QuestionQUESTION: My 1977 MG Midget does not always start and when it does during 40 kilometer per hr + it (bucks) misfires.
The compression is only 107, 120, 112 and 115 is this why it is hard to start?
Is #1 cylinder at the front of the motor or at the back? If it is at the front the timing seems to be off by 180deg.
Any ideas on my starting problems?
Happy Trails
Allen
ANSWER: Hi Allen. This is a tricky one, because there are several possibilities.
I am concerned that #1 cylinder is down on compression, but this would normally clear as the engine runs faster, so a misfire at 40kph and above is not the right symptom.
Check the coil. It has two connectors marked plus (+) and minus (-). It is very important that the white wire with a black stripe is attached to the MINUS side of the coil. Is it possible that the wires have been crossed? This would be enough to cause poor starting and a misfire.
I note that you say the timing is 180 degrees out. Do you know the history of the car? What has been done to it recently? Check that the 4 spark plug wires are connected to the correct cylinders. Looking down on the distributor from the top, the wires should go to cylinders number 1,3,4,2 in an ANTI-CLOCKWISE sequence. Number 1 is nearest to the water pump at the front of the engine.
Check the points gap is correct, and replace the condenser. They only cost about $4 so it is not worth messing with them.
Ah, the joys of an old MG.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: When I set static timing at 10deg btdc the rotor is at #4 plug. I bought the car recently and it has been idle for 15 years. There is no history of anything being done as far as I am aware of.
I will replace the condenser and maybe the points also as they look ok.
The wires are 1,3,4,2 in anti clockwise.
The white wire with the black stripe is attached to the minus side of the coil. I have so far burnt almost 3/4 tank of gas but with much difficulty.
Last week I drove 30 kilometers with few problems but now there is much difficulty with starting again. Turns over and almost starts.
Any Ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks
Happy Trails
Allen
AnswerHi Allen. Like I said, there are many possibilities. After 15 years, carburetters, fuel lines and the fuel tank could all have dried deposits inside. When you add fresh fuel, these solids get flushed through and block the filters and jets. Also, the plug leads (wires) on a Midget were not good quality and could have deteriorated. I would replace the plug leads and the fuel filter, fit new condenser and points, and keep trying.
When you turn the ignition on, before you start the engine, you should be able to hear the fuel pump ticking. If it is in good condition, it should sound like a fast Brrrt, followed by a few ticks. If it sounds slow and sluggish, then you should remove the plastic lid and clean the points inside.
You do not have a problem with the distributor. It rotates at half the speed of the engine. If you find that the rotor is pointing at #4 plug, turn the engine through 360 degrees and you will find that it now points at #1.
In the good old days, Lucas used to put a motto on their products `King of the Road'. We used to swear at them and say `Lucas - Prince of Darkness'.
