Home page Acknowledgements Webrings What's New Fly the Flag (the right way up) A Life in the Day of 'Bee' and 'Vee' Diary of Events: 2022 Diary of Events: 2021 Diary of Events: 2020 Diary of Events: 2019 Diary of Events: 2018 Diary of Events: 2017 Diary of Events: 2016 Diary of Events: 2015 Diary of Events: 2014 Diary of Events: 2013 Diary of Events: 2012 Diary of Events: 2011 Diary of Events: 2010 Diary of Events: 2009 Diary of Events: 2008 Diary of Events: 2007 Diary of Events: 2006 Diary of Events: 2005 Diary of Events: 2004 Diary of Events: 2003 Diary of Events: 2002 Diary of Events: 2001 Diary of Events: 2000 Diary of Events: 1999 Diary of Events: 1998 Diary of Events: 1997 Diary of Events: 1996 Diary of Events: 1995 Diary of Events: 1994 Diary of Events: 1993 Diary of Events: 1992 Diary of Events: 1990/91 (Restoration) Hammer and Spanner - keep it rollin' Contents Index So you think you want an MGB or V8? Buying advice Buying an MGB Buying a V8 Le Jog 4X The Trials and Tribulations of MG Ownership All by Touch The Perils in Restoration Body and Structure Aerial_in_Front_Wing Radio Arm-rest_Cubby Bonnet/Hood Release Strut Seals Fitting/removal Alignment to Grille V8 Bonnet Boot/Hatch Boot strut GT tailgate supports GT Hatch Removal Seals Glass installation Illumination Unable to open Emergency release Latch striker and alignment V8 badge location Dating the tailgate glass Bumpers Chrome Rubber Carpet Cable_and_Pipe_Routing Clocks Cockpit_Rail Dashtop and Crash-roll Dimensions Doors Roadster vs GT The 'Crack of Doom' Drain Holes Hinges Hanging and Adjustment Key lock Latch Door Pulls Door Cards Door Seals Drop-glass and Regulator Quarter-lights Tread Plates Mirrors Drinks_Bottle_Holder Drop-glass_and_Regulator Removal and refitting Channel brackets Adjustments Lower stop Seals Stiff to wind Handles and Screws Dating the glass Front_Crossmember Front_Indicator/Side-light_Position Front_Valance Glovebox Front_Wheelarch_Liners Gearbox_Crossmember Restraint Rods Earth Straps Grille/bonnet_Alignment Grille/wing alignment Grille/wing_alignment GT_C-post_Liners GT_Headlining GT_Load-space Accessing the spare wheel and tool area Luggage cover GT_Rear_Windows Dating the glass GT_Tailgate Boot strut GT tailgate supports GT Hatch Removal Seals Glass installation Illumination Unable to open Emergency release Latch striker and alignment V8 badge location Dating the tailgate glass Hardtop Headlamp_Mounting Headlamp_Ring_Removal How_Many? How_Strong_is_my_Body? Instruments Identification_Numbers Jacking Fixed cross-member and jacking points Wheel removal Herb Adler's jack storage bracket Mirrors Positioning Adjustment Repair Mk1_or_Mk2? Mud_Flaps Number_Plates Paint_Colours Passenger_Foot_Brace Quarter-lights Removal/refitting Adjustment Glass Seals Repair and Restoration Dating the glass Radio Aerial in front wing Rear_Axle_Alignment Roadster_Hood/Top Folding the hood/top Front bow fouls the body Header rail seal Replacing the hood/top Hood/top fittings Interchangeability of tops and frames Frame mounts Decals Rubber_Bumper_Radiator_Grille Screens Seats Seat Removal & Refitting Slats & Spacers Mounting Points Seat Rails Head Restraints Covers and Foams Seat Webbing/Diaphragm Seat Belt Guide Rear Seat Back Seat_Belts Mounting points Types Inertia mechanism Belt guides GT rear belts Seat-belt warning system Did the MGB ever have air-bags? Side_Trim Sill_Construction_and_Drainage Wing Quarter-panels Tread Plates Sill_Quarter-panels Speakers