MG Car Repair: 78 B - Idle fluctuates, american mgb, carburetter

Question
I have an all original (minus the catalytic converter) 1978 American MGB that hasn't run in almost 2 years.  I charged the battery, checked the spark and fuel to the carburetor and went to start it.  At first it would start, then die.  If I gave it gas it would idle for a bit around 1100 RPMs, then drop until it stalled.  I added some dry gas, just in case at this point.  Then it would either idle around 1000 and then die or, if I gave it more gas and got it over about 1400 RPMs, it would stay up there and slowly rise, which is what worries me the most.  What can I do?  Also, please note that I am a novice at best when it comes to repairing cars, so please try to explain exactly what I would need to do.  The only other thing of interest is that sometimes when I go to start it it doesn't turn over, just makes a "rheeeeeeee" sound (I don't know how else to describe it).

Answer
Hi David.  This is not easy to answer.  As a novice, you really need a friend who is knowledgeable about older cars.  I don't know where you live in the USA, but in your position I would look up the local chapter of the North American MGB Register.  Hopefully there is one near you.  

The single Stromberg carburetter on your car can be difficult to tune.  It sounds to me that it needs tuning.  However, the engine dying below 1,400 rpm is a bit worrying, and the rheeeee sound from the starter makes me suspicious that your battery has deteriorated through lack of use and you may need a new one.  Try starting the car with jumper leads attached to the battery.  If it runs OK like that, then your battery is dead.   

Also, you must listen carefully to the fuel pump BEFORE you hit the starter.  Does it make a fast brrrrt, tick, tick, tick sound?  Or is it more like chug-a, chug-a, chug-a?  If the latter, then you may need to clean the points inside the lid of the fuel pump.  They are accessible from inside the boot (trunk) behind the spare wheel on the right side of the bulkhead.  There should be a black metal cover protecting it.  Note the sound both with and without the jumper leads.

I hope this helps.  Feel free to come back to me.