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MG MGB Technical - Spark Colour

Hi,

I am attempting to start my mgb roadster (1980) it has been standing 10 years. I have replaced the fuel pump, distributor cap, plugs, points, condensor. The fuel now feeds to the carbs ok, the engine turns but will not fire. The spark I get when pulling one of the plugs is an orange/white colour as opposed to blue, could this be the problem?...

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Andrew
Andrew

Can be. Try to adjust your carbs in such a way that is is nice blue, like coming from a gas flame. Else your engine might be drowning. I think you are using the colour-tune?

Frank
Frank

Andrew. I would definitely replace the spark plug wires as a first step. gunson's makes a spark plug voltage tester which may be of help in sorting the problem. Very inexpensive product here in the US and probably less expensive for you. You need good spark, good compression and good fuel. Hence, I would recommend that you charge the battery (start with a known good), then run a compression check to see what you have. Install the new spark plug wires. If you still have a weak spark (set the gap at .035 on the plugs), check out the ignition system. My website, http://custompistols.com/ has an article on checking out the ignition system which may be of help. With good compression and a good ignition system, start checking the fuel system. Old gas, blocked lines, carbs sticking, etc. can cause a starting problem. If the car has been sitting for 10 years, and there was gas/petrol in the carbs when the car was stored, it is very possible that the fuel is not making it into the cylinders. As a quick test, put a small amount of petrol into the open mouths of each carb, then try to start the car. If it tries to start, you probably have a fuel system problem. Many of us have done what you are doing and have been successful. We are no smarter than you. You can do it if you troubleshoot the problem in a logical manner and go slowly, testing each step of the way. Good luck and welcome to "The Club". Les
Les Bengtson

This thread was discussed on 04/05/2002

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