MG Car Repair: Zeneth Carb, air filter element, dashpot

Question
We own two MGB's '79, '80.  My son has the '79 he can drive it a couple of miles and if he kills it it will not restart unless it sets for about an hour or so.  But it you take off the air breather and lift the plunger up in the carb with your fingers it will start.  Is there to much, or to little oil in the top of the carb above the plunger?  Thanks, Arlan

Answer
Hi Arlan
I think the oil in the dashpot is too thick.  Can you remove the damper, clean all the old oil out and re-fill with something thinner?  If you have a modern car that uses 5W/30 then that would be ideal.  In the UK, I prefer to use `3-in-1' oil, but I don't know if it is sold in the USA.  Fill the tube to about 5mm below the brim, then re-fit the damper.

By the way, when did you last fit a new air filter element?