MGB Tuneup Part 1: How to Tune Your British Sports Car

[@jeffharrison5265]

Great video. Yea, don't want to squeeze the electrons. LMAO. 🤣

[@midwestmotoring]

You know that someone's going to hear me say that and take it seriously, right?

[@midwestmotoring]

You do need a sense of humor to work on these things though....

[@jeffharrison5265]

@@midwestmotoring that's for sure. I'm battling a front windscreen install and IRS mount replacement currently. Hopefully have the front and rear windscreens back in and Jag roadworthy this weekend.

[@stevepss]

Great vid! Rookie question, do you need to worry about the valve cover gasket if you're taking it off?

[@midwestmotoring]

It's usually best to replace it, but in a pinch not absolutely necessary since it's not under that much pressure. If the gasket doesn't break, I can't say I've never just reused it.

[@stevepss]

@@midwestmotoring Thank you!

[@stevepss]

Hey, another rookie question - Should I block off the fuel lines before I compression test? I have an older pertronix ignition, so my initial plan was pull the negative wire off the coil and then I started to overthink things and wonder if I'm load the carbs up with all the cranking over. Thanks again!

[@midwestmotoring]

No, the floats in the carbs will stop the fuel flow. No need to block them off. As for pulling the wire, that'll work and is a good idea.

[@ianwilliams1448]

Remember to wedge the throttle pedal to the floor. You'll get a big increase in compression

[@midwestmotoring]

Depends on the carburetors. In an SU or Zenith-Stormberg, the air piston is still going to be mostly or fully down--so even with the throttle open it won't make a significant difference in compression readings. With a Weber, that's a different story since they don't have an air piston and therefore don't operate the same way. Also, remember that the gauge probably isn't super accurate anyway--especially since the dynamic compression while the engine is running is likely to be quite different than the static pressure from just turning it over. What we're looking for is a comparison between the different cylinders; not the absolute compression reading.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

No need for the zip ties on 4. What was your choice of plug gap ? Not enough revolutions on the compression check. Take your compression check after adjusting valves. The professional way to check valve gaps is re-torque the head first. What is your figure for valve clearance ? There is another technique that requires engine rotation only twice. Carb adjust? Timing? Points adjust presuming not electronic.

[@midwestmotoring]

I know, but my OCD would never let me get away with that. :)