Inside: Chinese MG Update SU Fuel Pump 101 Saving a ‘B

Vol.17, No.4 July/August 2007

It’s an MG Summer! THE NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER MGB Driver is the official publication of the North American MGB Register, a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and expanding interest in Britain’s most popular sports car—the MGB. The opinions expressed within are those of the individual authors and readers are warned that they attempt any mechanical or other modifications described herein, entirely at their own risk. Membership in the North American MGB Register is open to all, with no restrictions. Ownership of an MG is not a condition of membership. NAMGBR Regional Chapters will be pleased to welcome you to their events. Membership dues are $30 per year. For membership details or further information write to: NEW NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER ADDRESS: P.O. Box 55 Whittington, IL 62897-0055 Toll-free hotline: 800-NAMGBR-1 • Website: www.namgbr.org OFFICERS OF THE NAMGBR

CHAIRMAN: Bruce C. Wyckoff PUBLICITY Richard Liddick 10975 Aspen Trail COORDINATOR: 5237 Glen Arm Road Zeeland, MI 49464 Glen Arm, MD 21057 (616) 748-0580 (410) 817-6862 [email protected] [email protected]

VICE-CHAIRMAN: Richard Liddick CONVENTION/AGM Tony & Lynne Burgess Get the first 10 Years COORDINATOR: 318 Hampton Park 5237 Glen Arm Road Glen Arm, MD 21057 Westerville, OH 43081 (410) 817-6862 (614) 899-2394 of the MGB Driver [email protected] (614) 899-2493 fax [email protected] SECRETARY: Jerome Rosenberger on 2 CDs! 13112 Benton Camp Road TECHNICAL John H Twist Benton, IL 62812 COORDINATOR: 6490 Fulton Street East [email protected] Ada, MI 49503 616 682 0800 TREASURER: Alan Magnuson [email protected] For the true MGB enthusiast other MGB experts as well as 7754 South Waco Street as well as the curious dabbler our own member amateurs. Centennial, CO 80016 REGALIA Elvin Davis (303) 400-8076 COORDINATOR: 7027 Brookshire Ct. into the world of vintage Included are historical [email protected] West Bloomfield, MI 48322-2735 Morris Garage. Now you can articles by David Knowles, (248) 960-2296 [email protected] have all the complete early Wilson McComb, and Ken COORDINATORS OF THE NAMGBR issues of the MGB Driver on Smith. Plus all the original WEBSITE Rick Brown COORDINATOR: 7146 Snowberry Loop your computer. serialized version of “Aspects EDITOR: Robert Rushing Brooksville, FL 34602 These 1991-2000 issues, of Abington.”.Enjoy the MGB Driver 5444 Sutherland Ave. (352) 650-5135 St. Louis, MO 63109 [email protected] many of which are no longer quizzes, trivia, humor, (314) 353-7655 [email protected] CONCOURS Paul Hanley available in print, contain restoration information and Coordinator: 12403 Coopers Lane valuable and informative all the other entertaining and Worton, MD 21678-1350 (410) 778-3674 technical articles. Articles informative advice you can’t ADVERTISING Charles E. de Bourbon [email protected] by MG authorities like Bob get anywhere else! & PRODUCTION PO Box 293 COORDINATOR Del. Water Gap, PA 18327 SERVICE Bruce C. Wyckoff Mason and John Twist and In PDF format, for Mac or PC. ART DIRECTOR (570) 424-6259 Recommendation (269) 751-2625 [email protected] Coordinator: [email protected] Send credit card numbers with expiration date or checks payable to:

Only $30 FOR REGISTRAR INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE PAGE 59. NAMGBR - Back Issue CD The North American MGB Register is affiliated to the MG Car Club of England. The MG Car Club was founded in PO Box 55 for NAMGBR members 1930 and is the original, factory supported, and approved organization for all MGs, with the Club Headquarters situ- $60 for non-members. ated in Abingdon-on-Thames close by the birthplace of all MGs. Whittington, IL 62897-0055 Includes shipping US & Canada only. MGB Driver Magazine ©2007 All rights reserved. Any part of this publication may be reproduced by members and member clubs only, with the expressed credit given to “MGB Driver Magazine” —Editor Robert Rushing. All images in this issue of the MGB Driver; ©2007-BGA Studios.com/Charles de Bourbon, unless otherwise noted. The Editor’s View Chairman’s Chat y the time you are reading this, our annual convention – MG Summer is officially here! B2007 – should be just about to begin. There is still time for you to put down this magazine (I know, I know, he arrival of July means driving it’s really tough to put this Full Color and car show season is now in Robert full swing. What better way to Bruce issue of the MGB Driver down, but you T Wyckoff Rushing can take it with you) and make your combine driving and MG fellowship Editor Chairman way to Sonoma, Calif., for some great then to attend MG 2007 in beautiful MGB Driver NAMGBR cars, some even greater people, and Sonoma Valley California? The MG maybe even some great wine. For Owners Club of Northern California photo essay on a project you’ve worked those of you with MGs made between has organized an event that will have Look for more details at the close of on, send it in and let’s see if we can 1962-1968 and 1972-1980, you can something for everyone in attendance; this year. share it in Full Color (I hope you’re not take your Driver along in the glove box. breathtaking drives along the Pacific Snow-capped mountains will too tired of me saying that yet). For those of us with the Abingdon Ocean, tours of the majestic redwood serve as the backdrop for MG 2009 as I’ve been asked about an update pillow, we’ll just have to find another forests, classes at a world-famous culi- we pack the wagons and journey to on my GT. I have pulled all the exte- place to keep it while we’re on the nary school, and spirited tours among beautiful Breckenridge, Colo. The MG rior parts off and am beginning to do road. the many vineyards in the area. Car Club – Rocky Mountain Centre is the bodywork necessary to prepare it I’m trying a new feature out this My wife and I have been look- organizing the event and promises a for paint. I’m going to need to install issue – the photo essay. This time the ing forward to this trip since we were few surprises. a new windshield and a few things subject is the saving of a 1980 MGB LE in Rohnert Park last October. The Which brings me to MG 2010 … that I didn’t anticipate such as new that was thought totaled. The amazing combined beauty of the area and the We are looking for a club interested in headlamp buckets. It runs and drives work that was performed kept this car friendly nature of the local MG club hosting a large number of enthusiastic great, so I’m hoping that once it’s in from the scavengers and helped give members promised an event that MG owner and their cars. Here is a paint I’ll be able to have it on the road another car that was bound for the would be outstanding. Now, the wait chance for your club to show off your by this fall. Keep your fingers crossed scrap yard another shot at life – well, is over and I am looking forward to little corner of the world and give MG for me! at least part of it… If you have a meeting a number of our West Coast owners a chance to experience the his- Robert members on this trip. tory, culture, and diversity that makes After the completion of MG 2007, your state or province someplace you our attention turns toward Eastern want to show off. Pennsylvania and preparation for MG Contact me if you are interested Page 15 NAC / China MG Update 2008. King of Prussia, Pa., will be the and we can send you the preliminary By Geoff Wheatley, Syracuse MG Car Club home for both our Annual General information for hosting a great event Meeting in October and MG 2008 next like MG 2010. In the meantime, let’s Page 19 Fuel Pumps 101 June. The MG Car Club of Philadel- hit the road for MG 2007. By Dave DuBois, SU Fuel Pump Restorations phia will host and has been develop- ing ideas for this event for months. Bruce Page 31 More On the Oil Issue By Roger Marshall, MGs of Baltimore Credits & Explanations Page 34 Amtrak Road Trip By Ann and Jake Snyder, Chicagoland MG Club The front cover is the NAMGBR/ Keystone Club tent for the Carlisle Page 37 Lower Fulcrum Distance Tube Import & Kit Car Show this past By Mark Childers, Tidewater MG Classics May. Photo by Kim de Bourbon. Page 45 Saving a ‘B The back cover is Dan & Pat By John “The MG Doc” Mangles, All British Car Repair Robertson’s MGB standing tall The Inside Line with the big ships. Page 51 Tech Talk Photo by Dan & Pat Robertson. By John Twist, NAMGBR Technical Coordinator

 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007  Vice Chairman’s Notes From the Secretary he summer driving season is now ell, here we are with the in full swing and most of us are July/August issue already. Tgoing to attend any of a number WWith any luck at all I will be of MG or British car events being held. tasting some wine in Sonoma while This presents you with an excellent you are reading this. Hope you can join me! opportunity to do the North American Jerome Richard Last issue, I tried to explain what MGB Register a great service. Liddick Rosenberger I know you are thinking, “What lengths the post office goes to get you Vice chairman Secretary does he want me to do?” Well, it’s your copy of the MGB Driver. Of course, NAMGBR NAMGBR simple. During your travels, while out now they have raised the cost of get- and about with other MG enthusiasts, ting the Driver to you. OK, they didn’t promote the Register. Ask the person the organization and that is what I am just raise the cost of your Driver’s post- your e-mail renewal reminder, please parked next to if they are a member. asking you to do now. Go get a mem- age; they raised everybody’s postage! renew promptly! If you have e-mail, Show them a copy of the MGB Driver; ber. If just 10 percent of the current So, what’s my point you ask? but are still receiving the postcards, let them know that it is now “all color, members did this, can you imagine Every month we mail out 200 to won’t you please share your email with all of the time.” Tell them about the how many new members we could sign 300 renewal reminder cards. For some us by filling in the space provide on tech section of the MGB Driver. Tell up? members we have to remind them the reminder card before you return them about the Mutual Aid Directory In closing, I would like to thank again and again, before they finally it. We do not sell e-mail addresses, and Service Recommendations booklet the local chapters that have returned send in their dues. This is a lot of so having your e-mail will help both that lists members who are willing to the re-affiliation forms I mailed out postage. And now it’s $.02 higher on of us! We would like to save as much assist other members if they should earlier this year and ask again, that every card. Sometime the cards come of these costs as we can and use that have car trouble. Tell them about our those who have not returned them to back marked “Moved No Forwarding saved money to make further improve- annual convention and the fact that do so. In addition, I want to give a big Address.” Besides being a waste in the ments in the Register – like our recent we are the only member-run national welcome to our latest club to become first place, we often have to pay for the adoption of the full-color MGB Driver MGB, Midget, & 1100/1300 MG club in a local chapter of NAMGBR. They are card to be returned to us. you are currently enjoying. North America. Finally, put a mem- the Brandywine British Chapter (BBC) We have recently started sending And if you are considering a steak bership application in their hand or of Delaware – Mike Grieco, Presi- first notice e-mail reminders (when we in Sonoma, I recommend the Simi give them the club web address. dent. This brings the number of local have your e-mail address); if a member Vinery’s Red Zinfandel. Quite a few years back, Ken Smith NAMGBR chapters to 86 throughout renews promptly then we save the cost had a brilliant promotional idea, he Canada and the U.S. of the postcard and the postage for sec- called it “Go Get a Member” and it ond or third notices. So, when you get Jerome worked fairly well in the early years of Safety Fast! Richard

Melissa Swallow — a matching green MGB-GT behind her and a MG rear end at her feet — at the Motorcar Garage display at Britfest ’07 in New Jersey.

 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007  Letter of Intent - Chairman The MGB Registrar

Your registrar on the road again!

organization have been a positive To the Membership of the North irst of all, let me thank all those American MGB Register influence for both the executive board and myself. who have registered their MGB with me since I last wrote. New Well, I cannot believe it has been F registrations are at an all-time high, So it is with great pleasure I an- Ken Smith two years since I originally submit- and I can’t help thinking that the new ted my letter of intent to run for the nounce my intention to run for re-elec- MGB Registrar tion as chairman of NAMGBR. updated appearance and enhanced Chairmanship of the North American content of the MGB Driver has contrib- timeless classics as we can, in the MGB Register. Although there have uted to this increase. If you have not My goals will be to build on the company of fellow enthusiasts with the been a number of changes during this already done so, please send me details successes we have achieved over the same affliction! period of time, it has proven to be both of your MGB either electronically or last couple of years: I think I’ve told you before of the interesting and rewarding. by the form you should have received • To further increase the mem- very first MGB I laid eyes on back when you joined the NAMGBR. bership of NAMGBR, both individual in October of 1962, in a dealer’s NAMGBR has made positive ad- This fall will see 45 years passing and chapters showroom on a dark, rainy night in vances over the last couple of years: since the introduction of our favorite • Provide our advertisers with a Halifax, Yorkshire. Stunning under • The MGB Driver has gone to an British sports car – the MGB – and valuable vehicle in which to get their the spotlights in Iris Blue, I must have all-color format, achieving a standing it’s amazing to see how popular this message out to the members gazed at that car for over an hour. I’d goal that has existed since the incep- little treasure still is, with articles and • Continue working with fellow had quite a few MGs up to that time, tion of the organization. features appearing in various car registers like the North American MGA but I thought this was the most beauti- • Our membership numbers magazines in England and elsewhere, Register and American MGC Register ful car I had ever seen and became have climbed over the last couple of extolling the virtues of Abingdon’s big- to further our shared goals. determined to get one at the earli- years gest seller. • Work with our host chapters est possible moment. It took a while • The number of chapters has For example, the prestigious pub- in Philadelphia (MG 2008) and Denver – almost 18 months – and my 45-year increased as well lication Classic Cars recently ran a six- (MG 2009) to ensure successful con- love affair with the MGB continues to • We had a very successful page feature on the “B,” and I quote ventions in the coming years. this day! convention in MG 2006 in Gatlinburg, from their assessment: As to the MGB Register itself, we Tenn. “If you had to epitomize the world I will not be able to achieve these continue to receive reports of “67 GT • The working relationship be- of classic cars with one image, it would goals without the continued help and Specials” surfacing or being restored, tween NAMGBR and the other registers be the MGB. In its British homeland support of the membership. I hope I and currently we have full or part in- of the MG Council is closer then in and the world at large, the B stirs can count on your vote in the upcom- formation on 125 of this model on file. years past. strong passions!” ing election this October. We also have information on no less And … than 315 MGB Limited Editions, and The success of NAMGBR in recent “Sexier than ever – the MGB is the B Positive, as this model is to be the featured car years has been a team effort shared by ubiquitous classic car, so popular that at John Twist’s Summer Party in Au- the chairman, executive board, regis- you either love it or resent it, but with Bruce C. Wyckoff gust, I’ve no doubt the total will grow trars, coordinators, and the members a story as charming as its simple tech- Chairman after that event! We also look forward of this organization. Your enthusiastic nology, it’s easy to fall for the B. And North American MGB Register to MG 2007 where the organizers have comments about the direction of this you can make any one faster, sharper, been pulling out all the stops to ensure and better – it’s worth a second look!” you have a great time with some won- Well, we all knew that anyway, derful driving roads, a great hotel, and but it’s reassuring to know that we a superb car show on the adjacent golf are not alone. And that’s why the course! See you in Sonoma? Register exists, to maintain, pre- Click it or ticket!...... serve, and enjoy as many of these

