MG Car Repair: Dead batteries, 6 volt batteries, dead batteries

Question
Every other year I have to replace both 6 volt batteries on my MGB. They seem to drain themselves even when I have the charger on them. Is this common with MGB. Also the mgb when I apply the gas it sputters and has zero power? Can you switch out the 6 volt battery with a 12 volt? (eliminate the 2 battery system

Answer
Hi Jerry,
If the batteries are running down you need to do two simple tests. First put a volt meter across the two batteries and read battery voltage (12+ v) Then start the engine and set the idle at about 1500 RPM and read the volt meter again. (13.8 to 14.5 v) Then disconnect the ground cable or the power cable and put a 12v test light across the cable to the post. (with everything turned off) It should not light the test light.
Many "B" owners change to one 12v battery with no problems. The only problem is finding a small 12v or slightly modifying one of the battery boxes to take a single 12v battery.
Howard