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64/65 Mk I MGB-No Spark

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64/65 Mk I MGB-No Spark #1
monkeywrench George V Wichita, KS, USA Sign in to contact	Topic Creator (OP) Nov 23, 2014 07:44 AM Joined 9 years ago 80 Posts

While attempting to bring to life the MGB that sat dormant for many years, the first step was to convert from Pos to Neg earth. Using the original side load Dist cap and harness, new plugs installed, new coil ( more on this later), new condenser, new rotor, new battery, of course, and now for the moment of truth.... no spark! No 1 plug pulled and laying against the block, no spark. She cranks with strong battery but just cant seem to get fire. Dist shaft turns, original points have not been replaced yet but are opening. I have reread many good posts of other owners here, followed what I believe were all the steps of diagnosis and still no joy. Have reversed the wires to the new coil which might have been incorrectly hooked up, I now have solid White wire to the +, and White withBlack tracer going from the -NEG to the distributor. Any additional suggestions are appreciated.

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Re: 64/65 Mk I MGB-No Spark #2
joron Michel Joron Roxboro, QC, Canada Sign in to contact 1977 MG MGB "Victoria" 2018 Jaguar XE "Meghan"	Nov 23, 2014 09:24 AM Joined 10 years ago 2,989 Posts

First thing first you need to isolate the problem. Is it the coil, the wire to the distribution cap or the distribution itself ?
Is it possible when you re-install the new points and you forgot the plastic isolation ?

1977 MGB Red 'Victoria' and 2018 Jaguar XE 'Meghan'
All Classics:
Married, 2 children, MG MGB May to December, Jaguar the rest of the year.

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Re: 64/65 Mk I MGB-No Spark #3
blue64 Paul Hanley Eastern Chesapeake Bay, MD, USA Sign in to contact 1959 MG MGA Twin-Cam 1964 MG MGB	Nov 23, 2014 10:08 AM Joined 19 years ago 4,118 Posts

I would gamble that the points are installed incorrectly. Is there spark with the key in the "ON" position when the points are separated with a insulated screwdriver or stick?

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Re: 64/65 Mk I MGB-No Spark #4
mgbanthony Anthony Henderson Eastern Thousand Islands, ON, Canada Sign in to contact 1962 MG MGB 1974 MG MGB	Nov 23, 2014 10:27 AM Top Contributor Joined 18 years ago 13,243 Posts

If not what Paul suggests then I would suspect the old distributor cap, and you did install the rotor???

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Re: 64/65 Mk I MGB-No Spark #5
joemamma Robert White Monroe,NC 28112, USA Sign in to contact 1968 Triumph TR250 1975 Triumph TR6	Nov 23, 2014 12:59 PM Top Contributor Joined 18 years ago 3,063 Posts

Points probably have a film on them from sitting. Clean with a piece of 400 grit sand paper and try again.

Bob
2x 63 MGB, 67 MGBGT, 77MGB , 68 Triumph TR250, 64 MGB

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Re: 64/65 Mk I MGB-No Spark #6
RAY 67 TOURER Ray Marloff Fort Bragg, CA, USA Sign in to contact 1967 MG MGB "My Girl"	Nov 23, 2014 03:16 PM Top Contributor Joined 14 years ago 17,490 Posts

And do replace that cap. The design is a poor one and relies on pointed brass screws to pierce your ignition wires to make a connection. Also, the distributor cap is like a sponge and attracts moisture over time resulting internal short circuits. While you have the cap off, check that the center carbon brush is in place and not worn down. Caps should be replaced every two years. Upgrade to a push on type cap, you won't regret it. RAY

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Re: 64/65 Mk I MGB-No Spark #7
wyatt Wyatt W penguin point, Michigan...drift ice, Antarctica Sign in to contact 1957 Porsche 356 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1960 MG MGA & more	Nov 23, 2014 04:54 PM Joined 18 years ago 44,198 Posts

...run a file or sand paper between the closed points...all else being equal she'll fire the plugs after that...remember easy stuff first...

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