Clean Starter Relays

09/02/2010 – The “B” won’t start, won’t even turn over.  I replaced the starter relay, nothing.  Read online that a bad spot on the actual starter could be the problem.  Rocked the “B” back and forth in 4^th gear, then cleaned (sanded) and tightened the relay connections.  VRRRRMMMM, started right up.

09/04/2010 – Repaired Convertible Top with spray glue.  Top material had come un-glued and was making tit difficult to put the top down.

09/06/2010 – Drained all the old gas out of the car and put in 10 gallons on High Octane fuel.  The car was stalling out on the small test drives up and down the block.  Need to test drive again, and see how the car is running.  The brakes and clutch seem to be performing well.  I removed the passenger seat and carpeting from the right and back part f the car, and cleaned up the areas.  Also, I Armor-all the top and cleaned the windows of the top, and washed the car.

09/07/2010 – I removed the Carburetor and the Heat Shield.  Cleaned, boiled and greased the Automatic Choke.  Disassembled the Carburetor, and found the diaphram torn.  I ordered a Carburetor Rebuild Kit and  a Heat Shield.  I also cleaned the carburetor with a carburetor cleaning spray.

I cleaned the engine bay area where the Carburetor and Heat Shield were removed.  I cleaned the Air Cleaner and attachments, and installed the new Heat Shield.  I re-assembled the Carburetor and re-installed all additional components.

09/11/2010 – I still have a problem starting the “B”.  The engine turns over but takes a long time to fire up.  Removed the Heat Mass on the Choke Assembly and rotated the coil about ¼ inch counterclockwise.  I felt the automatic choke wasn’t performing properly with the right fuel mixture.  This appears to have worked.  It was a little easier starting, with slight depression on the gas pedal.  Will have to investigate further, I may have possibly errored in calibrating the coil when boiling.

09/12/2010 – I installed New Spark Plugs.

09/18/2010 – I removed, cleaned, and rebuilt the carburetor and Water Choke.  I also replaced the Oil Sep to Breather Hose and the Manifold to Brake Servo Hose.   Test drove the car, and it still feels sluggish.

09/26/2010 – Installed new Spark Plug Wires, Rotor, and Distributor Cap. 

Insurance and Registration

08/30/2010 – Insurance papers (JC Taylor, $50) arrived today, as well as the remaining ordered parts (brake hoses, relay, heater valve, axle straps).  I took some photos of the car to send in with PA registration for “Antique” plates.  I sent them in for the Registration and Title.  I feel I can test drive around the neighborhood, now, instead of in my yard!

Cherry Red Catalytic Converter

08/28/2010 – I adjusted the fuel mixture with the Stromberg Carburetor Tool and I noticed the Catalytic Converter became “Cherry Red” after running the engine for about 5 minutes.  After some on-line research I determined the fuel mixture was too “rich”.  Readjusted the Carburetor to run more “lean”, and the “Cherry Red” disappeared. SCARY!!!

Fuel Sending Unit and Throttle Cable

Today I replaced the Air Pump Filter, the Air Cleaner Filter, Fuel Filter, and Fuel Throttle Cable.  I also replaced the Fuel Sending Unit, to repair the Gas gauge.

Painted Brake Drums

While waiting for parts to arrive I decided to some cleaning and touch up on the car.  I removed cleaned and painted the rear drums.  I removed, cleaned, painted and re- installed Alternator, Valve Cover, and Washer Fluid Holder.  Also, I installed new Alternator Belt which arrived.  The car seems to be running OK.  However, the Throttle Cable” snapped, I will have to order this week.

Ordered Parts, Insurance, Registration

I did some more checking around the car today to see what else might need to be repaired or replaced.  I ordered a new Heater Valve, Gasket, Fuel Sending Unit, Air Filters, and Window Crank from British Parts Northwest.  I also ordered a Brake Wrench, a Spoke Wrench, a cap for the Clutch Master, X-Treme tape, Fuel Filter and new Alternator Belt from Moss Motors.  I also arranged for Automobile Insurance from JC Taylor for only $50 a year.  Once that is approved I can arrange for my Antique Plates and get my MGB registered iwith the DMV in Pennsylvania.  I need to be ready for test drives on the open road.

Undecoat Wheel Wells

I cleaned and painted all the front and back wheel wells with “Undercoat”.  Also, tightened the rear braked and greased all of the Wire Wheel hubs.  I also tghtened the rear brakes, and re-installed the back license plate holder to attach PA plates for future test drives.