Ken

 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007  v

MGB Register We welcome the following new additions to Letters to the Editor the MGB Register! Robert, Kelly Stevenson...... 1878 MGB (V8) Since you took over Lann Mauck...... 1963 MGB the MG Driver editor’s Larry Wyatt...... 1974 MGB position, the magazine Mark Weber...... 1974 MGB has been timely and re- Michael Gedeon...... 1971 MGB energized. I’ve gotten use Kirk Bauer...... 1979 MGB to it arriving at the start Bill Gillson...... 1974 MGB/GT of each two-month cycle Henry Ludwig...... 1964 MGB and when my March/April Douglas Portzline...... 1977 MGB issue wasn’t here by April Steven Gorr...... 1978 MGB Brian Regenos...... 1973 MGB 1, I was concerned that it John Zonfrelli...... 1974 MGB had gotten lost in the mail. George Glen...... 1974 MGB When I left the house this Gilbert DePre...... 1974½ MGB/GT morning, I told myself that Richard & Marie Davis...... if it wasn’t here by tonight, ...... 1974 MGB, 1977 MGBs (2) I was going to e-mail you Norris Williams’ 1974½ MGB/GT daily driver. John & Sue Young ...... 1973 MGB to ask if it had been mailed Brady Mann...... 1973 MGB yet, for fear it might have on it since I got it. We rebuilt the engine John Donegan...... 1972 MGB been lost in the mail, which has happened about 44,000 miles ago, and just finished Michael Logue...... 1966 MGB the transmission, overdrive, and differ- John Perkins...... 1980 MGB LE to me more than once over the years. I Jon Whitt...... 1978 MGB MGBs at Import was pleasantly surprised when I got home ential, as well as new shocks all around. Mark Lambert...... 1967 MGB/GT Nationals, to not only find my March/April issue had It now has 184,517 miles on it. I am the Charles Wojciechowski...... 1971 MGB Carlisle, Pa. arrived, but it’s in beautiful Technicolor third or fourth owner and have service records going back to 3,000 miles. Thomas Fisher...... 1969 MGB May 2007 and Lucas Surround Sound! Wow, what Keith Jones...... 1967 MGB/GT Special an issue! Creativity, content, and color. It I used it as a daily driver for about 12 doesn’t get much better than that. You ‘da years and then decided to have it painted man! Keep up the great work! Thank you and upholstered a few years ago. I finally very much for all your efforts. got it back on the road about two months Sincerely, ago. I had Glenn Lenhard of Glenn’s MG Art Bedrosian Repair in St. Petersburg, Fla., go over it to Member # 2-847 check it out for anything needing repair before using it as a daily driver again. Thanks Art! Glenn showed me an A/C installation he The real credit goes to everyone had just finished on another BGT and I who submits articles for publication, decided to have him do one for me. The the great newsletter editors of all our unit is from Vintage Air, as mentioned in affiliated chapters who pass along the article, and Glenn’s guys did a great some really top-rate stuff, my prede- job on the installation. It looks and works cessors who got the process of putting great. I also added a CD player, so it is each issue down to a science, and our pretty much all one could ask for in a daily production coordinator, Charles de driver. Attached is a photo taken on the Bourbon, who diligently lays out each University of Florida campus. issue like the true professional he is. Cheers, They all make me look a lot better Norris H. Williams than I am! Thanks for the info, Norris! Hopefully you can give us an Dear MGB Driver, article on how it works and some more I just finished reading the article detail on the cost and installation in about using your MGB/GT as a daily driver an upcoming issue. I’m in the middle and the suggestion about installing A/C. of getting my GT ready to live with, so I have had my 1974½ BGT since January I’ll probably come knocking at your 1990 and have put almost 50,000 miles door later this year!

10 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 11 Letters to the Editors as well as the information on the pages of this magazine, can mean Dear MGB Driver, the difference between owning a car Members helping members is what you can take for a great drive on some it’s all about. Being a member of the Gold twisties versus an expensive piece of Coast British Sports Car Club doesn’t cost, garage art. it pays. Being a chapter affiliate of the NAMGBR is an added plus. I’m proud and satisfied to be a mem- Hi, Robert, ber of GCBSCC because of the great I would like to locate something for advice I received concerning a problem on my 1967 MGB roadster. I purchased the a repair to one of our British cars, our ‘74 car new and it came without a radio. I did MGB. install a radio from JC Penney a couple of At a recent club board meeting, I years after I bought the car, but that was had mentioned to Larry Miceli that I was before I became more of a purist and that having a problem getting the thermostat radio is long gone. At any rate, I under- housing to seat to the block. He suggested stand that the MGs of that period were that I use gasket shellac instead of gasket fitted with Blaupunkt AM radios. Can maker to make the seal. It worked. you enlighten me in this matter? Would Concerning the same problem was a you know of any source for a more-or-less tion on the faceplate. They do show up stud that was stripped and causing a hold- authentic radio? I have done a lot of work on eBay and at swap meets. There is a ing nut not to tighten properly. At a recent on the car over the past 10-15 years, and company that will restore them and even dinner meeting when mentioning the still have a bit more to do, but I want to make them AM/FM while keeping the problem at the usual tire-kicking session drive the car and enjoy doing so! original look. Check out www.antiqueau- in the parking lot after dinner, member I thank you for your time and your tomobileradio.com for some options. Some Joe Moticker suggested that I remove the assistance, original radios have a button on the side stud. “How?” was my question. He replied Gene Palombo to switch from positive ground to nega- that a stud removal tool would solve that tive ground. There are some other dealer problem. I thought that he was putting me installed period-correct radios that have on. I never knew such a tool existed until surfaced in recent years and, from a Con- I asked Alistair Cunningham of the MG cours perspective, are considered correct. Centre in Boynton. He not only showed I’ve contacted Brooks Amiot on this – he’s me the tool but let me borrow it. Problem last year’s Top Point Concours winner. solved with three new studs, as I decided Brooks has a rather unique radio that was to change all three (studs also courtesy of dealer -nstalled. Perhaps we can talk him Alistair). into sending a photo. How many of our club members have been in similar situations only to find an Brooks writes: I recommend that you answer from another member who may contact [email protected]. have experienced the same or similar Alan has a very good understanding of problems? And for free, just by paying the radios from the early MGBs and he did dues and keeping your membership active Gene, the restoration work on my PYE. He’s a and current You ask a very good question. I very nice guy. Tell him I sent you (he MAY Lloyd Powell, President used to know a place that had tons of remember me, I don’t know). He likely has GCBSCC old BMC radios, but they’re long gone a couple of the BMC radios sitting around, NAMGBR Liaison now. Outside of eBay, I wouldn’t know if that’s appropriate for your ‘67. where to really look and I don’t know How true, Lloyd! the specific type that the radios were Belonging to your local club as unfortunately. I’m turning your ques- well as a national organization such tion over to Paul Hanley, Concours as ours is vital in helping keep any MG Coordinator for NAMGBR. on the road. Most mechanics run in the opposite direction when we pull Paul writes: Radios were dealer into their lots, so having the tried and installed and most common are the AM true advice given by fellow members, radios that say British Motor Corpora-

12 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 13 NAC China / MG Update

MG 2007 By Geoff Wheatley China. (This did not go down well Syracuse MG Car Club with his Chinese masters or the British media, resulting in a press conference Ever since the collapse of the in London five days later with NAC Phoenix group in the summer of 2005 making it quite clear that the proposed and the purchase of MG/Rover by American venture was simply a letter July 16-20 July 23-27 the Chinese company NAC (Nanjing of intent not a formal contract). Automobile (Group) Corporation), there Mr. Hale and his team have now has been almost total confusion this left the employment of NAC, and side of the Atlantic on what the future to my knowledge there has been no of the marque might be. The situation further news on the creation of a pro- Sonoma Wine The MG Drive has not been helped by various ill- duction plant in the USA. To get some informed media reports on the future perspective on the current situation, it Country of the old Longbridge factory, once the is necessary to go back to the purchase With Altitude! center of both Triumph and MG/Rover of MG/Rover by BMW over 10 years production and of course, the early ago. In reality BMW did not need California British Columbia original Mini. another sports car, as they were about One of the problems is the policy to launch the highly successful Z3 onto 75 miles north of Vancouver is MG of NAC not to issue any press releases the US market while the European our through California exquisite God Country. Like no other place, on their intentions either in the UK or market was more than covered by both T elsewhere, including the USA. Yes ,we home grown products and of course wine country, experience Redwood you and your MG will never feel did have the comments of Mr. Duke the expanding Japanese range of at- Canyon, cruise Muir Woods, up more alive. Twisty mountain roads Hale in July 2006 about the build- tractive two-seated sports products. with eye popping vistas that only ing of an American production plant So one has to ask: What was the real the Pacific Coast, and down San in Oklahoma and the possibility of attraction? Francisco hills to the Golden Gate the Canadian Rockies can deliver. a new MG being introduced into the I suggest that it might have been The place you’ll remember for the American market ,and his comments the prospect of a revamped Mini, a Bridge. This is more than a MG car that NAC MG USA would control the car that rivaled the VW Beetle in both show, it is a destination for vistas, rest of your life. All British marques international operation outside of market share and desirability. It was culture, MG touring, and making and non-NAMGAR members wel- MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 15 friends.14 Go! www.MG2007.org come! www.gt32.comMGB DRIVER July/August 2007 NAC Update depending on how successful Phoenix os t ho P proved to be. In addition, there was a p still selling after 40 years, and the de- huge stock of unsold cars, both Rover lo ja by ided rov sign had not improved that much since and MGF, worth several hundred mil- its introduction in 1959 as an inexpen- lion dollars included in the sale, again sive economical cute run-around ve- on the assumption that Phoenix would p hicle. The fact that Rover and MG were be a successful venture. . .com ik also thrown into the purchase pot was However, the name Rover was still to BMW simply part of the purchase held by BMW, who promised Ford that price, which as you will recall was not they would have first refusal if BMW exactly small potatoes by any stan- decided to sell the Rover name (this dard! The Rover potential was at best of course happened just a few months modest but the MG still had a strong ago). Despite the attempts of the Phoe- market following, especially in the UK nix Group, both the MGF and the re- and USA. vamped MGTF were not that successful Regretfully, the development of and despite what their PR department the new BMW MGF was not an out- said on a number of occasions, would standing success, not because of any never get into the North American problems of style or design — quite the market without some serious invest- contrary. The idea of a mid-engine MG ment, which of course they did not sports car was acceptable to most of have. In 2005 the company went to the the potential buying public. In fact, it British government for a short-term Nanjing Automobile Corp. has a different image in mind for the new MG. was almost an advantage when they loan. In its wisdom and remembering remembered the out-of-date MGB that the fact that John DeLorean had taken was pushed onto the market for over the government of Prime Minister great play was made of this in the Brit- some longer. The top man is Wang 18 years. It was the ongoing prob- Thatcher for about £45 million a few ish press. In reality, today Longbridge Hooliang, CEO of the U.K. operation. lems with the power unit that seemed years earlier, Prime Minister Blair has the capacity to meet any current There are still a few Americans in unable to retain a cylinder head for refused to help. needs required by NAC, as Phoenix residence left over from the short but very long that spelled disaster. Blown In a matter of days, Phoenix was made a substantial investment in the interesting Duke Hale period with gaskets and all that went with it were no more and the whole operation went plant during its Rover / MG period and NAC MG. Production staff are also the never-ending problems of the new into receivership while about 6,000 even had a small development division being reemployed, but that is proving MG vehicles. workers lost their jobs in an area that which was working on one or two new to be difficult as many of the original So what do you do? Continue to was already depressed. No one is quite models. Had the investments materi- workers who built the MGTF are now lose two million bucks a week (some sure of the exact figure but around£ 50 alized and sales progressed, there is scattered to the wind in other employ- say a day, but that has never been million had to be found by the Blair little doubt that we would have seen ment and are a little nervous about quantified), or sell the product to any- government to support the layoff of at least one new MG sports vehicle returning to a company that may not one willing to take over the problems? Phoenix employees. The company had before 2010. As they only had the use succeed. As we know, it was the latter choice asked for a short term loan of between of the Rover name for a maximum To be fair to NAC, they have done and MG/Rover passed hands for the £25 million to £30 million, not a good of 10 years, I doubt if any new Rover everything that they indicated back princely sum of around $20 in today’s example of economic evaluation by products would have hit the sales floor, in the fall of 2005. It is not the nature exchange rate, sold to the Phoenix the British government! but MG, certainly! of the Chinese to say very much about Group who had great plans but regret- In the late summer of 2005, along NAC sees China as their prin- the future until they are confident that fully not much cash to support their comes NAC with an offer that the re- ciple market for the MG, but of course they can match the PR reports that ambitions. What was never made clear ceivers could not refuse. The purchase they are not unaware that the U.S. we in the U.S. are used to. Here, we to the public was the real contract included the Longbridge factory which, is the goal in the long-term — and, tend to say it first and then work our details. despite UK media reports, was still a of course, the original home of MG, the rear ends off to try and achieve what In 2000 BMW sold Land Rover viable and productive unit capable of U.K. The product over the next couple we have promised. The Chinese tend to Ford but kept Rover under their producing cars in acceptable numbers. of years will be a revamped MGTF that to work the other way! There is little control. They then sold Longbridge as- The problem that caused the British one would hope will be rid of its head doubt that they are in earnest in their sets in company with the Rover sedan media to doubt the capacity of Long- gasket problems. It is planned that desire to make this investment a suc- vehicles produced by the old Rover bridge was the original sales/lease about 3,000 MGTF cars will be offered cess to the point that a new production Company and the MGF to Phoenix agreement that included a clause with in 2007, all produced out of Long- factory is already under construction Venture Holdings for £10. However in a six-month escape for NAC to with- bridge where there are several Chinese in China and should be open by the reality this was a £500 million loan to draw if they wished. As we now know, engineers in residence. In fact they time you read this. Is there an inter- Phoenix, repayable in 2049 or sooner, this was never activated, but in 2006 have been there for at least a year, national market for a Chinese MG?

