Mark -
Check for blockage in the exhaust system, particularly the Catalytic
Converter. Even if the car has spark and fuel and aitr can get in, if
the exhaust can't get out, it won't run!
Chris Kotting
ckotting@iwaynet.net
> Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 08:46:25 -0400
> From: Mark Parenti <map@ntc.adaptec.com>
> Subject: '77 MGB won't "run"
>
> I'm returning to this list after a long absence. I have a '77 MGB that
> I've had for almost 10 years now and I have recently purchased a second
> '77 MGB. The previous owner started it for me before I brought it home
> (it is in the process of being restored so isn't roadworthy at this
> point). I was unable to get it running when I got it home. The PO had
> had some problems with the fuel pump (big surprise :-) so I got a new
> one. After I installed it I was able to start the car, but have been
> unable to get it running since that one time.
>
> The symptom is that the engine will "start" but stops running
> immediately. It does catch (or at least seems to). I disconnected the
> coil and tried to start the car and in that case the engine cranks but
> doesn't catch (as expected). I have verified that I'm getting fuel to
> the carb and the plugs are wet when I remove them right after a start
> attempt so I think I'm getting fuel to the cylinders. I've also checked
> for spark at the plugs and things seem fine there. I replaced the plugs,
> but no difference.
>
> The car has the original Lucas electronic ignition (with the DE4
> distributor, I think). I don't know much about that setup since my other
> car came with a points distributor (which I modified with a Crane
> electronic ignition). The carb has been modified with a manual choke.
>
> I'm hesitant to do any major changes since the car has run with the
> current setup (although it didn't run great ...).
>
> Any ideas?
>
> Mark Parenti
>
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