Well, Dale suggested those of us who are new to the mailing list write
about how we got involved in British cars. So here it is. Last
spring I decided I wanted to get a convertible, however my budget
didn't allow for too much. I watched the ads for about a month, until
I found a '75 MGB advertised for $500. It was pretty rusty and didn't
run very well, but I figured what the heck, so I bo ught it. Well so
far I have logged a grand total of about 10 miles on the thing, so
figure about $50 a mile. I have considered selling it, but with
winter approaching, I doubt it would be easy to sell. Besides, I
still would like to get it going. I found out about this mailing list
because afew weeks ago, I asked people on rec.autos.tech for their
advice on taking a course in engine rebuilding at a local vocational
school. Someone who replied suggested I join this mailing list.
Everyone who replied said I should fix the car, so I think I am going
to give it a shot, although I am probably not going to take the class.
It starts in two weeks and I just don't have time between now and then
to get the engine out of the car. Besides I managed to get through
electrical engineering without going to class much :-)
Anyway, here are a few more details about the car. It has a '72
engine and will start and run, but only if I spray starter fluid into
the carbs. The valve train rattles pretty badly, even though I just
adjusted the valves. Actually it rattles and shakes more now, but it
is more steady. For example, before I did anything, it was pretty
quiet at idle but got really loud as the rpms went up. Now it is a
little louder at idle, but doesn't get as bad as the rpms go up. It
is not a pleasent sound, though. When I bought it the guy said the
compression on the number 2 cylinder was bad. I finally got a
compression gauge and to my suprise compression was within spec on all
4 cylinders. Cylinder 1 was 140 psi, the other 3 were 160 psi, dry,
compression went up about 10-20 psi per cylinder with a little oil
squirted in.
What should I do to this car to get it running? According to stuff I
have read (Haynes and Chilton manuals and a generic auto mechanic
book) I figure the carbs need to be rebuilt. What should I do to
quiet the valve noise (it is pretty loud, I haven't taken it over 3000
rpms cause it sounds like it is going to blow up)? Any and all advice
would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob Jones
bobj@meaddata.com
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