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MG MGB Technical - No spark = no motoring

My friend's MGB, 1967 I believe, hasn't run in a year or more, maybe four. He had the transmission out to replace a throw out bearing, got it back to together a while ago, and it won't start; that's probably unrelated to the non-starting problem. I want to inspire him to get the car going before it gets too cold here to drive it.
He hiked across Spain and lived in Europe for about 4 years. The B sat in the garage all that time without being driven. He met a woman while in Europe, and they are getting married soon. So he's got a lot on his mind.
Are there any simple tests to do to isolate the problem and get his car moving again? I'd like to give him a list of things to check, so any advice is welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Randy
1977 MGB (that will be running as soon as the driveshaft is reinstalled)
randy olson

The little plastic washers on the points are in the wrong spot causing a direct short to ground. No spark, no go. I'd double check that first.
Paul Hanley

The first thing to find out is whether the problem is fuel or spark. Remove a spark plug, lay it on a good ground and turn the motor over. Any spark? Take the fuel line off from the carburetor. Is it full of fuel, or dry? When you define which is the missing component then the folks here will be better able to focus their suggestions.

One quick thought: Do you hear the fuel pump ticking? I wonder if the points in it have corroded over the four years.
Matt Kulka

Charge the batteries!!
I D Cameron

If it's been sat for 4 years the petrol will have gone bad and will be useless. Siphon as much out as you can and get some of the highest octane you can get in there, and you should have more luck.
dave

This thread was discussed on 29/07/2005

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