MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Won't Idle

I posted a comment a few weeks ago looking for advice on a carb cleaner that I could add to my gas. At that time, the car started and ran fine as it has for years, but my Goss Jets would stick at times. Changed the jets and all was fine.

Earlier this week I cranked the car to let it run a while, and it would never idle. Only pressure on the pedal would allow running. Same today. Pulled the float bowl covers and had plenty in the bowls and the car will run smooth (with pedal pressure), but it just won't idle. If I let pressure off the pedal, it dies quickly, even when up to temperature.

Any advice appreciated.
L Karpman

turn your idle screw up a bit.
MG LaVerne

Thanks LaVerne. A few months ago I had to do that to get it to idle at 800 RPM when warm. In fact I think I had to do it once more even before that. I'm pretty dense on these matters, but what would cause me to keep having to adjust the idle screw? Temperature? It's over 100F here. Just curious
L Karpman

Hmm... as with many carburation problems, perhaps its cause is electrical? ;)

Seriously, have you checked your points gap and ignition timing? Both could have an impact on idle speed.
Kevin McLemore

I'm running the petronix in my distributor, so no points. Also, I have completely forgotten the recommended timing at idle and 3000 RPM that Jeff at Advanced Distributors gave me when he rebuilt it about 6 years ago.
L Karpman

OK, got an answer from Jeff. 10-14 degrees BTDC at idle. I'll check the timing. Thanks folks for the input.
L Karpman

This thread was discussed on 11/08/2014

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG TD TF 1500 BBS now