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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - 72 Midget 1275

Hello, Picked up a 72 midget with the 1275 engine that had been stored for 16 yrs. Did all the usual maintenance; drained/cleaned fuel tank and filter, changed all fluids, belts, hoses, plugs, wires, dist. cap, rotor, carb kits, etc. Had to replace the intake manifold because it was cracked and broke. Installed new gaskets there and for carbs/spacers/air filters. When it started it sounds like it's only running on 3 cyl. All cyl. have spark and I adjusted valves. Still sounded the same. Can see unburned gas vapor coming out of the rear carb. Adjusted carbs/timing by the book. It will run but very unsteady and backfires at times. Think the next step is removing the cyl. head. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
GF Greg Smith

did you check your compression?
don g

Will do that this weekend. Hoping it's not a broken valve spring, ring, or hole in a piston.
GF Greg Smith

I'm thinking there is a valve sticking open. You can take the rockers off and "ping test" them with a hammer.
Trevor Jessie

If it's been sitting that long, there is a good chance that one of the valves has stuck in the open position.
Dave O'Neill 2

This thread was discussed on 21/05/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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