16 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 17 NAC Update il l us t r at ions ions at r t us l il P ho t os os t ho P SU Fuel Pumps 101 p o ddb www2s w.2 w w by ided rov By Dave DuBois p SU Fuel Pump Restorations by ieded rov

irst of all, a brief history of the D

SU fuel pump. As you all know, e av p rtscars.com a c s t or

SU stands for Skinners Union and D u B

F ois was the brainchild of George and Carl Skinner. HP (high pressure pumps). These are George, in spite of taking over found on late TF, MGA, Z Magnette his father’s business, Lilly & Skinner and early MGBs. They are the same footwear distributors, had a better idea outline and size as the Low Pressure for a carburetor in the early automo- pumps or sometimes come with a tive days. In addition to building the longer coil housing (referred to as a much-loved SU carburetors, they also High Pressure/Long Body pump). They went into the fuel pump business. develop up to 2.7 psi and have a flow They started in the 1932/33 time with rate of 1.1 pints per minute (8.4 gallons the L, low pressure pumps. Approxi- per hour). mately 1939, they developed the HP, LCS and Dual pumps and in 1942 they even came up with fuel injection pumps. (I wonder if those also go tick, Concept for a proposed Longbridge NAC/MG Design Center. Hurdles to clear tick, tick?) In 1958 they came up with before the octagon goes up again include producing more than 3,000 cars and another “High pressure pump” (this marketing the image that MG is great once again. may be the AUF 300 series pumps found in the later MGBs). For a more Who knows? If the product is right tant, real enthusiasm. On the face of in depth history of SU, go to Burlen and can compete with all the other it the whole operation seems like a big Fuel’s history of SU at www.burlen. LCS pumps. These were used on the sports cars that we now have to chose gamble that many of us who grew up co.uk/historySu.aspx. MGA Twin Cam and on the Austin from, the answer could be a firm yes. I with MG hope is successful. Healey. They use the long coil body know that any of my MGs toys always I am indebted to my friends Roger Some of the more common SU of the High Pressure/Long Body pump attract interest where ever I go and a Parker and Richard Monk of the MG pumps that MG owners run into, along and have a large, rectangular pump lot of the admirers are under 30 with Owners Club in the U.K. for their with their pressure and flow rate: body on them. They develop up to 3.8 money to spend! (I wish I was one of contribution to this article. Both were psi and have a flow rate of 2 pints per them). guests of NAC MG in China earlier this minute (15 gallons per hour). Phoenix was never able to produce year and were kind enough to share a new style vehicle, and that was a their experiences with me. serious problem when you are trying Editor’s Note: Geoff’s father worked to get back into the market under new for MG from 1933 to his retirement in management. NAC has to face this 1966 excluding of course the war pe- problem and solve it as their first prior- riod. He was born almost in sight of the ity within the next three years. Both Abingdon works, and cut his teeth on a here and throughout the world there MG steering wheel! He actually met Wil- L (low pressure pumps). These are found is a wide variety of modern well-built liam Morris (Lord Nuffield) when he was on the T series (TA, TB, TC, TD and AUF 300 series (now AZX 1300 series) sports vehicles backed by international at Nuffield College Oxford. Geoff says early TF) and earlier MGs. They pumps. These are found on all of the names. The proposed ,3000 vehicles that at about 6 feet 6 inches tall, Morris develop up to 1.5 psi and have a flow later MGBs plus other British cars of that NAC MG plan to produce in the was an imposing figure, even at 70. When rate of 1.3 pints per minute (9.6 gallon the mid 1960s and later. They have a next 12 months won’t even be a drop he found out that his father worked for per hour) “plain air bottle on the inlet side and a in the market, and I suspect will do MG he spent at least 15 minutes talking flow-smoothing device on the delivery little to enhance the future of the to him about the early days. I’m hoping side”. They develop up to 2.7 psi (AZX marque. But, and it’s a sincere BUT, to have Geoff share with us some of his 1307) or 3.8 psi (AZX 1308) and a flow they are willing to invest in this project experiences growing up in a MG family in rate of 2.4 pints per minute (18 gallons with real funds and equally impor- coming issues. per hour) for both types.

18 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 19 SU Fuel Pumps 101 in the pump body out through another (except the expectancy of the owners). case of the early MGBs. check valve to the carburetors. Once Finally, the all-electronic pumps If the car is a late MGB that is the diaphragm reaches its original po- were introduced, which replaced the vented through the charcoal filter, sition, the points carrier “throws over” points with a Hall effect circuit to con- you will have to trace the vent line to the points closed position and trol the current flow in the coil. These and find where it is clogged. If, after the whole action is repeated pumps look and operate the same as removing the gas cap, you are still – thus the familiar tick, tick, the points-style pumps, complete with not getting fuel, remove the gas line tick sound. The pump pressure the familiar tick, tick, tick, but there from the rear carburetor, and with it is established by the strength is no longer any point wear. and the positioned such that the gas will go of the volute spring between the life expectancy of the pumps is set by on the ground (I know, environmental iron disk on top of the diaphragm the life of the diaphragm and check concerns! But we are desperate here, and the bottom of the coil. The valves. O.K.?), turn the key on. If you get fuel Various configurations of Dual or Double check valves can be either a simple Instructions on repair, reassembly flow now, then the trouble is in the Ended pumps including L, HP, AZX 1400 brass disk that holds against the valve and adjustments of the pumps can be carbs (stuck float, etc.). Still no fuel series and AZX 1500 series. Some of seat by combination of gravity and found in the shop manual and Haynes flow? Now you will have to call AAA, these operate both ends simultane- back pressure, in the case of the L, HP manual. Repair parts for the pumps a friend with a tow dolly or push the ously and some operate just one end, and LCS pumps or a plastic sheet in can be purchased through Moss Mo- darn thing home. keeping the other end as a reserve. a valve assembly that closes against tors (www.mossmotors.com), Victoria Next day, how to proceed? Buy a The pressures and flow rates for these the assembly’s valve seat and is held British (/www.victoriabritish.com), or new pump (one of the square, run- pumps are as follows: against the seat by system pressure, in directly from Burlen Fuel (www.burlen. all-the-time, make-a-lot-of-noise, Fact the case of the later AUF 300 and AZX co.uk). pumps), a new SU pump (maybe one of • L (both ends working simultane- 1300 series pumps. In both cases, the those new, all-electronic ones), get the ously) 1.5 psi, 3.2 pints per minute (24 system pressure is developed on the Fuel delivery troubleshooting guide old one fixed, or ...? gallons per hour) carburetor or outlet side of the pump, First, let’s make sure that the • HP (both ends working simultane- so the valves keep fuel from flowing All of a sudden, as you are driving pump is at fault. Take a meter or test ously) 2.7 psi, 2.6 pints per minute back to the tank. along without a care in the world, the light and with the key on, check for (19.2 gallons per hour) As with anything that uses a set engine starts to stumble and finally 12V between the terminal on the cap • AZX 1400 series (both ends working of points opening and closing, there is quits altogether. You turn the key off of the pump and ground. If you don’t simultaneously) 2.7 or 3.8 psi, 4.8 pints point wear, both mechanical (slight) and on several times, but the engine have 12V here, find out where you are per minute (36 gallons per hour) and electrical arcing (major) that refuses to start. Absent also is the losing it – you will have to go to your • AZX 1500 series (one end working at eventually deteriorates and then stops reassuring “tick, tick, tick” of the fuel shop manual, look up the schematic a time) 3.8 psi, 2 pints per minute (15 all together. pump — damn! and follow the line back from the gallons per hour) Over the years, various methods The first response is to reach under pump to the source of 12V. were employed to suppress the electri- the car by the right rear tire on your If you have the 12V at the pump The SU fuel pump is an impulse cal arcing at the points. Originally, on MGB or Midget and give the pump a terminal, check that the ground is type of pump: When power is supplied the L type pumps, the only suppres- few healthy whacks with whatever tool good, either with an ohmmeter or by to the pump, current flows through sor used was a swamping resistor, in is handy (please do the whacking gen- jumping a known good ground to the points and the solenoid coil. The the form of resistance wire wrapped tly, with something like a screwdriver the pump with a piece of wire. If the energized coil acts on the iron disk around the coil and attached in paral- handle — the idea is to get the pump ground is bad, again, trace the wire attached to the diaphragm, pulling it lel with it. As stronger coils that draw to restart, not to beat it into a bloody from the pump to the ground point and the diaphragm toward the coil. more current were employed, a 0.47 pulp). If the familiar ticking returns, and repair the discontinuity (if you are This movement of the diaphragm microfarad capacitor was added to you can continue on your trip, know- working on an MGB, the ground point develops a vacuum in the pump body, assist the swamping resistor suppress ing that you are going to have to do is under one of the license mounting which pulls fuel from the tank through the arcing (by the way, even though something about the pump when you bolts in the trunk). a check valve. The movement of the it looks like an electrolytic capacitor, get home (and maybe have to whack it If you are getting voltage to the diaphragm also causes a shaft that it is not, and therefore is not polarity a few more times on the way). pump and have a good ground, you is attached between it and the lower sensitive). What happens if, after being need a new pump, right? Not yet! points bridge or carrier to push the With the introduction of the whacked a few times, the pump There are a couple more checks to carrier up, making the carrier “throw AUF 300 and AZX series pumps, the doesn’t respond? First, while you are make before condemning the pump, over” and open the points. Once capacitor was replaced with a diode to on the side of the road, remove the particularly if you noticed that the the points open, the flow of current work with the swamping resistor. This gas cap. If you hear a whoosh of air pump was getting hot when you left through the coil is interrupted, allow- arrangement made the pumps polar- entering the tank, you have probably the key on for an extended period of ing the diaphragm to be pushed back ity sensitive. All of the arc suppression solved the problem. Just leave the cap time. to its original position by the volute systems worked fairly well, giving the off until you can get to an auto parts Remove both fuel lines from the spring, which in turn pushes the fuel pumps a reasonable life expectancy store and get a new vented cap in the pump and turn the key. If the pump

20 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 21 SU Fuel Pumps 101 lines used to transition the metal lines SU fuel pump will fail. to the pump. My point: The SU fuel pump will doesn’t run with both fuel lines dis- If no leaks in the lines can be last as long as any other electric pump connected, skip the rest of this article found in the lines, try running a line on the market for use on the MGs, and go down to the list of business or from the inlet side of the pump to a possibly longer if it is an all-electronic individuals who repair or restore the container of fuel. If the pump starts pump or one converted to solid state. pumps. If the pump runs OK with the pulling fuel from the container and os t ho P fuel lines off, one of them is probably stops pumping after the float bowls SU fuel pump vents p clogged. Reinstall the fuel line from are full, then you quite possibly have (Or, what is this 1/8” tubing going by ided rov the fuel tank and try again. a hole in the pickup tube in the tank into the trunk of our MGB with a ‘T’ fitting If the pump runs and sends fuel above the level of the fuel. on it, and what should it be connected to?) D out of the outlet fitting, then you have If instead, the pump still runs con- e av D u a clog in the line to the carburetors. If tinuously and doesn’t pull fuel from Judging from the number of times B the pump doesn’t run, or if it just clicks the container, the pump itself has a I have seen this question posed on Vent termination in trunk ois a couple of times and then stops and leak on the inlet side and will need to various bulletin boards and forums, was hot as stated above, you have a be repaired. Again, contact one of the I think that it is time that someone and out of the space behind the fuel clog in the line from the tank to the people below for assistance. sheds some light on the venting of the pump diaphragm where there are no pump or internally in the tank (this Before you throw the SU pump AUF 300/AZX 1300-series of SU fuel fumes present (I used 1/8” drip irriga- would have been indicated by the lack away and condemn all things prefaced pumps and the double-ended pumps, tion tubing on our MGB). of gas running off your elbow while with SU, remember that all things AUF 400/AZX 1400 and AUF 500/AZX The termination inside the trunk you were disconnecting the line from mechanical or electrical wear out after 1500-series. is to provide relatively dry termina- the tank to the pump). long use and the SU fuel pumps, being These pumps can be identified tion of the vent line and to keep road Disconnect the fuel line from the both, suffer the same fate (also remem- (if not by an aluminum tag with the debris and water out of the vent line fitting on the tank and again turn ber that if the pump is all plastic or model number on it) by the short vent and moisture out of the pump. In no the key. If the fuel pump runs now, has the word Harting or Hardy, it is line fitting located at the bottom of case should the vent line be cut short then the clog is in the line inside the not an SU pump, but a New Zealand or the coil housing. There may also be a and left to dangle under the car as I tank. If this was the problem, it is time German clone of the SU). vent located on the end cover of these have seen cases where water splashed to think about getting the gas tank The Mazda truck we used to have pumps, but don’t be concerned if there under the car has been drawn into the cleaned out or you will be facing the came with one of the square Fawcet, isn’t one or if there is no fitting to coil housing through a short vent line same problem later on. run-all-the-time, make-a-lot-of-noise attach a vent line to. I will cover this that was left dangling, causing severe Check whichever line has a sus- pumps on it, and after several years it later in this article. rusting inside the pump – to the point pect clog for kinks, smashed line, etc. too, died. An earlier Courier pickup The purpose of these vents is to where it wouldn’t run. Try blowing it out with compressed air had a Japanese SU clone, which also relieve the pressure built up behind If you don’t feel comfortable with to ensure any clog is removed. If there died. All of these pumps died some- the diaphragm each time the coil is the vent in the trunk, it can be run to is a filter in line, replace it with a new where around 75,000 to 100,000 miles, energized, pulling the diaphragm up. a high spot under the car (outside, top one. Still not getting fuel? Now it is at about the same mileage that a new Without these vents, the air trapped of the battery box comes to mind) and time to contact one of the people listed behind the diaphragm would act as a attached there. There should be no below to take advantage of their SU stiff spring that that would resist the gas fumes coming from this vent line fuel pump services. movement of it. If at any time both of in the trunk, as it is venting the area There is one more situation that these vents were to become clogged of the pump above the diaphragm will cause fuel starvation that hasn’t (very seldom) the pump will become and unless the diaphragm is leaking been addressed above. If your pump unstable in its operation. The main (highly unlikely), no fumes are present is running continuously, but no fuel is vent is the one at the bottom of the coil in this area. being pumped in to the float chambers housing and it allows air to move both The vent on the end cover of the (and your pump is a SU pump rather in and out. The vent on the end cover pump is not there to cool the electrics, than an aftermarket pump like the (if it has one), has a check valve in it as has been stated from some sources; Facet pumps that normally run con- that only allows air to move out, but it is just an additional vent for any tinuously), then you have an air leak not be drawn back in. pressure caused by the upward travel on the inlet side of the pump, or you os t ho P A piece of 1/8” tubing should be of the diaphragm to be expelled from. There is no vent line to a dry spot

are out of fuel. p attached to the vent line fitting at the Check the fuel level in the tank by ided rov base of the coil housing and termi- attached to the vent on the end cover and then check the line from the nated with a ‘T’ fitting (can be a “L” (if one exists) as there is a check valve inside the vent that prevents any air fuel tank to the pump for any loose D fitting just as well) inside the trunk. connections or holes in the line. Be e av This tubing can be just about any being drawn in at this point. If your D

u pump has an end cover without this B particularly suspicious of any flexible Vent at bottom of coil housing ois material as it is only carrying air into vent, don’t be concerned as some

