QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1978 MGB made for the USA. If I just try to start the car, it tries to start, but does not. If I hold the gas pedal down for a second or two, it will start, sputter and then die. If I hold down the gas while starting, it sputters for a little bit longer before it dies.
The car is all original with the exception of the fact that the catalytic converter has been removed. Some parts have been replaced, but most with Lucas brand things and anything else with the same type.
ANSWER: Sounds like the fuel is having difficulty getting through. Perhaps a blocked fuel filter or a lazy pump. Get an empty jam jar, pull the fuel pipe off the carb, switch the ignition on (but don't try to start the car).
The pump is designed to flow more than 10 gallons per hour, so it should half fill the jam jar in less than a minute. If it can't then either the pump needs new points, or the filter is blocked.
If it fills the jam jar quickly, get back to me for more ideas.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: It filled up a 12 oz. beer bottle in a little under 30 seconds, so the flow rate seems to be correct. Any other ideas?
AnswerWell done. You have eliminated the fuel pump.
Still sounds like a fuel supply problem to me. Is there an in-line filter between pump and carb? That could be blocked.
Do you have a carburetter with a fuel cut-off solenoid attached to it? If so, make sure that the actuating wire has 12 volts when the ignition is switched on.
My other thought is that perhaps the small wires to the coil have been reversed accidentally. It is essential that the two white wires with a black tracer both go to the negative side of the coil (marked "-").