Speedometers Lights Faults and Repairs Gearbox Drive Gears Pinion Housing Cables and Routing EGR Valve Service Indicator Right-angle drives Decals Cruise Control Sunroof Sun_Visors Tax Discs Tonneau_Cover Tonneau Bars Hood Cover Tonneau_Cover Tonneau Bars Hood Cover Vee's Repaint Vehicle_Weights Washing_&_Polishing Windstop Torque_Values Links Brakes ABS_Simply_Explained Bleeding EeziBleed Another technique for persistent sponginess Brake_Balance_and_Handbrake_Warning Brake_Hoses Front hoses Rear hose Brake_Lights Schematic Switches Brake_Pads Retaining springs V8 pads V8 pads in 4-cylinder calipers Brake_Pipe_Change Brake_Pipe_Heat_Shield Brake_Squeal Cable_and_Pipe_Routing Calipers_&_Discs Brake pads Piston cut-outs When exercising and polishing the pistons solved a problem And when it didn't Disc changing V8 calipers Clonk_when_Braking Dual-line_Plumbing E-clip_Fitting_Tool Which way round does it go? Fluid Fluid Loss Handbrake Maintenance and Adjustment Cabin Lever Cable Shoe Levers Shoe Lever Boots Springs Brake Balance and Handbrake Warning Master_Cylinders Types Operation Problems Repair Kits Replacement Residual Pressure or Restrictor Valve Dual-line plumbing Brake Balance and Handbrake Warning Fluid Level Monitor MOT_Test More information on the UK MOT Pedal_Box Rear_Shoes Adjustment Leading or trailing? Springs Residual_Pressure_or_Non-return_Valves Servo/Booster Torque_Values Wheel_Cylinders and Back-plates E-clip Fitting Links Clutch Bleeding An alternative master cylinder? Bore_Sizes Clevis_Pin_Wear Clutch_Change AP or Bog & Beck? Graphite or roller release bearing? Alignment tools Which way round does the friction plate go? Bee's clutch change, 2016 Chrome bumper, engine and gearbox removed together, 2013 Rubber bumper, removing engine only, 2008 Flex-Hose Fluid How_It_Works Master_Cylinder Types Replacement Bore Sizes Repair Kits Seal Replacement Bleeding Pedal_Box Pedal_Return_Spring Release_Arm Release Arm Gaiter Release_Bearing Release Arm Gaiter Slave_Cylinder General Description Bore Sizes Push-rod Replacement V8 Links Cooling System Coolant V8 coolant level warning Drain_and_Refill Electric_Fans Fan fusing V8 fan cycling Take the fan load off the battery when cranking After-market Fan_Belt Adjustment Size Considerations Fitting Tip Hoses V8 Bottom Hose V8 Top Hose Mechanical_Fans Special considerations with plastic fans Pumps V8 water pump Pump change Engine-driven fan Radiator Seals Ducting Overflow Radiator_Cap General description Replacements Is it holding the correct pressure? Radiator_Diaphragm_Seals Rubber_Bumpers Mounting and care Temp_Gauge Changing the gauge or removing the sender from the head Inside the mechanical gauge Temp gauge oscillation Electric temperature gauge Gauge seals Temp_Gauge_Oscillation Slight oscillation during warm-up Wild oscillations at any time (V8) V8 conversions Thermostats My temp gauge reading is high My temp gauge reading is low Hotter stat for winter? Replacement V8 steam pipe Vaporisation! Links Electrics Ammeters_and_Voltmeters Alternator/Dynamo Schematics Types Mounting Alternatives/Replacements Repolarising a Dynamo Charging System Basics Ignition Warning Light and Charging Theory Dynamo Control Box Alternator Operation Testing Output Trickle-charge current Charging Faults Alternator Brush Replacement Alternator Harness Plug Clip Pulleys Fan/drive belts Converting Dynamo to Alternator Converting 16AC Alternator with separate regulator to later alternator with integral