22 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 23 SU Fuel Pumps 101 P ho t os os t ho P Back-Up Fuel Pump P ho t os os t ho P p rov ided by by ided rov By Dave DuBois p SU Fuel Pump Restorations by ided rov D av e e av alk about what spares to carry D D u av e e av B

ois on a trip and just about everyone D u

agrees that a spare fuel pump B T ois should be one of the primary items End covers with: to carry. Of course, with space at a 1) No vent 2) Vent with jiggle cap, and 3) Vent with vent line fitting. premium in our favorite cars, we have Back-up pump, left. Regular fuel pump, to balance the number of spares we right. carry with the space available. With I mounted the pump to the back pumps come without it and they func- or (714) 630-1074 some judicious packing and use of side of the battery enclosure using tion perfectly well without it. • Greg Van Hook - www.vanhookvin- various nooks and crannies, one can some sound mounts that I had on tage.com or (215) 262-8547 find a lot of room to tuck various items hand so we wouldn’t have to listen • Lew Palmer - lpalmer@roundabout- in a MG. I would like to suggest that to the constant clatter of the pump manor.com instead of just carrying a spare fuel (sorry, I don’t know the part number • Lawrie Rhoads - www.british-car-part- pump and taking up space that could or manufacture of the mounts, I got restoration.com/ or (508) 359-2077 be available for other spares, install them off of a parts car I had). If you • Tom Ball: (330) 666-2442 or (330) the spare fuel pump instead. Since a are adding the back-up pump to an 867-9800 fuel pump makes use of check valves MGA or a T-series car, you will have to NOTE: Although this written to the and can be hooked up in line with the MGB and the single ended AUF 300/ In the UK and Europe: scout out a convenient spot under the • Burlen Fuel System (rebuild service for primary fuel pump, whichever pump is car, preferably (but not necessarily) at AZX1300-series of pumps, it is applicable used just pumps through the disabled any vehicle where the pump is mounted all SU fuel pumps) - www.burlen.co.uk the rear of the car near the fuel tank. pump. The addition of a single pole, I cut the fuel line from the tank to the under the vehicle. It also applies to the In Australia: double throw (SPDT) switch to switch AUA 161, AUF 400/AZX 1400 or AUF 500/ • SU Midel Pty Ltd. (rebuild services for original pump and used some flex- the power from one pump to the other ible fuel hose to route the fuel through AZX 1500-series pumps that have the double ended pumps and LCS pumps) completes the installation and makes vent fitting at the base of the coil housing www.sumidel.com. the back-up pump and back to the and mounted under the vehicle. changing pumps on the go a simple original pump to complete the plumb- Know of others? flip of the switch – you don’t even have ing. While you are modifying the For SU fuel pump service If you also repair SU fuel pumps or know to pull to the side of the road to do it. fuel line, this would be a good time to In the U.S.: of somebody not listed above who If, instead of a simple SPDT switch, install a shut-off valve in the fuel line • Dave DuBois: [email protected] does, please send me an e-mail with you use a three way switch with an also. I used a ¼” ball valve that I got or (360) 479-0462 (after 9 a.m. Pacific contact information for the person so “off” position in the center, you get the from Lowes (Campbell Hausfeld P/N time please) I can add them to the list of people to added advantage of a simple anti-theft MP 3217) and the necessary adapters • Jerry Felper: [email protected] contact for fuel pump repair. device added in the mix. to fit it in the line. It is really great to In adding a back-up pump to our be able to remove a fuel pump without MGB, I used a Fawcet pump (looks like taking a bath in gasoline. a little square, runs all the time, makes To wire the spare pump up, at- a lot of noise) that I picked up at NAPA tach the ground wire for the pump to for around $40. I don’t recall the part one of the attachment points where number of the pump; just ask for the the pump is attached to the battery low pressure (2.5 lbs – 4 lbs) pump. housing. Make sure that you have the There are any number of pumps on attachment point used for the ground the market that can be used, includ- cleaned down to shiny metal and ing another SU pump, just specify a pump with the above pressure range. My one caveat about using another SU pump as a back up is to use one that is solid state. The points in the original pumps tend to develop a film over times of disuse and as such would probably be dead when you needed it. Cut the fuel line and add a shut off valve.

24 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 25 Back Up Fuel Pump get the spare pump. Jack the passen- ger side of the car up with the OEM P ho t o o t ho P jack, remove the right rear wheel and Keep Your Hat On! p rov ided by by ided rov place it under the car in hopes that By Debbie McAllister (Some hats have bands inside and Important to if the jack slips, the tire will keep the Southern British Car Club other styles do not, so just position the mount the switch car from making you too flat as you foam inside the hat where a hat band D

av e e av in an easy access work under the edge of the car in the raveling in an MG is an adventure would be located). If there is a hat

D area. blowing wind to remove the original u band it is good to put the foam under B not to be missed. Keeping your ois pump, all the while hoping that some hat on when the wind whips all the band. It should be idiot doesn’t come over on the shoulder T around is another matter. I was lucky tight enough so that the wind does not and hit the car with you under it. Of blow your hat off, but if it is too tight smear some Kopr-Shield (a conduc- enough to get the inside scoop on the course, you have not installed the shut just peel off a piece of the foam and tive, anti-corrosion surface compound, art of making a hat stay securely on off valve yet, so with the first fitting re- cut a small section out. Thomas & Betts P/N 201-31879) or a your head. moved, you have gas running off your os t ho P similar product on the attachment elbow as you watch the all important

point. Mount your single pole, double p fiber washer drop to the ground and by ided rov throw switch in a convenient spot roll out of sight (the wife later finds it where it is easy to get to and not real about a hundred yards in front of the obvious (I mounted mine in a hole D car where the wind had finally depos- ebbie drilled through the rear bulkhead on ited it – I really love that woman!). M c the passenger side, just above floor A

The spare pump is finally installed er t is l l level). Disconnect the power lead from and all hooked up and your arm that the original pump and route it to the was getting the bath in gas feels like common terminal of the switch. Run a someone lit the gas and you still have wire from one of the other two termi- to replace the road wheel, and the nals to the original pump and a wire spare tire and re-pack the trunk. You from the other terminal to the back-up are finally back under way in about an pump. hour and a half, feeling very fortunate Select any hat you like and get I know — As you read this, you When positioning the hat on your that it wasn’t raining (or worse, snow- some “hat foam,” which is in essence head, start at the front and place your are saying to yourselves, why go to ing as the altitude there is somewhere just window insulation or foam tape all that trouble to install another fuel hand outside the hat pressing up around 4000 ft.) weather strip. It comes in several against the foam and the forehead. pump on the car? How hard can it be Sound convincing? Been there, widths. I prefer the 1/2” but the 3/4” to swap out a fuel pump on the road, Then grab the hat from the done that – I permanently installed will also work. It comes in gray, white, back and stretch it out over your hair. anyway? Let me make the permanent the NAPA pump and the shut-off valve or black. I just match the color to my installation look a bit more attractive. Important note: If the tape is not shortly after getting home – NOT go- hat. You should use the foam that is pressed into the hat firmly, the foam Consider the following scenario: You ing to do that again! sticky on one side only. are traveling north on I-5 and are just will roll when placing the hat on your If you followed my advice, you are head, resulting in a miserable situa- north of the Weed airport in Northern now all set for the next time that pesky California (sounds remote, doesn’t it? - tion because it grabs your hair and SU pump fails. Just flip the switch it just doesn’t let go. If this happens, it is). Weed is just about 50 miles south and continue on home, where you can of the Oregon-California boarder. The you must start over with a new piece remove the offending pump for repair of foam. temperature outside is low to mid-40ºs or replacement in the comfort of your F and there is a 45 to 50 mph wind garage. If you want to continue driv- blowing (as always). The *&@# pump ing your MG while the pump is being quits! Oh well, there is a spare in the repaired or while waiting for the re- trunk, under the spare tire. Pull off on placement to arrive, get a double male the shoulder as far as you can go with- union (Moss P/N 376-300) and install out driving in the dirt, get out, unpack it between the input and output lines the trunk, remove the spare tire and to the pump that has been removed.

Take it out of the package and simply put it around your head to measure. Cut it and then take that piece and peel off the backing paper.

26 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 27 Book Review SU Carbs Suck been published. Full color throughout, there But at Least They’re Consistent are dozens of close-up pictures that show specifically what to look for as well as pictures os t ho P

showing what it might look like p beneath the surface of that sus- x mgbe by ided rov picious looking rocker panel. Other than a very brief overview of the production his- p tory of the MGB, the book does .com ience er not stray off of its intended purpose: How to determine if the car you are considering to buy or restore is worth your time, money, and love. He even starts off the book on the right foot by asking if the car is right for you. He gives the reader a list of realistic considerations to make before even going further. Among the pages in the rest of the book is a 15-minute inspection guide, a second more in- depth inspection guide, buying at auction tips, paper work that you should expect to get with the car (this is more centered to UK readers, By Paul Rollins state of untrained mechanics frus- but you’ll get the idea), and a discus- Columbia Gorge MGA Club trated trying to adjust the carburetors; sion on what problems you can expect rather, depression is the Queen’s Eng- to encounter with a car that has sat for I love it when “outsiders” bad- lish for “vacuum” or “suction.” The Essential Buyer’s Guide: MGB MGB/GT a while no matter what it’s condition. mouth British cars. For a long time it Constant depression means that by Roger Williams Like the MGB Driver, The Essential kept the prices of some very enjoyable the suction level in the narrowed area Buyer’s Guide: MGB MGB/GT is sized to Veloce Publishing cars attractively low. One of the typi- of the carburetor throat (“choke” in fit inside a glovebox so it can be conve- ISBN 1-84584-029-1 / ISBN 13: 978-1- cal jeering points has been, and still Brit-speak), known as the nenturi, niently left in your car for quick refer- stays fairly constant even as the rate of 84584-029-1 / UPC 636847-04029-1 is, “them damn SU carburetors – you ence. I would make buying this book airflow varies. It achieves this by vary- www.veloce.co.uk can’t never get ‘em tuned right.” In mandatory for any first time MGB or contemporary lingo, they suck. ing the area of the venturi. www.velocebooks.com MGB/GT buyer if I could. I would also S.U., street name for Skinner’s “Conventional,” normal carbs, recommend any long time enthusiast Union, and Zenith-Stromberg carbure- like Holley, Carter, Solex, Hitachi, etc., any of you reading this either to purchase a copy as well just to help tors, are found on most British cars found on American, European, and met or at least saw the author keep a check on our hearts when con- sold in the U.S. before about 1980, as many Japanese cars are the opposite of this book, Roger Williams, M sidering additions to our collections. well as on Volvos of the 1950s and in operation – the area of the venturi at MG 2006. He gave several talks on Available at: Veloce Publishing at 1960s. A derivative design is also is fixed, so suction varies all over the modifying MGBs for V8 power and www.veloce.co.uk or their American dis- found on a few older Japanese cars. range as air flow changes. That’s vari- other topics. In this book, Roger uses tributor Motorbooks International at www. These are of a style known as “con- able depression, or VD. his fantastic eye for detail to give the motorbooks.com. (800) 458-0454. stant depression,” or CD for short. In my humble opinion, under reader the most complete guide to buy- – Robert Rushing This does not describe the mental most operating conditions, the CD ing a MGB or MGB/GT that has ever

