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Re: Just got my 'new' 1972 MGB

To: mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Just got my 'new' 1972 MGB
From: ATWEDITOR@aol.com
Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2003 10:46:54 EST
Others probably know more, but I'll take a stab at some of these; I have a 72 
B-GT, had a 72 B roadster.


In a message dated 3/13/03 11:26:55 AM, Roman.Gudz@penske.com writes:

<< Yesterday, I finally got my 1972 MGB that I bought on eBay (can't believe I
did that).

The odometer says 52K miles and does appear to work.  

Below are some initial findings, just looking for some direction:

1) Car starts fine and seems to run OK, although it seems to idle pretty
fast (about 1300 RPM).  Is that a problem?

<Depends how rough the idle is when you crank it down to the 600-800 range it 
is supposed to be.  Even then roughness may just be the need to tune 
engine/adjust-balance carbs.>

2) There are a few quarter sized holes in the drivers floor pan,  should I
patch them or should it be replaced?  The passenger's looks OK.

<I pass on this, although I suspect others will recommend replacing the pan.>

3) The fuel gauge always shows empty.

<First, trace the wiring.  Make sure all is connected, especially the ground. 
 Then, look to the voltage regulator for the instruments  under the dash, 
attached to the rear of the instrument panel, if memory serves.  If all well, 
then do trouble-shooting to see if the gauge is dead or the sender.>

4) The wipers wipe at about 1 MPH.

<At top speed?  Try when wet and the engine is running.  If no change, then 
check the rack under the dash to see if it is dry.  It should have some 
lubrication.  Make sure the motor is firmly attached to the  body and the 
wiring is while.  Try changing the blades, although dried rubber should go 
faster.  For some reason, mine do that at times when dry and the engine is 
idling, even though I've replaced the rack and blades.>

5) The car has only one battery and I can see the driveway.  Is that normal
or should this area be enclosed?

<Normal, yes.  A good reason to have a good seal on your battery compartment 
cover.  And many people have converted to one 12V instead of 2X 6 volts.  
Easier maintenance, and the newer technology 12 volt batteries provide plenty 
of cranking power.>

6) The hose going to the bottom of the absorption cannister is missing, is
this important?

<Far as I know, that bottom hose empties fumes into the bottom of the engine 
compartment, where it dissipates.  There is nothing at the other end, just 
the open hose.  Probably a good idea to get a hose, but it should effect 
performance.>

7) I have no idea if any modifications were made for unleaded fuel.  Is it
OK to not worry about it and just put in premium gas?   All I can find is 93
octane. >>

<You can run for many years on unleaded fuel, or you can buy a lead additive, 
which is pricey.  Actually, I think I've read that it the car ran on leaded 
for a certain time, say, 3-5 years, it already has most of the benefits it 
needed from that sort of fuel, but again others may know more.  Worst-case 
scenario, a new head.>

Good luck,

Jay Donoghue
72B-GT
66 Mustang

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