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MG MGA - diagnosis help

I need some help diagnosing a problem.

When the car is cold the motor revs can drop, or hesitate, when I give it throttle. It seems to happen either at slow speeds or I've noticed it a couple of time at 3500 RPM in third gear.

Just so you know I'm not really confident around the carbs or the ignition system so it those are the issues you will have to use really simple descriptions.

Thanks,

Tysen
Tysen

Tysen,

First make sure that your ignition is functioning properly. Re-check the timing, the dwell, coil leads, spark plug leads, etc. Once you're sure ignition is not the problem, move to the carbs. Make sure the dashpots have the right amount of oil, check the pistons to see if they're sticking, re-check the needles to make sure they're centered, be sure that your jets are moving freely and that the choke linkage is operating properly. Have you balanced the carbs and adjusted the mixure properly? If you're unsure of how to diagnose he carbs, I would reccommend the Haynes SU manual. I don't know if it's still in print, but try to find a copy. It takes you right through the tuning and troubleshooting process.

Anyway, ignition first, then carbs, and do everything one step at a time so you can correctly diagnose your problem.

Good luck
Mark

Tysen, if it runs fine once warmed up it is just a mater of how much choke to run when cold. If the engine is cold and you have the choke pushed all the way in, it will stumble when you accelerate.
John H

This thread was discussed on 10/04/2006

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.