28 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 29 SU Carbs Suck Unfortunately, ace shade-tree wrench Bill Joe Bob was completely More On the Oil Issue design is technically superior to the baffled by this “furrin” stuff. Even at by ion at r t us l il conventional, VD-type. A CD unit, the next step in the evolutionary lad- like an S.U., is an “elegant” design, der, the general-purpose-auto-repair meaning it works as well as alternative shop, the mechanics understanding of A forms, without their complexity. CD carburetors was likely not hugely eum rol t e P n a ic mer In the hierarchy of fuel/air-mixing better. devices, CD carbs are the step up from A British car dealer may have had VD carbs toward throttle-body fuel factory-trained mechanics who worked injection. on the British cars, but they probably I Many years before fuel injection started out working on American cars. e t u t i t ns came into common use, CD carbs had It seems many never did get comfort- perfected one of the key principles that able working on imported cars. CD make FI efficient – linear fuel metering carbs were as confusing to most of that is closely matched with the air- these technicians as Oregon traffic laws are to humans, but they probably flow, rather than stepped metering that By Roger Marshall – a two-letter classification identifies would never admit that. They molest- the conventional devices use. They did the vehicle fuel type and quality level ed the carbs with inappropriate tools MGs of Baltimore this with the incredibly simple system of the motor oil. of a single fuel path, using a single, and techniques, fiddled and diddled ollowing up on the issue of mo- “The first letter indicates the fixed jet, a moveable, tapered metering here and there, and the engines didn’t tor oils and reduced amounts of vehicle fuel type for which the oil is de- needle, and the variable venturi. run better, and maybe ran worse. The “ZDDP,” a zinc and phosphorus signed. Ratings that begin with an ‘S’ To accomplish a similar task, unfortunate carburetors, unable to F additive, Randy Kegg, as part of his are intended for gasoline engines. Rat- conventional carbs rely on an ant defend themselves, got the blame. tech session at our club’s monthly ings that begin with a ‘C’ are for diesel farm-like maze of internal fuel and air When CD carbs are set properly, meeting, reported on some research he engines. The second letter designates passages, with various jets, air con- they are efficient and effective, and had done. Other MG clubs have been the quality level of the motor oil. The nectors, emulsion tubes, and control they stay that way for many thousands doing the same research and the issue higher the letter, the more advanced ports. As the vacuum varies in these of miles. I have long wondered why boils down to being careful of what the oil and the more protection it offers carburetors’ fixed-size venturi, the fuel didn’t American automakers adopt you buy. your engine. A code of ‘SJ’ can be used flow hops from one internal circuit to the superior, CD design. If they had, The reduction of “ZDDP” came in any engine requiring an SB, SG, SH, another, in an awkward attempt to the skills for servicing these carbs about because manufacturers must etc. oil.” (Not to be confused with be- maintain a constant mixture ratio. would have been widely available here warranty catalytic converters for 10 ing good for older engines) With much less internal fidgeting, the – maybe even Bill Joe Bob could have years. Zinc and phosphorus can short- For now, Castrol GTX 20-50, Shell CD instrument does a respectfully tuned them – and maybe British cars en the life of the “cats.” Since modern Rotella diesel oil, and some oils by Red- consistent job of mixing the fuel with would have had a much better reputa- cars use roller lifters rather than flat line, Valvoline VR1, and some synthet- air compared to the VD design. tion in the U.S. tappets and most have overhead cams, ics seem to be what will prevent exces- SU and Zenith-Stromberg carbs Anyhow, let’s not ruin a good the need for the “ZDDP” has been re- sive cam lobe wear. Oils used in diesel are not hard to adjust, if you know thing by exploding the SU-carb myth. duced. The upshot of this change has engines are also apparently suitable how. But the know-how is a bit differ- We’ll keep the truth to ourselves. been excessive cam lobe wear and has for older engines – at least for now. In ent from that required for “normal” been recognized by several machine 2008, trucks are supposed to get cata- carburetors. Throw in the complica- About the Venturi: companies as well as manufacturers. lytic converters and that change may tion of synchronizing two or three Named after Giovanni Battista Ven- The temporary solution seems to be further reduce the availability of suit- carbs working together all the time, turi (1746-1822), an Italian guy, who quit- this: Read the labels! able oils for older cars. Synthetic oils which few American cars had, and ting the priesthood (confessions were so The “starburst” symbol on oil and racing oils have enough ZDDP in Detroit-iron mechanics were really depressing) fell in with the science gang. containers indicates that the oil meets them but are more expensive choices, befuddled by these British cars. Com- Building on Daniel Bernoulli’s work, he current the emissions standards and which may be moot since we may have petent British car mechanics were as investigated depression in fluid dynamics, has reduced ZDDP levels. no other choice at all soon. hard to find as honest politicians in formulating the venturi principle. Venturi Another symbol is that of the Before you run out and buy syn- many areas of the U.S. back in the was, in essence, the father of the carbu- American Petroleum Institute. Hot Rod thetic oil: Most of what I have read 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. retor. However, he denied it, insisting magazine [www.hotrod.com] gives this indicates a need to flush out all traces Finding the right technicians is he had never even met the mother, and account: of regular oil before installing synthet- still hard. Many owners treated, or claimed he was out of town then, anyhow. “The symbol is referred to as the ics, so it might be a good idea to do an mistreated, their British cars by taking For a good description of the opera- ‘API donut.’ It gives you three pieces of oil change again not long after mak- them to the corner fillin’ station for tion of CD carburetors see www.answers. information, including the API (Ameri- ing the switch, and to change the filter service, because it was convenient. com/topic/su-carburetor can Petroleum Institute) Service Rating again also.

30 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 31 Front Cover Entries For Nov./Dec. 2006 Issue This is Bill Davidson’s other entry, left. Bill won the front cover contest with an image of this red ‘74 MGB in a red rock desert scene. Seems that Bill has a knack for photography. He belongs to the Kansas City MG Car Club.

Below, a moody and artistic photo of Mark Jones’ MGB. Set in a field at the end of a muddy lane gives the feeling of a lonely romance with an MG sports cars.

Why wouldn’t Jack Orkin’s MG Midget be a cover girl? Great car, great setting . . . What sign?

Below is Gerald Medford’s entry. The prettiest MG entry was not a require- ment. Gerald’s MGB-GT looks like there is hope. Well, at least for the parts. His other red MGB-GT in front of the fountain photo won him a spot on the back cover. The date proves it was Christmas time for Bill Specht yellow MGB entry or this is one very happy fam- ily.

32 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 33 Amtrak Road Trip 2007 P ho t os os t ho P p o ddb o oswi md og&n nlanfutu es.org ur t u ndf a engl w ne & .org a imedi ik mons.w com by ided rov

By Ann and Jake Snyder Street for about 20 minutes. train back-tracked for ten miles to get an era gone now for many years from Chicagoland MG Club Then, in keeping with the estab- on a clear set of tracks. In total, we got South Bend. This particular mansion lished tradition, gastronomic excess an extra two hours of train time for no had belonged to the Oliver family and ach year, the Chicagoland MG began as everyone pulled out the extra charge. it had been built on wealth from the Club takes a “rail trip.” This year’s treats they brought to share. There Unfortunately, while most of us Oliver plow, made from chilled iron Amtrak Road Trip started in the were a half-dozen kinds of cheese, were partying on the train, Diana with a replaceable tip. This plow was E Gonzales was waiting in the Holiday the least expensive available, at a cost usual sunken seating area behind the several dips and spreads, crackers and main bar in Chicago’s Union Sta- small slices of bread that were eclipsed Inn with her husband Oscar and with of seven dollars about a century and a tion. It was late afternoon on Friday, only by Bill Mennell’s cantaloupe Ed Misch, who had driven his MGB 75 half ago, and was capable of turning January 19th and a small group of wrapped in prosciutto, baked chicken miles to get there. She was increas- the vast Midwestern prairie into wheat Chicagoland MG Club members, wings, and shrimp cocktail on diced ingly certain that something bad had fields. The Studebaker family home, including Bill and Debby Mennell, cucumber. Bill makes the cocktail happened to the train and to us, a Tippecannoe, is now a restaurant. In- Dean and Mary Swanson, Doug Clark, sauce from readily available ingredi- feeling substantiated by the fruitless- terestingly, the Oliver family adapted Bob Schultz, Jim Renkar, Ann and ents – the trick is the proper amount ness of several calls she made to the and prospered while the Studebaker John Schroeder, and us, had gath- of lime juice. There were a few bottles Amtrak “help” desk to find out what family dissolved in destitution. ered to adventure by Amtrak train to of wine as well, but the recent prohibi- where we were. The Studebaker National Museum South Bend, Indiana to tour the newly tion against all but Amtrak-supplied After a few hours sleep and a is a true treasure, starting with a full opened Studebaker National Museum alcoholic beverages meant these were breakfast buffet in the hotel, we room of wagons, first motoring era that replaced the older version a few not openly displayed. regrouped in the lobby, got pointed cars, and large, low power vehicles blocks away. We had time for a sand- The only trouble with a train trip in the right direction by the hotel almost a hundred years old. The mod- wich and a beer before crowding into to South Bend is that it could be too staff, and proceeded to the Studebaker ern cars, those built in the 1950s, are the departure lounge at about 6:30 short to permit a really thorough ex- National Museum, about a half-mile represented and displayed very nicely. p.m. ploration of all the food if the schedule away. We passed several nicely kept There was a lot to see and we toured We managed to get seated togeth- were followed. Fortunately, the rail- old mansions on the walk, and we slowly. Most of us made a trip to the er, thanks mostly to the young Amish way policy is “freight trains before pas- were quite pleased when the admission basement to see the vehicles that may family that was traveling back to their senger service, always” and this gave desk clerk told us we could tour one be displayed if and when there is space home in eastern Pennsylvania and us a few extra minutes waiting on sid- of them for an additional two dollars. for them. suggested that they exchange their ings. And, again fortunately, one of The mansion is called Copshaholm After that long day, we walked seats with us to keep everyone togeth- the freight trains that was ahead of us and is adjacent to the museum. We back to the hotel and assembled to er. The train left within a minute of had a broken locomotive engine. This had enough people (fourteen in all) determine if we were going to the pool the scheduled departure, but stopped gave us a half hour’s wait and then to make our own group, and we spent before supper. Diana Gonzales passed at what Southsiders identified as 37th an additional forty minutes when our two hours viewing the magnificence of out bottles of beer and more snacks as

34 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 35 Amtrak Road Trip os t ho P p o ddb n&j nyder y sn e k ja & nn a by ided rov Kingpins: Fulcrum Distance Tubes A Modification os t ho P p o ddb hlders chil k r a m by ided rov By Mark Childers Tidewater MG Classics

t was either a Dark and Stormy or Black and Tan night, or maybe Iboth. I don’t rightly remember either weather or brew at the moment, but I do have a vivid recollection of a stream of well-thought out, pardon- my-French expletives-deleted, follow- ing six jammed zerk fittings in what had to be among the worst-maintained pair of MGB kingpins in the history of the Little British Car Empire. I pulled a zerk and squeezed some grease through it to see how bad things were going to be. Sure enough, it was clogged to the point where the grease gun stalled, the hose was beginning to swell, and no amount of tugging would now get the zerk fitting released from the adapter at the end of the hose. I fired up my tiny butane pocket torch and held it an inch from the zerk to slowly heat up the innards. A tiny ribbon of steam replace. and cruddy grease blew out followed When a kingpin is freshly rebuilt by clean grease under near-explosive and lubricated even with the highest pressure. I probed the zerk port on the quality “right stuff,” the new grease bottom with a jeweler’s screwdriver almost immediately begins aging as and extracted some dry, powdery a result of moisture and dirt and even residue, then reinserted the zerk, only products with Teflon additives eventu- to find that the grease in the king pin ally get smokin’ hot at the molecular had hardened too much to be pushed level when exposed to enough weight out of the end seals. I repeated the and motion over long periods. Bear- process five more times with similar ing grease manufacturers use various results. Sure, I could have scrounged combinations of vegetable, mineral, a half dozen good zerks from the parts animal, synthetic, and hydrocarbon Upper left map gives you an idea where South Bend, Ind., is. To the right of that and below bin, but I would have cleaned these oil as the essential lubricant, with a are a small sample of Studebakers that dwell in the museum. Lower right is the Chicago- out anyway for future spares, and thickener of lithium-soap or organic land MG Car Club in transition mode on their excursion to the museum. what’s more fun than compressed air, clay. These sticky binders hold the fire, and flammable materials? I then much slicker lubes in place, and don’t loosened both bottom fulcrum nuts, create much friction themselves. Used we proceeded to turn the lobby into and we were back in Chicago well and rotated the bolts to find, by pure exclusively over the life of a compo- another party train. The marvelous before noon. The most interesting sub- good luck, the bolts and distance tubes nent, any good ball joint grease will do glass-enclosed curved bar in the hotel’s jective effect was that we felt that we had not seized, and the A-arm through the job without issue. dining room won over the pool, and had been away a lot longer than just holes were still round and had not A serious problem arises when we finished that Saturday with a very two days. It was another good Amtrak elongated. There’s little sense in greas- lithium and clay-based lubricants are adequate supper in an Irish pub about Road Trip. ing a seized fulcrum bolt, especially intermixed. By some not yet fully un- a block away. Sunday came too soon, if it takes more work to grease than to derstood process, they combine to form

36 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 37 Lower Fulcrum Distance Tube P ho t os os t ho P p o ddb hlders chil k r a m by ided rov

a thick, dry paste that encapsulates spect, I suppose my contractor grade virtually all three types of lubricating hot air gun might have sufficed, and agents, and a “magic bullet” addi- reduced the risk. If you do use a torch, tive to allow them to mix isn’t likely an industrial spray bottle filled with to hit the market anytime soon. This seltzer water or diet soda works great phenomenon isn’t something new, to quell the occasional flare-up from either. In my career in helicopters, the extremely flammable. Much better

which ended more than fifteen years than water as they release lots of CO2. ago, there were a number of warnings WD40 makes a great flame thrower… issued about the effects of mixing dif- Some greases contain benzene that, ferent MilSpec greases, and the French when heated above 140º F, releases a lost a couple of helicopters that turned potentially carcinogenic out-gassing, out to be directly related to congealed so make sure there’s lots of ventilation grease in gearboxes resulting from whenever the torch (or a hot tank) is mixing clay and lithium. used around the greasy bits. Back from my musings – I didn’t When the king pin got fairly hot want to do a complete rebuild of the (just on the verge of smoking grease, front end unless it was really neces- but nowhere near hot enough even for sary, and the king pins didn’t have the casting slag to glow), I pumped any noticeable movement. By remov- synthetic grease into the top fitting ing the steering rod ends, I swiveled until it started oozing out the middle the king pins back and forth, stiff and hole. I then installed a zerk in the jerky at first, while squirting a steady middle, pumping that one until the stream of WD40 into the top most nasty yellow residue ceased flow- open zerk port. After a few dozen ing, and clean grease came out the shots, there were some traces of the bottom hole. That done, I used the WD dripping out the bottom-most zerk wet rag to cool the kingpin to room port. I wiped off as much grease and temp and started the process over top crud as possible from the king pins, to bottom until cool, thick and clean wrapped the brake line with a couple grease came out of all the seals. The layers of tin foil, replaced the top-most change in how the king pins felt while grease fitting (so that I wouldn’t have swiveling was immediately apparent, to burn my fingers) then, staying clear and the palpable clunk from the dry of the rubber seals, slowly heated king- lower fulcrum was gone. I then put a pins from bottom to top with the Map jack under the springs one at a time, torch set to a medium flame. In retro- pulled the lower fulcrum bolts and