regulator 'One wire' Alternators Anti_Run-on_Valve Batteries_and_Chargers Safety First! Securing the batteries What Polarity is my Car!? Decals Which Terminal is Which? Twin-6v Link Cable Cable Size and Current-carrying Capacity Battery Cover Replacement Batteries Battery Drain Cut-off Switch Battery Types - Lead Acid, Gel, Advanced Glass Mat etc. Do I need plastic battery bins? Fused Battery Terminal Battery Chargers Jump-Starting Lucas Battery Catalogue Battery_Cut-off_Switch Brake_Balance_and_Handbrake_Warning Bulbs Bayonet bulb holders Cable_and_Pipe_Routing Clocks Connectors_and_Terminals Sealed Wiring Junctions Earth/ground Connections Cooling_Fans Fan fusing V8 fan cycling Take the fan load off the battery when cranking After-market Cruise_Control Fan_Belt Adjustment Size Considerations Fitting Tip Fuel_Pumps Fuel pump powered with the ignition off Fuses_and_Fusebox Fusebox Fusebox Connections Fusebox Mounting Fusebox Replacement Fuses Blowing Fuses Fused Battery Connector Gauges Hazard_Flashers Heated_Rear_Window Testing Adding a Relay Repair Replacement Heater_Fan Factory 2-speed system After-market 2-speed motor Polarity and fan direction Problems Horns Description Wheel-centre Horn Push Mounting Fault Diagnosis Repair Adding a Relay Ignition_Switch Ignition_System Ignition_Warning_Light Change to LED? Indicators/Turn_Signals Instruments Lighter_Socket Lighting Parking Lights Headlights Switch Connections 'Lights on' Warning Buzzer Number Plate Lights Brake Lights Indicators/Turn Signals Instrument Lighting Ignition Warning Light Map/Interior Lights Roadster boot/GT loadspace lights Reversing Lights Hazard Flashers Side-marker Lights (North America) Fog & Spot lights Fusing Bulbs Switch Illumination Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) North_American_'Key_in'_Warning Overdrive Schematics Gearbox Switches Switch Actuation Diagnostics - D-Type Diagnostics - LH-Type LH Solenoid Overdrive Fusing Polarity What polarity is my car!? Which battery terminal is which? Polarity Conversion Dynamo polarity Coil polarity Tachometer polarity Fuel pump polarity Heater fan motor polarity Instrument stabiliser polarity Radio Aerial in front wing Relays Plug-in Relays Schematics Screen_Washers Nozzles and valves Convert manual to electric Washer bottle decals Seat_Belt_Warning Sealed_Wiring_Junctions Starter Schematics Model Variations Fixing bolts Earth Straps Rubber Bumper 'Coil Boost' System Mechanical Problems Electrical Problems - slow cranking "It Won't Start!" Modern Starters - 'Geared' vs 'Hi-Torque' Changing an inertia starter to a pre-engaged Jump Starting V8 Starter Steering_Lock Replacement What lies inside Switches_in_General Tachometer Schematics Description Problems Electronic ignition Testing Internal and external seals Wipers Schematics One speed or two? Switches Flick-wipe Parking Systems Motors, gears, arms and blades Problems Intermittent Enhancement Wire_Colours,_Terminal_Numbering Wire Colours Wired Earths Joining (and adding) wires Wire Size and Current-carrying Capacity Terminal Numbering Wiring_Harness_Replacement Won't_Start "It isn't turning over when I turn the key" "The solenoid is chattering" "It spins the starter but not the engine" "It cranks very slowly" "It turns over normally but won't fire" "It fires occasionally but not enough to run" "It only fires up as I release the ignition key" "It starts but cuts out again when I release the ignition key" Won't_Switch_Off! Torque_Values Links Engine Compression_Testing Crankcase_Breathing Description Tappet Chest Covers Rocker Covers Carb Ports Problems Modifications V8 Engines Cruise_Control Cylinder_Block Dating the block Core Plugs Cylinder_Head Dating the Head Combustion chambers Remove/Refit Head Gasket Leak Valve Leak and Unleaded Conversion Rockers Rocker Cover V8 Cylinder Heads Dating_the_Engine Dating the block Dating the head Decals Dipstick!