1978 MGB 1978 MGB trouble starting and staying running

ZEBARAH

MEMBER
1978 MG MGB

Engine Mechanical problem
1978 MGB 4 cyl Manual

I have a 1978 MGB. If I just try to start the car, it tries to start, but cannot. If I hold the gas pedal down for a second or two, it will start, sputter and then die. If I hold down the gas while starting, it sputters for a little bit longer before it dies.

The car is all original with the exception of the fact that the catalytic converter has been removed. Some parts have been replaced, but most with Lucas brand parts and anything else with the same type of part.

3 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

First check to see if fuel is getting to your carburetor. Those cars have fuel lines that heat up being close to the exaust. They can crack and break and stop flow as well as cause a fire. Usually you need to leave the key on afew seconds before starting to get gas to the carb. You may have a damaged float in the carb so it will not hold enough gas to run the car.

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Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 AT 5:42 PM

ZEBARAH

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I already tried that and gas is getting to the carb just fine.

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Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 AT 5:47 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

If you are getting gas to the carb then the float is probably stuck in the down position and you'll more than likely need to rebuild the carb due to the alcohol that is in fuels today. Make sure to fill your top of carb up with 20w oil for the dampner. When you rebuild the carb make sure that dampner diaphragm isn't cracked or broken. This should cure your problem of fuel going to the vapor canister as well. There is a direct hose that goes from the float bowl to the canister.

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Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 AT 7:20 PM