Non starting MGB

[Richard Moss]

my 77 bgt used to break down for no reason & have non starting issues.. a very nice man from the rac traced the fault to a whatsit resistor thingy built into the wiring loom.. sorry i cant be more helpfull it was a while ago & my memory isnt what it was...

Ballast resistor?

[rich.]

that sounds like it thanks mate!

[jagiron]

Thanks Rich, the 68 MGB did,nt have the ballast resistor in the coil or loom,or so I am told

[Richard Moss]

Something that has just come to mind: obviously the coil needs a 12v supply and if the B is the same as my 1969 MGC (I suspect it is) then I think that the feed comes through the bulkhead near the steering column. The loom there is is two parts and they are joined by a whole load of bullet connectors and if I remember correctly, I had a problem a few years ago where the bullet connector on the feed to the coil came (partly) adrift and the engine cut out. I can't remember exactly how I discovered where the fault was - probably by tracing thre wire back with a multimeter - but it might be worth checking all those bullets

[jagiron]

Thanks again, anything is worth a try at this stage.

[jagiron]

Morning Folks,just to say, got car running,new coil was faulty, and for some reason points would not open,hav`nt had long run yet to see if mis-fire is cured but hopeful, thanks for all suggestions.

[kevin]

well done, sun is shining so get out for a test run

kev

[jagiron]

Hi again, took car out on a lovely sunny day, ran like a top Hope it continues.

[JPB]

...ran like a top....

Round and round in ever decreasing circles then fell over and stopped? Glad it running again.

[AlpineAndy]

Hi,
Great that you tracked it.
I agree with the suggestion to go for electronic ignition respective! I fitted one to the Sunbeam Alpine and have not looked back since; if you use it with Lucas Sports Coil (gold in colour) the spark is extremely strong. One advantage is that the electronic ignition tends to smooth out the wear in the distributor. Ebay has E I which I believe is less than 30 quid and you don't have the hassle with adjusting the points (which I hate with a passion for some reason; along with brake bleeding, don't ask me why its simple enough....)

Andy