Well, it wasn't the jets. The problem was the distributor. Some previous mechanic (PM) put non-standard parts in the distributor, a couple of screws that were about 1/4 inch too long, so they rubbed against the springs of the advance unit. This is a 25D4 distributor. (My '79 has a 45DE4, which means the extra Pertronix Ignitor kit I had for the '79 would not work in the '71.) When I did the dwell test with an analyzer, it indicated a possible grounding problem, so I ordered a new breaker plate ground wire and a new low tension lead from Gordon at the "B Hive." I was disappointed that the new parts didn't make a difference, but upon disassembly of the distributor, I found the long screws. Finally, all seems to be better. Next, we need to look at a better exhaust system for Dan's '71. Like the rest of the car, the pipes and mufflers have been quietly deteriorating and rusting under the tarp for about 15 years.

Another day, another minor saga. I have been working on my friend Dan's '71 MGB roadster. (Actually, working on Dan's car is what got me back into MGs, when I discovered how reasonable and available parts are now, compared to how it was in 1969 when I could not get any parts for my 1966 B.) Today's task was to put a new high torque reduction gear starter in for the old stock starter that was making a horrible grinding sound. I just knew the old starter was going to destroy the ring gear, so I ordered the high dollar, high torque starter. I was surprised how small the new unit is. I was more surprised how hard it was to get the huge old starter out past the distributor, oil filter and oil cooler hoses. Honest, it seemed easier to take it out upwards than to drop it down. Anyway, it's in now, spins the engine much faster and as far as I can tell, there was no damage from the old one. Now, I am listening to my own starter and wondering when I'll have to repeat the same process. Is this boring or what?