38 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 39 Lower Fulcrum Distance Tube that it contains an estrogen-mimick- ing chemical that may affect both spacers out for a quick inspection with the reproductive system and (if only Autumn in the Mountains the intention of chamfering a groove by inference) those folds in the male os t ho P around the center of the distance tube brain that compels guys to enter Sears Brit Car Show Chimney Rock p and drill a small grease port to allow through Tool Country even when it’s by ided rov grease to get to the bolt, but noted that three minutes before closing and the someone had already done the mod. sole mission is to pick up a frilly bed- D I made the owner promise to come in-a-bag with matching curtains for ek er

back after a couple hundred miles to that surprise visit by the wife’s great- C ook & & ook shoot another course of grease into the aunt Matilda. That said, whether you J kingpin in hopes that more old residue have an pneumatic or hand-pump h t udi might be forced out, and slow down version, or are using grease to worry R the current, inevitable congealing into a wheel bearing, wear chemical on s t ober process. resistant gloves, and anytime you clear When I grease anything from a zerk fitting with a grease gun, pay suspension components to wheel bear- close attention to where eyes, fingers, ings, my tool of choice is a mid-priced, and palms maybe, relative to the exit one-handed pneumatic gun sporting hole. Safery Fast! Safety First! an ominous safety-orange warning of ders chil k r a m by ion at r t us l il its ability to inject a potentially lethal dose of lubricant at 6,000 psi right The scenic overview of the show field, left, through human skin. Hand pumps is spectacular behind the American flag. are no less dangerous, pressure wise, Brit cars included Morgans, MGBs, MGAs but most take two hands to operate and assorted other marques as well. when greasy, thus improving the odds against skin injection. I can only guess that any improved range of mo- tion one’s joints might experience fol- Lower fulcrum distance tube modification lowing significant “inadvertent human Use the edge of a grinding wheel to injection” of lithium disulfide might be carefully cut a shallow 1/8” wide cham- offset by some bizarre and serious side fer in the middle of the distance tube, effects. Fortunately, general purpose going all the way around the entire greases don’t contain a lot of toxic outer circumference. All that is needed substances, but my take is that the is to remove the hardened surface and MSD toxicity review is likely measured by skin contact, and at worst, sticking provide enough depth for grease to a freshly smashed greasy thumb into flow under pressure. one’s mouth, not so much toward com- When chamfer is complete, drill a pulsive eaters, or junkies looking for 1/8” (approx) hole through the chamfer cheap thrills. And grease under pres- into the center of the distance tube. in a fine showing of both classic and sure is just another good reason for This will allow grease to migrate from By Derek Cook and Judith Robertson always wearing safety glasses around British Car Club Western North Carolina modern day British engineering. the zerk fitting, into lower bushing, thru Cars of every type from Jaguars anything that might get in your eyes. the new hole, and into the inner diam- he British Car Club of Western to Austin-Healeys to Morgans to As an aside, the MSD sheet for my Dow eter to lube the lower fulcrum bolt. Corning GP Bearing grease indicates North Carolina’s Autumn in the Triumphs to modern-day MINIs were Mountains - A British Car Gath- represented on the field and about 15 cncal a ion echnic t at r t us l il T ering, took place on Oct. 15, 2006 at more cars came onto the field after Chimney Rock Park, Bat Cave, N.C. the registration deadline had passed

Section of the front ing aw dr Many gathered in the early morning including a Healey Silverstone! suspension where it udios.com t s bga : chill at what was the beginning of a MGs were well represented with

shows the placement : 27. MGBs accounted for 20 of these, in- MOSS beautiful fall day. People were there to of the distance tube. cluding Bill and Debbie Wilson’s 1972

talk with other car owners and to see a otors t mo magnificent display of British cars. No B Roadster that was featured in Classic MG Magazine Issue #22 and on the , , one was disappointed as almost 100 INC cars were driven onto The Meadows back cover of the November/December

40 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 41 Autumn in the Mountains

P ho t os os t ho P Product Review p

rov ided by by ided rov Portable Seat Heaters on the front of the bottom for fixing that portion. I D er ek ek er didn’t put all the hooks C

ook & & ook on. I wanted to be able to transfer the cushion, so I J udi t h h t udi only did the upper straps,

R which does allow it to move brtson s t ober around more. It surprised me by tak- ing a while to warm up. I could feel heat from the car and the heated cushion at about the same time. It took it about 10 minutes to really get rolling, and with Allan Knight’s ‘49 Mini was among the special cars on display in the Mountains show. what should’ve been no sur- prise, the thickness of the coat I was wearing made a issue of MGB Driver. of picking winners in more than 25 difference. Autumn in the Mountains is a categories of British cars. Once warmed up, charity event; and again this year, we Eddie Saunders’ 1963 silver Jaguar I found the heat to be are pleased to say the Meals on Wheels Mk2 was voted “Best of Show.” It is somewhat addictive. With programs of Henderson and Buncombe a beautiful car calling up visions of By Dave Densmore heaters on both the seat counties in North Carolina will benefit elegant days gone by with its display Emerald Necklace MG Register and back, I found my lower back really from the show. The proceeds realized of champagne for two set up on the enjoyed the warmth the cushion had from this event will completely fund fold-out tables in the back seat. A warm tush is a happy tush! to offer. When on the way home from meals for one person in each county This year’s Autumn in the Moun- work, I set the seat just right, lean my for the entire year of 2007. tains show will take place on Oct. 6. I was surfing the Army and Air head back on the headrest, got some The event is a People’s Choice vote, Information online at www.autumnin- Force Exchange Service (AAFES) nice tunes going on the XM, and the and the participants did a fine job themountains.org. website last fall, when I found an item heat soaking into my back. Excuse me that I thought would be nice to have in while I go for a little ride… the car. It was a heated cushion for a The $30 question is, where do you car’s seat for $29.95. Hmmmm… The buy it? I could not find it on AAFES Subaru “MG” GT doesn’t exactly heat again when I wanted to get one for briskly in the morning, and it could be a Christmas gift. I haven’t seen it in really useful in the MG, why not try it stores. I did find it on Amazon.com, out? cheaper, while researching for this Receiving it, I found it to be of a article. Amazon also had a different simple design, about ½” thick, 24” model, with a switch, for $17.95. For wide, with the back being 24” high, more info, try www.wagan.com. and the seat being 24” long. It’s made Pros? It warms you without the of a black leatherette material, with wind blowing the heat away. It’s thre heated zones in the back and simple to install. It’s inexpensive to one in the seat, and a 5-foot cord with buy. I’ve tried it without using the no switch that plugs into a cigarette hooks and it will work. It doesn’t move lighter outlet. around much, even with none of the I hooked it up in the car. It has straps attached. It’s easy to swap from straps on the upper back for keeping car to car. the back up, straps that go between Cons? Having a switch in the cord The second best part of the show was the weather, with bright skies on shining cars. the seat back and bottom, and straps would be really convenient, as would

42 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 43 Portable Heated Seat taking the time to wire it in with a Saving a ‘B: A Photo Essay different type connection, such as a By John “The MG Doc” Mangles the car go and not wanting a salvage two-prong plug that could be tucked All British Car Repair title, we worked out an agreement with in next to the seat. It’s thick enough the insurance carrier to pay so much to change the way the seat sits, and A friend of mine was involved in towards the repair so we could save it took me some adjustments to make an accident while on the annual Polar it. A big thanks to Hagerty Insurance it more comfortable. Using the hooks Bear Run of a local Triumph club. for working with him — most other doesn’t allow for easy car swapping. While it was a big scare, both he and companies would never have been so Not easy to find. another friend who was along for the understanding or flexible! I think that this seated heat ride were fine. However, as you can The only solution for saving the cushion, or one like it, could be a see, his 1980 MGB LE was not. car was to replace the whole rear of the great addition to an MG because of its At first glance, the car didn’t seem car. I’ve done this a number of times portability. Toss a couple in the trunk so bad until we got a closer look. The before in my 30+ years of experience, of the MG, slip them on the seats when rear of the car was almost beyond but it’s not a task that is taken lightly needed, and have some extra warmth. saving. It didn’t help matters any that since it has to be spot-on or the car will Even top down, the heat can’t be he had not updated his agreed valu- never be the same again. Luckily an- sucked out, you’re sitting on it! I rate it ation of the car lately, so the amount other friend of ours had a 1980 B that a 6 out of 10 because it’s hard to find. Another option, cordless heated Seat from required to repair it was as much as was heading to the scrap yard which ColdHeat™ $79 free Shipping the policy. It looked like the car was had a usable rear. What follows is the going to be totaled. Not wanting to let process I took to “save” this MGB LE. P ho t os os t ho P p rov ided by john “ t he he t “ john by ided rov M o”manles ngl a m doc” g

Ryan Roberts’ MGB on I-80 east May 5th, 2007. Going to Britfest 2007 in NJ.

1. Day it arrived at the shop. 2. It was smashed down and twisted to the right.

3. Navigator’s head bent the top frame 4. Damage cut away and prepared for the when his seat back broke (he’s all right – at frame shop. least we think so)

44 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 45 P ho t os os t ho P P ho t os os t ho P Saving a ‘B p p rov ided by john “ t he he t “ john by ided rov rov ided by john “ t he he t “ john by ided rov M M o”manles ngl a m doc” g o”manles ngl a m doc” g

8. You can already see some difference in the quarter panel. 12. Donor part from 1980 MGB on the 15. Welding completed and alignment spot right. on! 5. Look how out of align the stripes on the quarter panel are to those on the door.

9. Rear end removed from car to start replacement.

13. Outer sill cut away to facilitate the 16. Swapping rear differentials . 6. On the frame / unibody alignment rack. welding of the inner sills.

10. Not something everyone wants to see done to their car!

7. Clamped at pinch welds to apply pres- 11. Front half ready for new rear. 14. MIG welded along factory seams re- 17. Paint-work finished and ready for sand- sure. placing factory spot welds with plug welds. ing and polishing.

46 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 47 P ho t os os t ho P Saving a ‘B p rov ided by john “ t he he t “ john by ided rov Basic B An Aromatic Problem! place. Eventually, I had to take the two screws out which held the canister on By Ken Smith to its mounting and work on it while

M MGB Registrar it was free. I replaced both lines and o”manles ngl a m doc” g have had no further problems with gas rior to our departure for a recent smells in the car. The fact that these meeting, I filled the 1980 MGB hoses are tucked away under the lip of Pup with gas ... at which point my the rear fender means that they tend to charge card burst into flames at the become neglected as they are almost 18. Sanded completed and polishing begun. amount it cost! I am young enough out of sight. I well remember the late 21. Almost completed – paint, stripes, and to remember when you could fill a Bob Mason telling me to check ALL trim fitted MGB’s tank for 10 bucks, 15 at most. hoses at least once a year, but this time Here in California today (May), a total I forgot to remember! of $36 just topped the tank off! But apart from the distinct impression that Overdrive problems we are being price-gouged, there was The overdrive fitted to the MGB is something else which smelled rather usually a very reliable unit that will bad on our way to the meeting. give many years of trouble-free “over- Forty miles on the road and my driving,” but occasionally a problem “nagivator” asked me if I could smell will arise which will send your heart gas entering the MGB. I had to agree fluttering. Fortunately, most faults are 19. Seams sealed, ready to be undercoated that there was a distinct aroma of minor, being caused by worn switches Shell’s best hanging around some- or wiring. However, one problem that and painted. where. However, the further we went came to light recently happened to the smell of gas diminished and upon a friend of mine. He got the rather arrival at the meet, I checked under unusual phenomenon of overdrive in the hood and all seemed in order. every gear! I filled up again as we left the Unusual, because the limit switch meet for the drive home and once that caused the fault failed in the again we had the smell of gas coming closed position and these switches into the “B,” and again it went away usually fail in the open position, thus the further we drove. Once back at the making the O/D inoperative. On the ranch, I again examined the engine face of it this might not seem to be a compartment and found no trace of particularly serious fault, until you 22. The finished product – looks brand new! fuel leaks. However, when I opened realize that the O/D limiter switch is 20. Looks just like the original! the trunk there was the distinct smell put there for two reasons: of fuel. I examined the fuel lines to 1. To ensure the torque the engine discover that the pipe leading to the develops in 1st and 2nd gears doesn’t vapor separator canister from the fuel destroy the clutch cone in the overdrive tank was hanging down and adrift unit and: from the canister! Moreover, having 2. To ensure the O/D does not removed the pipe I found it to be brittle operate in reverse gear. This is because and rotten, which as it’s probably been the O/D contains a unidirectional on the car since new (27 years!) was clutch (it will only rotate in one direc- not surprising. The canister is essential tion) and if overdrive were available to stop any possible fuel being sucked in any gear, and inadvertently left up from the gas tank going to the switched in, any attempt to reverse the charcoal filter under the hood. Any car would result in irreparable damage fuel which does make it to the canister to the unit. is then allowed to evaporate – hence So, as you can see, the effect of vapor separator canister!! what on the surface, is a quite inno- The pipe was a little bugger to re- cent fault, can be disastrous! 23. And this could have been in a scrap heap!

48 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 49 Tech Talk Hi John, Attached are two photo files that show the Midget 1500 engine stock emis- sions set up, plus a picture showing mine – which is minus the hot gas rails and all that exhaust emission plumbing,. The pump is attached (frozen), but no belt, John Twist with the output big hose going to rear of Technical engine, still connected. The valve cover Coordinator has a non-vented oil filler cap and a short MGB Driver straight pipe connected to a new Weber carb with a short hose (was that way when I purchased Midget two weeks ago). The fuel vapor system seems to be intact. Hi John, I suspect that something still needs I’m a member of NAMGBR (#15- to be done as oil seems to come out of the 5734) and read your Tech Talk section in dip stick above 3,000 rpm. Any help is the MGB Driver regularly. I’m not sure I appreciated! saw this problem mentioned previously Thanks, and I apologize if you may have already Saul discussed it. P.S. Do I just need to get a “breathable” I have a ‘72 MGB with the original (I oil filler cap? believe) distributor. My problem is that the rotors keep failing. I’ll be driving along Saul! and suddenly the car will stop. I simply You have one of two problems, or get out, replace the rotor with a new spare both. The hose entering the bottom of that I carry along and I’m happily back the air filter on the downdraught We- on the road. I cannot find any cracks on ber carburetor has to be large enough the failed rotor or other physical reason to allow the blow-by to vent into the for the failure. I have tried Lucas rotors carb. Some owners mistakenly block from Moss and aftermarket rotors from off the engine vent – causing the en- Discount Auto with the same results. gine to pressurize – and oil leaks from There doesn’t seem to be any pattern every seal and gasket – and blows from to the failures that I have observed. For the dipstick tube. You should make example, I drove all the way to MG 2006 certain there is NO restriction to free in Gatlinburg and back (1400 miles movement of vapors. roundtrip), then around my home area for The second problem (which I months with no failures. Then another suspect) is that the compression rings day, it failed just a block from home. (I’ve are not doing their job and the blow-by learned to carry a few spares in the boot!) is much greater than normal. This I wonder if you have encountered this requires new rings – very expensive. problem or may have advise other owners So, make that hose from the valve on it. Thanks in advance for your advice. cover to the air cleaner larger – pur- Safety Fast, chase some fittings from the hardware Rick Bucchino store, if necessary, to give an unre- Bradenton, FL stricted vent to the valve cover. You could go so far as to cut a hose in the Rick! air cleaner and simply run the hose About four or five years ago there straight in (or use a 1/2-piece of tubing were a number of these rotors that and fit the hose to that. failed. Not only are these rotors com- Always start with the simplest and mon to the MGB, but to the MGA and least expensive repairs. T-types, let alone a host of other British

