MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
I just bought an 77 mgb and the previous owner said that a year ago the car all of a sudden it would just turn off with no warning after a half hour of driving. Before I bought the car they started it for me and it ran for about 5 min and stopped, now a week later it only runs for about 30 seconds. I first thought it was vapor lock, or overheating, but now i have no idea what it could be. Could if be a carb problem or electrical?
Most like the electronic ignition system. In fact, if it has the original with the module mounted on the side of the distributor, I'd bet on it.
Hey David, where in Cincinnati are you? I have a 77 MGB Roadster in the Brentwood area. I have owned it for 1 year, I dont have any suggestions for this problem but may be able to help on other issues.
Thanks, unfortunately a previous owner installed an aftermaket electronic ignition and mounted it on the side.
Thanks, unfortunately some previous owner installed an after market electronic ignition and made a real mess of the wiring.
hey fred, I'm located in the cleves/western hills area on the west side.
Check the relays on the passenger side fender well. I had the same problem, until it got so bad that as soon as I let go of the key on starting, it died. Ordered high dollar relays from Moss or Brit-tek(can't remember which), worked fine until I shorted one out fiddling with it. Found same relay at Advanced Auto for 1/4 the price.
Yes, I've had problems with the relay also. This is pretty common in 77-up cars because you have the two cooling fan motors running thru the same relay as the ignition. You might be interested in an article I wrote in the library about cooling system electrical improvements.
http://www.mgexperience.net/article/77-80-cooling-improvements.html
Thanks alot guys, this is going to save me a ton of time messing with the wiring.