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 - Floods

Hello,

Going through the recent floods, caused my '72 GT to get pretty wet, loads of water coming up into the engine area. I had to cross through about 1' of water to get home.

I did not stall then; however, a while later the engine just would not start. I dried out as much as possible, it would start but cut out after a while. Now, after a couple of days, the system/car seems to have dried out properly.

What can I do to stop this occuring again? Mine is a daily driver - so it would be useful.

a) Is there a sump guard or engine guard I can fabricate? If so how do I fix it on & does anyone have some dimensions.

b) How can I protect the fuel pump? I suspect this had had a real drenching.

Thanks
Iwan Jones

Iwan-
Your starting problem could be caused by moisture in the distributor. If the problem reoccurs, borrow your wife's hair dryer and dry it out, then try to start the car again. This often works in cases like yours. You can protect the electrical connections on the fuel pump by spraying it with a sealer that you can get at almost any decent auto parts store.
Steve S.

Steve,

Thanks for your comments. I know how to dry out a dizzy. It was not the dizzy causing the problems. I'm searching for a way to protect heavy roadspray.

When you said sealant, do you mean water diapersant such as WD40? I already do that. Spraying water dispersant does not protect connections from a heavy dunking which is what I want to do.
Iwan Jones

I did this, too.

A couple of months ago, I waded across a rather deep intersection during a downpour, the terminals
at the starter got soaked, the ampmeter needle went negative (-), the lights dimmed, and the engine
sputtered a bit. This continued for a mile or so until engine heat dried things up to normal again.

Rain is really not much of a factor here in So California so I'm not too concerned about it - as long as
I avoid big splashes.

Fabricating a splash shield may help a bit but I don't think anything would help in a good deep soaking.
Daniel Wong

Iwan-
No, I mean a dispersant. I'm refering to an actual sealer that can be sprayed onto electrical components to waterproof them and their connections. If your local auto parts store doesn't have it, try electrical suppliers. Here in the USA we have places like Radio Shack. If that doesn't work, ask at places that repair electrical stuff like computers, televisions, radios, etc. You can also use the stuff to seal the distributor cap.
Steve S.

Buy a Land Rover perhaps;)
Pete

Iwan

I have experienced similar problems to you. I would suggest that getting through the water is half of the battle!!

I would suggest that before going through the water you spray all of the ignition items with WD40, or Duck Oil…. then spray again once you have got through the obstacle. Leave the engine running if you can. I have been told that turning on the electric fan can help disperse the water!!
You can purchase a sump guard and that would help –no doubt- but they are expensive. The only place I can suggest you look for one at is www.cambridgemortorsprt.com their prices are not the cheapest!!!
ian holliday

Noone mentioned this, I guess I will.

Check your rear end differential as well. It has a breather hole that can fill the diff with water if its doo deep. Longterm effects can ruin a typically good diff.

good luck,

Luis
Luis

Bosch used to make rubber boots for both the coil and the dizzies in their product lines. I had good success doing what you propose adapting their boots to a Nissan ignition in a '71 Datsun 510 years ago. Sure, they were not a perfect fit, but better than nothing. You might also as your local Bosch dealer if they make tailored versions for Lucas equipment as they do make caps, points, and rotors as replacements for Lucas units. Just a thought.
Bob Muenchausen

This thread was discussed between 03/02/2002 and 07/02/2002

MG MGB Technical index

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