_(and sumps) Sumps and gaskets Capacities Engine_Mounts Chrome bumper Rubber bumper and V8 Earth Straps Engine_Numbers Unusual numbers Engine number tags Engine_Removal Exhaust Mounts/Clamps V8 Manifolds Fault_Diagnosis Cutting-out Cranks but won't start Weak spark? Front_Cover 4-cylinder V8 Timing marks Gold_Seal_Engines Oil_Cooler Hoses Block Adapter Ducting Removal Oil_Filters Oil Pump Oil Pressure Relief Valve Block Adapter Oil_Gauge Mechanical gauge Gauge flutter Pipes and hoses - 4-cylinder Pipes and hoses - V8 Full of oil? Or air? Electric oil gauge Gauge seals Oil pressure warning Oil_Hoses Block Adapter Oil_Pressure_Relief_Valve Oil Pump Oil Filters Important - V8 relief valve Oil_Pressure_Warning_Light V8 Oil_Pump Oil Pressure Relief Valve Oils_and_ZDDP Oils & ZDDP Oil_Thrower Power_Torque_and_Consumption_Curves Rocker_Cover Oil Filler Cap Alloy Rocker Cover Decals Rockers Rocker Oil-feed Rocker-valve Alignment Rocker Cover Running-on Spark_Plugs Spark plugs for MGBs V8 cylinder heads Spark plug gap Spark plug coding Spark plug condition Sumps_and_Dipsticks Sumps and gaskets Capacities Timing_Chain Cam/crank alignment Tensioner Measuring valve timing Timing covers Tappet_Chest_Covers Types, gaskets and seals Oil burning via the breather Gasket replacement Timing_Covers 4-cylinder V8 Timing_Marks V8_Engine_Specifics V8 Bearings V8 Cylinder Heads V8 Engine Rebuild V8 Engine Steady V8 Exhaust Manifolds V8 Front Cover V8 Hot Tapping/Slipping Liners V8 Inlet Manifold V8 Oil Flow V8 Oil Pump V8 Pistons V8 Topend Rebuild Vacuum_Gauge Valve_Clearances 'Rule of Nine' 'Rocking', or 'On the rock' method Valve_Timing Cam/crank alignment Tensioner Measuring valve timing Timing covers Water_Pump V8 water pump Pump change Engine-driven fan Won't_Start "It isn't turning over when I turn the key" "The solenoid is chattering" "It spins the starter but not the engine" "It cranks very slowly" "It turns over normally but won't fire" "It fires occasionally but not enough to run" "It only fires up as I release the ignition key" "It starts but cuts out again when I release the ignition key" Won't_Switch_Off! Torque_Values Links Fuel System Air_Cleaners Cable_and_Pipe_Routing Choke_Control HS set-up HS components HIF set-up HIF enrichment valve V8 set-up Crankcase_Breathing Description Tappet Chest Covers Rocker Covers Carb Ports Problems Modifications V8 Engines Cruise_Control Emissions_Limits_(UK) Ethanol The current situation Theoretical problems Hot start problems? Who supplies what? History Fuel hose Delivery_Check Fault_Diagnosis Fuel_Filter Fuel_Gauge Early vs late systems Fault diagnosis Tank sender Voltage stabiliser Calibration Gauge identification Internal and external seals Fuel_Hose Hose replacement HS carb hose supports Fuel_Pumps Fuel pump powered with the ignition off North_American_Emissions_Plumbing Octane_Ratings Unleaded Fuel Ethanol Pump_Fusing Running-on Stromberg_Carbs SU_Carbs Theory What happens inside? Ports and Vent/Overflow Pipes Floats and Valves Pistons and Covers Needles Jets Butterflies and Spindles Return Springs