MGB: Help with '79 B

I've enjoyed reading this board for some time. I finally talked my dad out of the '79 B he bought when I was in high school. I'm trying to wake it from a 13 year nap. It's my first venture, and I'm still learning. Please don't feel like you'll offend me with a "Dick and Jane reader" response (See carb, see carb run). At this point, I'm just excited to get it running again (Isn't it great to feel 6 years old sometimes?).

I've had a friend familiar with B's (although rusty) help. He rebuilt the zs carb, and we've swapped out the fuel pump, cap, rotor, plugs, plug wires, air, oil, fuel filters, and fluids. Got most of the old gas out, and diluted what little was left.

When it finally turned over, it initially ran at 2000+ RPM at idle. We've got the idle down to about 900-1000, but now there is no accelleration. When I depress the accellerator, the tac only moves about 50-100 RPM. Also, when the ignition is off, it runs on. We played around with the carb settings a lot, and may have messed things up badly. I don't know if I've got a fuel feed problem (clogged filter), carb problem (it's still running very rich), or some other problem. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Craig Kubiak

Although it's well known I'm no fan of ZS carbs, this one sounds timing related to me.

Craig,
Rather that "see carb, see carb run, I think it is more "see project, see project go, see project go on and on and on"

I agree with Baxter, it sounds timing related, since there is not all that much you can do with a ZS carb for adjustment. What happens when you advance the carb manually, ie where the cable connects. Does it backfire, snort, spit, hesitate, or anything?

It is a lot of fun figuring out how to fix things and how things work.

dave

Once you get the timing and mechanical aspects of the tune done, then go to the carb. There is a special tool for doing richness that goes in through the top of the carb. Turn counterclockwise to lean.
As for running after you turn the key off, it can be the starter relay, a bad battery, or a bad solenoid. Check the battery first.
How do I know? I was just through both scenarios with my 79. I ended up burning up the starter, wiring harness, and battery cable after leaving the charger hooked up over night.
As your car has sat for so long, you probably have a new battery. If it has lost its' charge, take it out and recharge it. If the condition still continues, change out the relay first, then the solenoid.

Craig...I just woke my '79 after 10 year hibernation...developed a checklist as I went about it...go to my website & check it out...

Got two of the windtones working last night after I dug the mud and googe off of them. They do indeed, as one fellow described, sound like a wildebeest flatulating.

When we tried to advance it manually, it falls off completely. Just like with the accellerator. My friend will check the vacuum advance tonight.

By the way, this is a fun process - even the setbacks. I really appreciate having this board, and the knowledgable folks on it, to fall back on. It's great to know that I'm not alone. Thanks again.

Craig Kubiak

Run it with the air cleaner off and see if the slide is lifting when you try to accelerate. I don't know much about the ZS carb, but I do know there's a diaphram under that top cover that has something to do with the slide moving. Could be some old gas gum in there too. Just check out everything in this thread and you'll probably find the problem.

And running long enough to get rid of all of the gum/varnish/old gas will help also. Even a little bit takes a while.

What, pray tell, are you talking about?