Check Clutch

I decided to today to check out the Clutch.  The Clutch pedal feels very flimsy. I added some clutch fluid and bled the CLUTCH line from Master to Slave.  No help.  I then removed CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER to inspect it.  When I removed the boot, bunch of crap fell out and I noticed the entire pump system is locked up.  After struggling with the components, I finally disassembled the slave cylinder.  I hope I didn't damage any of the components and slave.  I decided to just order a rebuild kit.  I had ordered catalogs from Moss Motors (mossmotors.com), and Victoria British (victoriabritish.com).   Some other online sites I found were englishparts.com, britishcarpartsco.com, rockauto.com, the bhive.com, usmgparts and others.    I felt I would need to compare pricing, as finances for the project are a concern.

Fuel Pump and Lines

I did some on-line research and found a number of good sites to help me along: allexperts.com, british-cars.org, mgexperience.net, mgcars.org, universitymotorsltd.com.   University Motors also has a library of informational and instuctional videos by John Twist which are very helpful with MG repairs.   Through these sites I decided to check my FUEL PUMP because I wasn't seeing any FUEL in my clear filter.   John Twist has an excellent video on testing and repairing the Fuel Pump.  Of course, disconnecting and removing the fuel pump was an experience in itself for a novice like me.  I did test the pump (not working), and repaired it (dis-assembled and cleaned points) by following the instuctions on John's video.   I re-installed the fuel pump, and now it was time to replace all the broken and cracked rubber FUEL LINES.  I did learn on-line that most of these lines, and almost anything rubber on the car would need to be replaced after sitting for over 15 years.  The lines were very brittle and some even fell apart just with a touch.  I went to the local Auto Parts store and purchased about 3 feet of  Fuel Line Hose and some Clamps.  I also purchased a new battery.  I replaced the fuel lines, reconnected the fuel pump, and installed the new battery. After a few cranks of the engine, the “B” came to life.  I did notice some smoke coming from engine area and shut it down after a few minutes.  I figured this could be from old gas sprayed on the engine from attempted starts, or dirt, or old oil, or even a small dead animal.  I topped off the RADIATOR with water.  Checked remaining HEATER HOSES, RADIATOR HOSES, and ENGINE HOSES.  They looked OK, a few may need to be replaced, but my MG started.  I felt it was a good day, but I realize I probably have a lot more work, time, and money ahead before it is safe to drive.

Getting Started

I started off by removing the car cover from my MG and pumped air in all 4 flat TIRES (tires look OK). I pushed it out of the garage and gave it a quick wash.   It actually looks pretty good, with some minor dents and scrapes, mostly from moving it around over the years.   I first removed and cleaned the SPARK PLUGS.  While the plugs were removed, I manually rotated the engine to move the oil around the engine.  (Got this tip from a firend with a MG Midget) I checked all of the OIL levels (full and fairly clean).  I added GAS because the fuel gauge hasn't worked since it was covered up years ago.   I then attempted to start it up.  The engine turned over, but did not start.  I smelled gas and decided to check the fuel filter and noticed there was no gas in the clear FUEL FILTER.  I then decided to check the FUEL LINES and found several cracks in the lines from fuel to pump, pump to line, small line to filter, and filter to carburetor.  Keep in mind that I have never done any MG repair or maintenance other than simple oil changes.  At this point I figured it was time to look online, to see what I might be getting into as far as getting my MG safely back on the road.

My 1979 MGB

MGB – 1979/80
Purchased 05/03/1980 in CA ($ 7,680.50)

GHN5UL494025G

Built 06/79

Mileage – 104,279

Last started – 1994 (16 Years)

I purchased my MBG back on May 3rd, 1980 in Thousand Oaks, California.  At the time I was 23 years old, and it was the first car I actually purchased, and it was brand new.  The total price of my MG was a whopping $7,680.50, and I was scared to death as to whether I could afford the 4 years of $158.90 a month payments.  Since then the car has survived the shipment back east to Virginia in 1990, and being moved (towed and driven) to a few different homes prior to ending up at my current residence in Mechanicsburg, PA.  My MGB has not been driven (or started) since 1994, and has been sitting under a cover in my garage ever since.  Most of the 104,279 miles were put on during my 10 odd years in California, with a few thousand miles being racked up during my time in Virginia and PA.  I had always liked the look of the MGB when I saw my first as a 12 year old.   A family friend had a 1967 British Racing Green MGB that I had rode in many times.   My older brother, of 3 years, also purchased a 1977 Black and Gold MGB which I had the pleasure to drive on numerous occassions.  I'm not sure, but the colors may have had something to do with the fact that we were raised in the Pittsburgh area, and of course, we were Steeler fans.  I always thought I would try and save the car for a possible future son (or daughter).   Well, I have two sons, 11 and 13, and with my very limited knowledge of cars I thought I might want to start getting the MGB cleaned up and in shape for them.   I also thought I could get a few more fun years of driving it as I am now approaching my mid 50's.