and linkages Throttle Pedal and Cable Choke Control Flange Gaskets V8 - which carb feeds which cylinder? Vacuum Port Hoses Setting-up Heat Shield Reconditioning Plug Colour SU_Needles Tank Tank_Sender Wiring Replacement Throttle_Cable_and_Pedal Cable Adjustment Throttle pedals Unleaded V8_Inlet_Manifold Vacuum_Gauge Zenith_Choke Links Gearbox 3-Synch_or_4-synch? Automatic Breather Drive_Flange Gear_Lever Knobs Gaiter Removal Anti-rattle bushes Gearbox_Removal How_It_Works Interlocking_Arm_Assembly Internals Lubricants Mounts_and_crossmember Restraint Rods Earth Straps Oil_Change Overdrive:_D_and_LH_Type_Differences Fault diagnosis Overdrive_Electrics Schematics Gearbox Switches Switch Actuation Diagnostics - D-Type Diagnostics - LH-Type LH Solenoid Overdrive Fusing Overdrive_Fusing Overdrive_'Pulsing' Overdrive_Replacement Overdrive_Sequencer_Relay Overdrive:_How_many_were_there? Rear_Seal Checking Replacement Reversing_Light_Switch Reversing lights with auxiliary brake light function Speedometers Lights Faults and Repairs Gearbox Drive Gears Pinion Housing Cables and Routing EGR Valve Service Indicator Right-angle drives Decals Cruise Control Torque_Values Links Heater Air_Box Intake grille Air_Direction Dash Controls Air Direction Cable Brake_Pipe_Heat_Shield Cold_Air_Flap Coolant_Return_Pipe Dash_Controls Centre Console Controls Decals Fresh_Air_Vents Footwell_Vents Heater_Removal Intake_Grille Matrix Screen_Vents Seals Motor_and_Fan Factory 2-speed system After-market 2-speed motor Polarity and fan direction Problems Rubber_'Block' Thermostat My temp gauge reading is high My temp gauge reading is low Hotter stat for winter? Replacement V8 steam pipe V8_Heater_Hoses Water_Valve Dash Controls Heat Cable Removal and refitting/replacement Enhancements Temperature_Relativity Links Ignition System Centrifugal_Advance Condenser Testing Distributor Types Connections Caps Plug Leads Firing Order Points Earth Wire Condensers Rotors Centrifugal Advance Vacuum Advance O-rings Drive Gear Adjustments Curves Distributor_Curves Electronic_Ignition Schematics Factory Systems After-market Systems Problems with After-market Systems and the earlier RVI Tach Coil Current Variable vs Fixed Dwell Programmable Fault_Diagnosis Cutting-out Cranks but won't start Weak spark? HT_Leads An article by Les Bengtson Ignition_Coil Ignition_Switch Ignition_Theory Ignition_Timing Ignition_Warning_Light Change to LED? North_American_'Key_in'_Warning Points_Types Points Gap/Dwell Rotors Rotor Problems Rotor Phasing Running-on Schematics Spark_Plugs Spark plugs for MGBs V8 cylinder heads Spark plug gap Spark plug coding Spark plug condition Tachometer Schematics Description Problems Electronic ignition Testing Internal and external seals Timing_Lights Timing_Marks Front covers Vacuum_Advance General Description Vacuum Source Transmission Controlled Vacuum Advance (TCSA) V8 Vacuum Module Carb vs Manifold Vacuum Vacuum_Advance_-_Carb_vs_Manifold General Description Vacuum Source Transmission Controlled Vacuum Advance (TCSA) V8 Vacuum Module Carb vs Manifold Vacuum Vacuum_Gauge Warning_Light Change to LED? Won't_Start "It isn't turning over when I turn the key" "The solenoid is chattering" "It spins the starter but not the engine" "It cranks very slowly" "It turns over normally but won't fire" "It fires occasionally but not enough to run" "It only fires up as I release the ignition key" "It starts but cuts out again when I release the ignition key" Won't_Switch_Off! Links