MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - Cold Start Problem

I have an 1980 MGB that will not start without two or three attempts. It seems like it is not getting gas.
After listening to the fuel pump (new model not orgininal) for about 60 seconds I attempt to start, it turns over but does not start, I wait for the pump again, then it might start, or I need to try again.
Once I start it for the first time in the morning, it will start immediately at any time throughout the day.
Next morning, or after several hours of sitting, it acts up again.
I have twin SU's, and a manual choke, having replaced the Zenith Stromberg carburator.
I do not smell a gas leak.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Cameron
Cameron Craig

If your SU carbs are set up too rich that will happen, especially in Winter. Try it with the choke IN, and foot off the pedal, and see if it starts more willingly. If so, it is probably drowning in fuel in the cold.
Ken R
Ken Rich

Do you mean to say that the pump chatters for 60 secs or longer? Even after a layoff of several weeks it should only chatter for a few seconds (less than 10). After that it should only click once every 30 secs or less until the engine is started. If yours keeps chattering it maybe that one of the one-way valves in the pump is bad and your surmise of not getting gas is correct.
Paul Hunt

This thread was discussed between 23/03/2002 and 25/03/2002

MG MGB Technical index

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