50 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 51 Tech Talk Galloway! Dear John, fill the box until it just stops dripping Many of the new seals are not the Thank you in advance for your help. I (you have the sidefill box with the filler same size, same density, nor do some decided to put a 3-main MGB engine into plug on the right). When you’re driv- vehicles. of them have the same cross section my 1960 MGA. The MGAs 1600 engine is ing, in overdrive, push the gear lever Some surmised, at that time, as the originals. What to do? You can bored 0.40 over and has liners, and I was right, back, left – see if you can get the that the inside diameter of the rotors bend the vent window frame towards scared to eyebrow the block to enable use OD to switch on by the position of the were too small and, when pushed and the center of the car and away from of a modern flowed cylinder head on the lever. If that makes a difference then seated onto the distributor cam, they the center. I know that sounds creepy engine to get more power. there is a problem with the lockout cracked and allowed a short between (What will I break?) but you can, in I’ve never worked on a 3-main MGB switch (the least accessible electrical the brass contact and the distributor fact, yank on them pretty hard to engine before. I bought a used short block component on the car!). cam below. I never completely accept- achieve a better fit. You’d think that for $100. When I got home with it and ed this theory, but I could not come up the glass track would be distorted, but cleaned up the tops of the pistons, they with a better one. I’ve never encountered a problem. look eerily like factory pistons! They are John, Another theory is that the ignition stamped MOWOG in the middle, with In the Bentley manual it states that coils put out too much voltage and “Front” on the front side. They have a “3” you can replace the valve guides by driving the spark seeks and finds an earth by Hi John, stamped on the far side. Does this mean them down into the combustion side of shorting through the plastic. Do you A few years ago, I rebuilt my carbure- that these are 0.30 oversize? Does this the head. After 30 some years of these have a high voltage ignition coil? tors at one of your seminars. Finally the mean that they are the original pistons parts being in the head, just how easily Again, this was a problem in bodywork on the car is completed and I’m and the block hasn’t been bored out yet is it to remove these guides with a drift the past, but is now pretty rare. This in the process of reassembly. (which I find hard to believe)? without damaging the head? Would a makes me believe the problem is be- Here is my question: How was the fuel Yours faithfully, hydraulic press work better? There are two tween your coil and the resistance in supply line originally routed in the engine Gregory M. Chait reasons why I would like to remove the your spark plug wires rather than in bay on this car (build date: December Gregory, guides myself. First, I live on the Outer the rotor. But – bottom line – I do not 1973)? I have a 1971 MGB where the The pistons were originally Banks of North Carolina where there are have a definitive answer for you. supply lines run along the firewall, then sized at 3.160 inches. That number, no machine shops. The nearest machine forward along the driver side past the stamped on the top (and stamped on shop is around 70 miles one-way. The carburetors, through a fuel filter to the the top of the block sometimes – if second is the price given to me – $350 and John, front carburetor port and from there to the you look carefully) is the number of I supply the guides. I should have added a I’m going nutty! Well maybe I’m rear one. ten-thousandths oversize. The num- third reason. Which is the workmanship there already. I have an 80 B and I can’t On my car, before I disassembled it, ber is sometimes inside a rhombus. down here isn’t the greatest. If you want seem to find the correct nuts for the mud- the fuel line had the fuel filter installed at The blocks were bored and hone then something done right you need to do it guard in front of the engine. I can’t even the firewall (close to the exhaust manifold, measured. The pistons were spun and yourself. Which leads to a good self- find them in the Moss catalog or Victoria which is the reason why I doubt that this measured. The bores were not all the education in the skill trades. Why people British. was original) and then it splits through a same size – nor were the pistons. This down here accept the poor workmanship I Oh well any help would be appreciated. brass Y-connector. A short hose ran to the marking allowed the factory to get the do not understand! I did take an engine Thanks rear carburetor port, a longer one to the best fit. It is meaningless today. I am planning to rebuild to one of the best Harry MacLean front. Is there anyplace where I could find The MGB block will work just fine (I am told by our club) machine shop up Harry! a picture or diagram of the carburetor line for you. Consider using Pete Alberta’s in Virginia Beach, Virginia for cleaning, We use 10-32 nylock nuts. Hope routing for this car? rear main seal – it’s very expensive, to cam bearing replacement, and to have the this helps! Thanks for your help! be sure, but it is a positive seal. Oth- crank reground. Wolfgang Weber erwise, ensure that your machine shop But the Island does have good align bores the main caps. beaches and darn good fishing. As a farm Wolfgang! boy from Ohio, I miss the motorheads and John, The fuel line runs across the back people that know how to check their own I spoke to you in the ’80s when you re- of the firewall, then along the left Dear John, oil. built my carbs. I still have the car and am hand side of the inner fender. There I have a 1979 MGB. The overdrive Thank you for your time, plus the rebuilding completely. Problem is the vent is a fuel filter in the line just to the works perfectly from cold (switches in and weight off my chest windows don’t fit at the top when the new rear of the small bracket on the inner out almost instantly); but as soon as I have John T. Terschak seal is installed. The bottom fits against fender that holds a clip, which, in turn, driven less than 1 mile, it fails to work. the windscreen pillar, but the top is tight holds the fuel line. Regards, John! and pushes outwards. If the windshield The HIF carbs are fed from the Neil I have never done any cylinder were tilted slightly out it would fit but this front – there’s an intermediate hose be- Neil! head work myself; I’ve always sent it is not the answer. There is no adjustment tween the carbs. If you send me your The problem probably lies in off to our machine shop. The machin- it seems. What am I doing wrong? fax number, I’ll send along a picture something simple. Check the gearbox ing is a critical process, as you well Greatly appreciate any advice, (as best as I can find) of the placement. oil, for sure. Use Castrol 20W/50 and know from the descriptions you’ve Galloway Charles

52 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 53 Tech Talk MGA and 1969 MGB/GT). All of my Several years ago I purchased a HS6 have a good idle. experience is really old so I am, in a sense, manifold and carb kit from Moss Motors About the mismatched manifold starting over. Sorry for the basic questions and recently got around to installing it on thicknesses, use the original manifold given. We do not have the machinery below: my car. At the same time I installed an ex- washers, but solder or glue half of a 3/8 to rework the cylinder heads ourselves. I got around to checking the gearbox haust header (1¾-inch stainless with heat flat washer (maybe a couple of them) I would suggest that you find a good oil today and found that I was low about shield wrap), ram horns, and a manual to make up the difference between 9/16 shop for this work – so I’ll make a pitch a pint. My memory told me that the trans- choke kit. and 7/16”. for our services. We (with our machine mission used the same oil as the engine When I started the car up and took it Ensure that your throttle is open- shop) can completely rework a cylinder so I put a pint of Castrol GTX 20-50 in for test ride, I got a nasty flat spot. Back ing fully – have your associate sit head for an MGB for about $550. the gearbox. When I checked my notes to the garage… Pulled everything apart. in the car and press the throttle to Whoa! That’s $200 more than I realized I should have used 30-weight Noticed that the lands on the manifold the floor. Then attempt to open the your local shop charges. Here’s why: motor oil. Do you think I have caused any were slightly thinner than the lands on the carbs more. If you can get movement, the head is baked (not boiled in caustic damage? What should I do now? exhaust manifold. Also noticed that the then you must reposition the throttle soda) and then shot-peened to remove What do you recommend for the HS6s were a late model that also had a linkage or reposition the throttle stop all the external scale and carbon; the gearbox oil? Should it be detergent or non- port for crank case vent tubes. Blocked off screw (on the firewall). guides are pressed out; the new sili- detergent? the vent tubes, doubled up the gasket un- Please call if you are encountering cone-bronze guides are pressed in and On a related subject, there is a lot of der the carbs (all new gaskets), disconnect- any more problems. You know, those reamed; new seats are installed on the press these days about engine oil. Specifi- ed and blocked off the distributor vacuum 1¾ carbs are WAAAY too big for the exhaust (hardened, to prevent valve cally, the additives have supposedly been line, reset the timing, and installed new engine, but they can be made to work recession); the head is crack checked removed from Castrol GTX 20-50. I was plugs. just fine. (that’s probably just after the clean- told that a better choice now would be Got out my SU Carburetor Tun- ing!); the head is surfaced; and there is Valvoline VR1 20-50 Racing Oil. I would ing book and went to work setting up a triple angle cut placed on the valve be very interested in your opinion. the carbs. Checked everything – float John, seat – plus there are umbrella oil seals Thanks for your help, level correct, needles centered and not I don’t know if you remember, but installed to prevent the oil from leak- Paul Patsis loose, jets initial setting two turns down during the B maintenance symposium I ing down the guides. after verifying jet level with carb base. mentioned I was about to tune an engine This is a common and frequent Paul! Started up and let the engine warm I rebuilt for my 72 GT. Weather has repair for us. For an additional $300, The gearbox takes “engine oil” up thoroughly. Set the initial idle with improved to where I can run it with the the shop will port and polish the head and that Castrol 20W/50 is just great. vacuum synchronize, set mixture at idle garage door open so I am trying to get it to give you more power. The work- Now there is some concern with and at 3000 rpm with Color Tune (no done. manship is excellent and we’re only a Castrol 20W/50 being API rated and load). Flat spot gone while carb linkage I have set the ignition pretty well but UPS shipment away. not having enough ZDDP – and that, is loose. As soon as everything is snugged here is the problem. The engine rebuild If you are doing this job yourself, according to some, will cause a pre- up, the flat spot is back only now it’s included a new VP-11 APT cam, I had you might consider not even changing mature cam failure. But, apparently, worse. Running up the jets (leaning mix- to overbore to .060, and a ported and the valve guides but simply installing the high ZDDP concentration is critical ture) results in backfiring. Running down polished standard late head, opening up the Felpro Seals SS 70373. If you do only in the first couple of thousand the jets (richening mixture) makes the flat the ports a good deal. I have needed ether install new silicone-bronze guides, be miles after engine rebuilding. A GM spot worse. Do you have any suggestions? to start it initially when cold so far. Once sure to have them opened to 0.002” product, EOS, which is about $12, is Thanks in advance, warm it runs way too fast, about 2100 (instead of 0.0005” as the workshop easily added to the engine oil and John Aubin rpm at idle with the choke off and throttle manual suggests). New valves are not increases the concentration of ZDDP to screws backed out full. necessary and sodium valves, stainless a high level. John, If I lift a carb (standard HIFs) piston valves, etc are simply not worth the You can Google “ZDDP British First of all, connect the front tap- it dies out nearly all the way. That tells extra money. It’s those hardened seats Car” and come up with a hundred pet inspection cover to the carb vents me the carbs are too lean. Looking in that make all the difference! articles right now. I’m still unsure as – use a 90-degree hose and the plastic the throat of the carbs the jets are maybe I would use a press and a shoul- to the critical importance of all this, Y-piece. Use 5/16” hose from the Y- 1/16ths or less down from the shoulder in dered mandrel to remove the guides, but we DID change our engine oil to piece to the carbs and you won’t need the carb intake. If I richen the carbs, it but I would not be concerned about a diesel rated Valvoline 15w/40 after clamps (it looks better without clamps). should speed up more. the time they’ve been in place – that having used GTX for 30 years. I may Connect the vacuum advance I’m guessing that with the increased shouldn’t make a difference. change back – we’ll see. from the manifold to the carburetor. volume flowing through the vacuum in the If you want to discuss more of this, Now timing is CRITICAL – most carb intake is lifting the carb pistons too much please give me a call! problems come from faulty timing. and drawing more fuel. It seems to me Dear John Twist: Set your advance at 32 BTDC at about that the only solution is to change needles I pulled your info from the MGB 4000 rpm with the vacuum discon- to something that allows less fuel at idle. Hi John, Register and MGB Driver. I hope you can nected. That’s full advance. Then, Is my logic wrong? As you know, after a 30-year layoff help me out. connect the vacuum and you should I’ve driven it around the block and it I am back into the MGs with gusto (1960 I have a basically stock 1979 MGB.

54 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 55 Tech Talk variety. The car is not running as well Gary, John: as it should be and just that little extra The only way to discover a prob- I have a ‘71 MGB that you put a ‘69 resistance to turn slows the engine. lem is by driving the car. You prob- overdrive unit in a few years back. It’s now seems strong, no hesitation or pinging on You want to work more with the tune- ably haven’t done any damage, but I time for me to change the 20W-50 oil in acceleration. Thanks for any recommen- up. Make sure that your timing is know that some people, on especially it. I believe the overdrive and transmis- dations you can give. 32 BTDC at about 4500 rpm vacuum long trips, have encountered problems. sion share the oil in common. I believe Steve Sharpe, disconnected and then, after connect- It’s just that the laygear doesn’t spin that I have to remove the bottom plug on MGs of Baltimore ing the vacuum, double check to find when the car is being towed, and it is the overdrive unit to drain both. If I drop that the timing is up around 30 BTDC the splash of the oil from the laygear the cover and the screen/ magnets to clean Steve! or so. It is essential that the vacuum that gets the oil into the oil pump. I’d the screen filter in the overdrive unit, do I You’ve probably already worked advance work to give you a really good just go ahead with what you’re doing have to be careful of anything falling-out? through this (despite the turn in the idle. and then drive the car normally. If Thanks, weather, there’s still snow on the Adjust the carbs as you would you encounter any unusual noises, Keith Hartman ground here), but here are some hints. an earlier SU. Check the mixture by give me a call and I’ll try to help you I always open the initial cam specs lifting the air piston every so slightly. diagnose their origin. Keith! for run in – better too loose than too This reduces the vacuum at the jet and If you want to change ALL the oil tight. Rev the engine right up to 4000 leans out the mixture. Since the car Hello John, in both the gearbox and overdrive, or so and set the timing at 32 BTDC idles rich, leaning out the mixture will I have a question that I thought that then removing the filter screen is at max advance with the vacuum cause the car to run more efficiently you could help me with. On an exhaust the only way to drain the OD unit. disconnected. By 4000 the distributor (faster), but only briefly – then the idle manifold, what was the coating originally? However, it is just not necessary, on a has usually opened all the way. Then falls off. I know that many British cars did not have routine service, to clean the OD filter let it idle down and re-connect the If, when you lift the piston the a coating. or to drain the OD. vacuum – if you check it again at idle, rpm climbs and climbs, it’s too rich. If, Thanks for your response, I would simply drain the gearbox it wouldn’t be uncommon to find it at when you lift the piston the rpm falls Mark Heathman and then refill. If you do plan on 25-40 BTDC because of the vacuum. away, it’s too lean. You want the rpm draining the OD, purchase a new filter Get that idle DOWN – there is to rise about 50 (barely discernable) Mark, screen first. We almost always simply either a mechanical reason the idle is and then fall off, but you need to hear When asked about the “original” coat both sides of the screen gasket too high or there is an air leak. You the rpm increase. color on the manifolds, I usually reply with grease (allowing you to remove can find the air leaks with spray carb The power that the engine makes “rust!” and replace the filter without tearing cleaner – or you can listen to the carbs at idle is consumed by the resistance to We’ve found that Jet Hot Coating the gasket, but buy that extra filter just to discover which one is draughting turn. The more efficiently the engine is a really excellent method of protect- in case. more than the other. If the engine runs, the more power it makes, and the ing the manifold – and making it look doesn’t have enough air, it will slow higher that equilibrium point becomes really great. There are a variety of down and kill. Timing and mixture – which is the reason you have to set colors from black to silver to purple. Reminder: John Twist will be pleased to will not cause a fast idle. the idle screws back down as you ap- You can Google them and get an answer your technical query by phone. The jets are probably close to proach the highest state of tune. address. We just got some back for a The technical hour is 1-2pm EST, Monday being in the right spot; but after you Jag XKE which were originally porce- through Friday. (616) 682-0800 or you get it idling at 800-1000, then lift the John, lain-coated. The Jet Hot coating looks can e-mail him at johntwist@universitymo- pistons, just as the workshop manual I had to take a job transfer to Milwau- SO much better and will last far, far torsltd.com. suggests, and judge the change in kee about 18 months ago and I took my longer! rpm. The engine idles rich, so when 1969 MGB over on a front wheel tow dolly. you lift the piston the rpm will rise I have the engine out right now to install a about 50 and then fall off. new rear main seal, transmission seal and clutch assembly, and clean up the engine John, compartment. I was helping a friend of mine with My question is – I was reading a past a 1972 MGB. We set up the carbs and the MGB Driver and in your tech talk you said car runs well, but when he puts the clutch that would ruin the bearings because of in the idle drops from 800 down to 400 lack of lubrication. I towed mine from rpm. Any ideas? Hudsonville to Racine how do I find out if Regards, I did any damage? I have the engine out John Powling now it would be easy to pull the transmis- sion this way. Any help you can give me. John! Thank You, This condition is more common Gary Van Farowe on the HIF carbed MGs than the HS

