[Mgs] MGA sputtering engine

[Paul Hunt]

Sounds like fuel starvation to me, it's exactly what you get if the vented 
filler cap has got blocked or a non-vented fitted.  But the first diagnosis 
step is to clip a timing light onto the coil lead and each plug lead in turn 
and watch the flashes while cranking.  Regular and consistent flashes on the 
coil lead but inconsistent or missing altogether on one or more plug leads 
says the cap and/or rotor are breaking down.  Could still be plug problems, 
and possibly condenser.  While on 1 and 4 point it at the crank pulley and 
check the timing is about right.  After cranking for a bit take out the 
plugs.  If there is no fuel smell on them you have no fuel getting through. 
If they are wet it is flooded, which you can usually smell anyway, in a 
garage at least.  They should smell strongly of fuel but not be wet.  If no 
or very little fuel smell take a fuel pipe off a carb and direct it into a 
container.  Turn on the ignition and it should deliver at least one Imperial 
pint per minute, and in practice closer to two, in a consistent series of 
pulses with negligible bubbling.

PaulH.

----- Original Message ----- 

> As usual, I am mystified by my MGA.  On a recent trip, it began to sputter 
> and die.  I could start it again, and go a short distance by pumping the 
> gas pedal in unison with its dieing sputters.  Now the car will only 
> intermittently start.