MG Car Repair: 1965 MGB no lights, turn signal, left turn signal, aluminum valve

Question
Have a couple of questions that I need some help with. The first is probably easy, I have a 1965 MGB I am restoring. I just purchased a aluminum valve cover. I noticed the old one has a breather tube coming out of it in the front. It has aftermarket air cleaners so I assume that is why there is no hose from the port to the filters. Can I put the new cover on without that port? If not can you tell me how I can do it?
The second question is, my headlights do not work and the left turn signal is weak when it is on, plus it only works when the engine is off. I have the red engine light at the bottom of the speedometer aluminated when the engine is running. The other items like the blower motor for the heater and the windshield wipers work and are strong. Is this a problem with the voltage regulator? Thank you in advance

Jim

Answer
Hi Jim,
I will have to write a book to cover all of your questions so we need to just cover one at a time.

Even though the 65 "B" has a case vent on the side of the engine, it is not enough so if it were mine I would drill and tap a threaded hole in the new cover and add a fitting to vent it and do the same on the back side of the aftermarket air filters.

IGN light on when running is an indication the charging system is not working so you need to put a volt meter across the posts of the battery and read battery voltage. 12.X  Then start the engine and set the RPM at 1500 to 2000 RPM and read the voltage. It should read 13.8 to 14.5 volts. If not, the charging system is not working.

As for the other electrical problems first you need a wiring diagram for that car so you can follow my directions. If you don't have one let me know and I will e-mail one to you.

let me know,
Howard