I'd be surprised if it were vapor lock, but I also noticed that when I turned the key, I couldn't hear the fuel pump click.

She got home under her own power, so I don't feel defeated, but thoughts and wisdom most appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Steve_S]

Distributor loose? If so, it can rotate and gradually retard the timing. Had it happen once on an older car. It feels like an electric car running out of juice.

 

[RickB]

Sounds like it could be a weak pump or clogged filter too.

 

[Steve_S]

Pumps usually either work or not. The car runs on the fuel in the float bowls, not on how fast the pump can supply fuel. If the pump can't keep up, the bowls empty and the car sputters to a stop. Get the bowls full and the car will run normally until the empty again. When it's low on power does it stay smooth or does it sputter? That might tell you where to start looking.

 

[rick_ingram]

I had this happen to my '69 MGC....it was the fuel pump.

Test its output.

 

[tony barnhill]

Or, possibly, trash in the fuel line....when's the last time the fuel filter was changed?

 

[MadRiver]

Thanks for the info, guys! I'm going to try some diagnosis over the weekend.

BTW, anyone know where to get paper filter elements for small glass fuel filters?

Thanks again!

B.

 

[Bruce74B]

Bill, I think it is time to get rid of it...shoot me an email and I will come down the next day and pick it up for scrap price anytime!

your helping friend,

Bruce

 

[DrEntropy]

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/lol.gif

Bill, check the fuel delivery first. And lose that glass filter. Fram has metal ones in any inlet/outlet size you could ever want.

 

[jlaird]

As well as plastic see through.

 

[rick_ingram]

BTW, anyone know where to get paper filter elements for small glass fuel filters? B.

Check with your local parts stores such as NAPA and Advance...Summit Racing and J.C.Whitney may also have them.