Propshaft Be_careful_what_you_drive_over Gearbox_Drive_Flange Grease_Nipples Length Removal discovered early on that it wasn't necessary Sliding_Joint UJs Yoke Alignment Flange orientation Removal Vibration Torque_Values Links Rear Axle Alignment Axle_Length Axle location Front and rear track measurements Axle_Location Banjo_Axle_Hub_Nut Bearings_and_Oilseals Pinion oil seal Breather Bump_Rubbers_and_Pedestals Centre_Lock_Hubs Self-Tightening? Or not? Balancing Lubrication Spline Wear Grease Caps Converting to Wires from Rostyle/Disc Converting_to_Wires_from_Rostyle/Disc Dampers_and_Drop-links Replacement Differential Handbrake_Cable Compensator Attachment points Adjustment Clevis pins to levers Catching on wheel weights Level/Drain_Plugs The ultimate solution? Lubricants Oil_Change Rebound_Straps Remove_and_Refit Slave_Cylinders_and_Backplates E-clip Fitting U-bolts Torque_Values Links Steering and Suspension A-arm_Inner_Bushes Anti-roll_Bars Front bar issues Rear bar issues Clonk_when_Braking Converting_to_Wires_from_Rostyle/Disc Dampers Front Rear Damper Fluid Topping-up Internal valving Telescopic/tubular Dampers Front/Rear_Track Measurements Track Rod Ends Front adjustment Drop-links Replacement Front_Crossmember Front_Hub Grease cap - Stud wheel Grease cap - Centre-Lock wheel Front_Wheel_Bearings End-float Replacement Front_Bump/rebound_rubbers Front_Spring_Replacement Specifications King-pins Lubrication Rack_Gaiters Rear_Axle_Alignment Rear_Bump_Rubbers,_Pedestals_and_U-bolts Rear_Rebound_Straps Rear_Springs Specifications Lubrication Mounting Replacement Extended shackles Ride_Height Ride Heights Spring_Specs Steering_Column Wheel Splines Cowl Lock Indicator/turnswitch, Cancelling Striker and Cowl Positioning Repairs Column/Rack Universal Joint Column/Rack Alignment Steering_Column_Universal_Joint Lubrication Replacement Alignment Steering_Rack Lubrication Adjustment Replacement Racks Steering_Wheels Removal Cover or Glove Alignment Horn switch Indicator/turn signal switch Track_Rod_Ends Dust Covers Removal Front Track Alignment Track Width U-bolts Vehicle_Heights Vehicle_Weights Wire_Wheel_Splines Torque_Values Links Wheels and Tyres Balancing Weights catching on handbrake cable/lever Stud-mounted e.g. Disc, Rostyle and V8 alloy Centre-lock Centre_Lock_Wheels_and_Hubs Self-Tightening? Or not? Balancing Lubrication Spline Wear Grease Caps Converting to Wires from Rostyle/Disc Converting_to_Wires_from_Rostyle/Disc Punctures Spare_Wheel Clamps GT Wheel Cover Tracking_Alignment Track_Width Measurements Track Rod Ends Front adjustment Tyre_Markings Tyre_Pressures Tyre_Sizes Rolling Radius Tyre_Valves Tyres_-_What_to_do_with_old_ones_... V8_Wheels Wheel_Changing Wheel_Nuts Wheel_Sizes_and_Offsets Stud wheels Wire wheels Track Width Wheel_Ramps Wire_Wheels Balancing Spoke breakage/replacement Cleaning Dunlop vs Dayton Do I have tubes? Links Miscellaneous How_Much? Full-length_Ramps Wheel Ramps UK_MOT Nut_Screws_Washers_and_Bolts_(and_Grommets) Torque Values Translate between part numbers and description for many MGB fasteners Decals Speedos Lights Faults and Repairs Gearbox Drive Gears Pinion Housing Cables and Routing EGR Valve Service Indicator Right-angle drives Decals Cruise Control Terminology Workshop_Tools What_Year? Links Body Brakes Clutch Cooling System Electrics Engine Fuel Gearbox Heater Ignition Propshaft Rear Axle Steering and Suspension Wheels The sectioned MGB at the Heritage Motor Centre Museum, Gaydon
