1972 MGB Engine quits running

BILLH

MEMBER
1972 MG MGB
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
60,000 MILES

I ran the fuel tank to almost empty. When I pulled into the fuel station, the engine died. I simply thought it was out of gas. Since then, the engine starts and idles smoothly. It even revs up smoothly, (no missing), but on the road, it quits after a very short distance. I have replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, plugs, points, distributor cap, condenser, rotor cap and spark plug wires. It will not pull itself more than a couple hundred yards before it dies. I let it set for two minutes and it goes a few more yards ( back to the house). I get it back into the garage and it starts right up and idles smoothly.

Help, I don't know where to look next.

Thanks,

BillH

4 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Hello
Thanks for the donation

When the fuel was ran out it is likely that dirt has been spread throughout the fuel system. The fuel pressure regulator may be clogged now due to this contamination. I suggest inspecting the fuel pressure regulator and connecting hoses. Also use some fuel treatment and carb/fuel injector cleaner into the fuel tank.

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Monday, April 27th, 2009 AT 7:18 PM

BILLH

MEMBER
2 POSTS

In response to your comment, I've had MG's for several years and have never heard of a fuel pressure regulator. I can't find it in any repair manual. If this is a joke, it's not funny. If it's not a joke, kindly accept my apology and explain what this thing is, what it looks like and where it is located in a '72 MG B.

Bill

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Monday, May 4th, 2009 AT 5:43 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

I have no reason to joke to you....a fuel pressure regulator allows the tuning of the fuel flow which helps to eliminate high-end power fade. Proper metering of fuel while maintaing a constant destired fuel pressure ensures better low and high RPM performance. This is used on carb. systems only. Unfortunately I can not find any info. of where it is located on the 1972 MGB or if it does even have one stock.. with such a classic vehicle they may have been only optional to have it back then. On newer model vehicles it is a pretty common component though. A picture is below to help determine what you will need to look for. It will be attached to the fuel line if it is indeed equipped..

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Monday, May 4th, 2009 AT 6:04 PM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Hi BillH
You have no regulator I ran a British restoration shop for 15yrs in the late 70 to late 80. Assume you running a Stromburg carb or has in been replaced?
Your car is noterious for rusting tanks. So when you ran low suckup rust. If still have old pump check the strainer see if it's full of rust. Some may have entered carb if no remote filter has been added. The short with turns and stops keeps pickup clear on longer steady runs pulls up junk clogs puck up car starves for fuel. Let sit falls away runs again.
Let me know if you find debris in strainer
Also do you have a repair manual?

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Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 AT 2:55 PM