56 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 57 Registrars of the NAMGBR

MGB Registrar Original Owner Registrar MGB Limited Edition Registrar Bill Hawkins 1967 MGB/GT Special Registrar 2301 Kendricks Court Ken Smith Raleigh, NC 27613 P.O. Box 8645, Goleta, CA 93117 (919) 676-8888 (805) 683-2906 [email protected] [email protected] Hammer & Tongs Registrar Midget Registrar Phil Smith D Zimmerman 1806 Hazard St. 811 S. DePeyster St., Kent, OH 44240 Houston, TX 77019 (330) 678-9394 [email protected] [email protected]

1974½ MGB Registrar Ken Smith P.O. Box 8645, Goleta, CA 93117 (805) 683-2906 [email protected] The Marque of Friendship MGB V8 Registrar 1929-1936 Modified Registrar North American MMM Register Dan Masters Box 727 • St. Helena, CA 94574 P.O. Box 6430 Maryville, TN 37802 707 / 963-2313 (865)982-9373 [email protected] 1935-1955 Pre-War • T-Series • Y Type The New England MG ‘T’ Register Pull-Handle MGB Registrar PO Box 1957 • Cary, NC 27512 Bill Barge 704 / 544-1253 930 N. 350 E., Angola, IN 46703 (260) 665-6476 1956-1962 MGA • ZA • ZB [email protected] The North American MGA Register MG 1100/1300 Registrar 7522 S.E. 152nd • Portland, OR 97236 Scott Williams [email protected] 501 N.E. Emmett St. Topeka, KS 66616 1963-1980 MGB • Midget • 1100/1300 (785) 234-8101 The North American MGB Register [email protected] P.O. Box55 • Whittington, IL 62897 800 / NAMGBR-1 100,000 Mile Registrar Jai Deagan 1968-1969 MGC 11825 Columbia Highway Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 American MGC Register [email protected] 2809 Copter Rd. • Pensacola, FL 32514 850 / 478-3171 A print ad that ran in 1975, when British Leyland ruled MG.

MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 59

Our Valued Supporters Our Valued Supporters Valued Our

Our Valued Supporters Our Valued Supporters Valued Our Sell • Seek • Swap! The Marketplace of the North American MGB Register Ads in this section are FREE to individual MGB Register members in good standing — please, no business or commercial ads. Send ad copy with name, address, phone number and membership number to 5444 Sutherland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109. Ads only accepted in writing. Business or other ads by arrangement with Charles de Bourbon, Advertising Coordinator (see inside front cover.) Ads will be run for two issues, space allowing. The Register retains the right to refuse any ad it deems unacceptable. The originating state is shown at the end of each ad. CARS FOR SALE Selling or Buying a MG? Why not take advantage of NAMGBR’s Buy/ 1980 MGB – Greet Metallic/Beige. Luggage Sell/Trade Classifieds on our website at rack, Panasport wheels, dual carbs, LE front There are lots of ads for all kinds of spoiler, fog lamps; excellent car that needs MGs and parts. It’s a great way to find or sell a good home; Over $10K invested, asking that hard to find part or that next project. $6000. Steve Taylor, [email protected] NC 070807 WANTED 15” Aftermarket Steering Wheel – My 35 year old Personal wood-rimmed steering wheel 1970 MGB –Red/Black; restored to great con- broke and I’m looking for a good replacement dition. This car has split chrome bumpers, for my 1968 MGB/GT. Bob Muenchausen,

wire wheels, overdrive and more. The interior [email protected] 050607 has no tears and the car comes with an “Amco” Center Console –to suit Mk I MGB optional roll bar. (816) 304-7225. Greg Cal- ’63-67 with 3-synchro transmission tunnels. lahan, [email protected] 070807 This type fits from speaker enclosure back to rear of tunnel. Has arm rest, lighter, and rear speaker. I can arrange a US address 1974½ MGB/GT - Gotta’ sell, gettin’ too old, for delivery. Joe Carroll (604) 988-2497 or besides, I gotta’ move. Two reasons, [email protected] BC 070807 therefore, for me to sell. 74 MGB/GT, technically, a 74 1/2, what with the rubber PARTS FOR SALE bumpers. Good condition - not perfect - but Transmissions – 1 overdrive, 1 non-o/d; fly- still quite good! Talkin’ 5 grand. Interested wheel, driveline, manifolds, shocks, catalytic enuff to dicker, contact me at (615) 662-8679 converter, air cleaners, side clearance lights or e-mail me at [email protected] TN 050607 – all from 1979 MGB; reasonable prices. Wil- liam Lane, (209) 962-4355 CA 111206 1964 MGB parts – aluminum hood, trim, 1976 MGB – White, no rust, only 26k miles; top frame, carbs, wire wheels, pull handle always been garaged; this car will be a prize doors, trim, grill, Lucas headlights, oil cooler, winner with some TLC. $2750; Cole La Mas- later model seats, etc. A few MGA parts as ter (219) 879-8882 or [email protected]; car well. Ken Miller (570) 546-5284 or e-mail at located in Michigan City, IN 030407 [email protected] PA 050607

Our Valued Supporters Valued Our 1979 MGB LE - In keeping with Doug SERVICES OFFERED Jackson’s retirement plans, Doug would like MG Service and Restoration! offer his 1979 MGB Limited Edition for sale Drive, tow, or ship your MG to University which, has been British Automotive’s R&D Motors for high quality service or repairs. We vehicle over the last umpteen years. Ideally can attend to your entire MG or just a single suited for out of state (CA) sale, however, component. Our MGB Complete Lubrication most of the OEM equipment (read smog) will costs $475. Our brilliantly clean and polished be part of the sale package. Sale includes MGB HS carbs are $575; MGB HIF carbs are additional new and used parts, along with $655. several special factory tools. Photos, along We can attend to your soft top, your chrome, with expanded text can be found on www. your engine, or your brakes. I bought my first mgbmga.com under Technical Articles and MG in 1968, and I’ve been working on MGs will appear at the top of the listed MGB since! John Twist (#0-101), University Motors Technical Articles section. $10.000 OBO CA Ltd, 6490 Fulton Street East, Ada, MI 49301; 050607 PH: 616 682 0800 or www.UniversityMo- torsLtd.com MGB DRIVER July/August 2007 65 • www.britishmarque.com

Where 2 ‘B ◊ Aug 11 – All British Car Show, Rogers, MN • [email protected]

Forthcoming Events of Interest to MG Drivers ◊ Aug 11-12 – Sportscar Show, Alden, MI • (231) 933-3289 • [email protected] Please check for up-to-date information before departing to the meet. The Register encourages local groups and clubs to submit their MG events to MGB Driver. Information must include date, ◊ Aug 17-19 – Heritage Classic Show, Rally & Slalom, Vancouver, BC location, and contact phone number. Please submit events at least 3 months in advance to the MGB • www.jaguarmg.com/Heritage2007.htm Driver Editor, 5444 Sutherland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 or email [email protected] ◊ Aug 26 – A Taste of Britain, Rothsville, PA • (717) 854-3666 • www.lancomgclub.com MAJOR NORTH AMERICAN MG EVENTS FOR 2007 ◊ Sept 1-2 – All British Car Show, Kansas City, MO • (816) 942-8099 ◊ July 7 – Len Immke Classic Car Show, Dublin, OH; [email protected] • [email protected]

◊ July 7-8 – Mad Dogs & Englishmen Car Show, Hickory Corners, MI • (269) 344-5555 ◊ Sept 7-9 – Fall GOF, Hiawassee, GA • (770) 457-4566 • [email protected] • www.Maddogsandenglishmen.org ◊ Sept 8 – Brits by the Bay, Pasadena, MD • (410) 679-6421 • www.tracltd.org ◊ July 8 – British Invade Gettysburg Charity Show, Gettysburg, PA • (717) 979-9242 ◊ Sept 9 – Battle of the Brits, Sterling Heights, MI • (734) 464-8149 • www.detroittriumph.org • www.lancomgclub.com (benefits Toys for Tots) ◊ Sept 9 – Chicago British Car Festival, Palos Hills, IL • (630) 515-0377 • www.britishcarunion.com ◊ July 13-15 – British Car Days, Prince Edward Island, Canada; • www.britishcardays.com ◊ Sept 14-15 – Brits in the Ozarks, Fayetteville, AR • (479) 636-9172 • www.britishironnwa.org ◊ July 14-15 – British Boots & Bonnets, Rockford, IL • (815) 968-1111 ◊ Sept 15-16 – Colorado English Motoring Conclave, Arvada, CO • (303) 985-2763 ◊ July 15 – British Car Day, Cincinnati, OH • www.bccgc.com • www.thecoloradoconclave.com

◊ July 16-20 – MG 2007 – Sonoma, CA • (408) 923-3927 • [email protected] ◊ Sept 16 – British Car Show, St Louis, MO • (314) 995-8664 • www.stlouismgclub.com • www.mg2007.org ◊ Sept 21-23 – Canadian British Classic Charity Run, Cambridge, ON • www.cbccr.org ◊ July 21 – MG/Mini Polo Match and Show, New Hope, PA • (908) 996-3321 • www.tinicumpolo.org ◊ Sept 22 – Fox Lake British Car Show, Titusville, FL • (321) 632-2207 • www.mgcarclubflorida.org ◊ July 22 – Michiana Brits Tea at the Vicarage, South Bend, IN • www.michianabrits.com Florence, AL • (256) 767-2032 • [email protected] ◊ July 23 – Grapes to Glaciers Cruise – drive from Sonoma MG 2007 to Whistler GT32 ◊ Sept 28-29 – Brits at the Shoals, • (604) 880-7598 • [email protected] ◊ Sept 29 – Autumn Leaf British Car Festival, Bethlehem, PA • www.bcclv.com ◊ July 23-27 – GT32 NAMGAR Event, Whistler, BC • www.GT32.com ◊ Sept 29 – 28th Annual MGs on the Rocks, Rocks State Park, MD • (410) 817-6862 • [email protected] ◊ July 26-28 – GOF Central, Chaska, MN • (612) 869-8264 • www.mnmgtr.org ◊ July 27-28 – British Car & Cycle Show, Carthage, MO • www.gobmc.org ◊ Oct 6 – Autumn in the Mountains, Chimney Rock Park, NC • www.autuminthemountains.org

◊ July 28 – British Car Day, Cleveland, OH • (614) 899-2493 • [email protected] ◊ Oct 6 – Fall Out 2007, Winona Lake, IN • (574) 551-1133 • [email protected] ◊ July 29 – British Car Show of Northeast Pennsylvania, Scranton, PA • www.bccnepa.com • (570) 457-6677 • [email protected] ◊ Oct 6 – British Festival, New Hope, PA • (908) 996-3321 • www.tinicumpolo.org

◊ July 29 – Positive Earth Drivers Club Show, Lakewood, NJ • (908) 359-6770 ◊ Oct 6-7 - Shenandoah Valley British Car Show, Waynesboro, VA • (434) 295-8469 • [email protected] • www.svbcc.net ◊ Aug 2-4 – British V8 Meet, Willoughby, OH • www.britishv8.org ◊ Oct 12-14 – MG Rendezvous 2007, Tallahassee, FL; www.bigbendmgs.com ◊ Aug 2-5 – MGs in Bennington, Bennington, VT • (860) 267-1432 • [email protected] ◊ Oct 12-14 – MG Vintage Racers 2007 Focus Event, Mid-Ohio Raceway, OH; ◊ Aug 4 – 23rd British Car Day, Dayton, OH • (937) 293-2819 • [email protected] • [email protected]

◊ Aug 4 – British Car Day, Schwenksville, PA • 610-831-1531 • [email protected] ◊ Oct 26-28 – Southern British Car Day, Chattanooga, TN • [email protected]

◊ Aug 9-10 – Grand Lake Tour Endurance Rally, Grand Rapids, MI • [email protected] ◊ Oct 27 – British Field Meet, Clearwater, FL • [email protected] ◊ Oct 28 – British Car Day, Scottsdale, AZ • (480) 820-6562 • www.azmgclub.org ◊ Aug 9-12 – University Motors Summer Party, Grand Rapids, MI • www.universtiymotorsltd.com ◊ Nov 3 – Brits & Battleship Car Show, Wilmington, NC • www.bmccf.org

◊ Aug 10-12 – British Marque Triathlon, Pocono Manor, PA • (908) 713-6251 ◊ Nov 18 – MG Parts Exchange, Fullerton, CA; www.vintagemg.com NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER P.O. BOX 55 PRST STD Whittington, IL 62897-0055 U.S. POSTAGE PAID PADUCAH, KY PERMIT #154