MG Car Repair: 1966 MGB vented gas cap, weight oil, gas cap

Question
Howard:

Thanks so much for your advice.  The previous owner said to use the 30
weight oil in the transmission as well, which I have been doing.  Also he said
to use 3 in 1 household oil for the pots on top of the carbs.  Is that o.k.?  Is it
o.k. if I just unscrew the bolts that hold on the valve cover and look to see if
there is a buildup or will that disturb something else?  I am not a mechanic
but can do the obvious smaller things myself.

Answer
Hi Janet,
Straight 30 is ok for the gearbox and 3 in 1 in the carb pots is also ok unless you get a hesitation on a quick throttle opening. If so you should switch to a thicker oil than 3 in 1.
The oil in the top of the carbs is a shock oil to prevent the pistons in the carbs from raising too quickly and to dampen the pulses in at idle. This system takes the place of accelerator pumps in conventional carburetors.

The only thing you need to watch out for is to not brake the gasket if it is stuck to the head. They are usually glued to the valve cover.
Howard