MG Car Repair: mg, head gasket, fuel drive

Question
Got 1966 mgb just had head gasket done hardly driven since went for drive run out of fuel drive for about 10 mins feel like head gone again running rough and no power

Answer
Hi Russell:

Just running out of gas would not ordinarily effect the head gasket. If not already done, make sure the cylinder head is/was "re-torqued" after the engine was first run after the installation. This is to make sure the gasket makes a long lasting seal. It is also possible that by running out of fuel some dirt or sediment from the fuel system got sucked up into the fuel lines and carbs. There are several fuel strainers in the system. One at the bottom of the original S.U. fuel pump and one each on the inlet of the fuel lines to the S.U. carbs. You cannot see them from the outside. They are like little wire mesh thimbles. These could be plugged up. Also if an aftermarket fuel filter has been installed somewhere in the sytem (common) check it and/or replace it also.

Hope these suggestions help. Let me know how it works out.

Brian