MG Midget Forum

Recently my Midget has developed an odd problem. It starts fine and idles fine, but if the gas pedal is depressed more than, say, a half an inch - then it kills. Took the time to slowly trace from petrol tank through to fuel pump - all ok. Fuel pump - ok. When I increased throttle by manually moving the throttle cable within the linkage I discovered the butterflies remain open causing the engine to die. So I removed the electric choke thermometer housing and verified there was current running to the choke from the fuse box - all ok. When I then moved the throttle cable with my left hand and with my right moved the tiny rod which seems to move the butterflies, I could then increase throttle and rpm's without any trouble. I was thus led to believe that the thermostat coil (which looks like its brass) maybe has gone kaput. I went to every auto parts store in Western North Carolina with no luck on the part or even understanding the part I had brought with me.

1 - is there a way to test this coil outside of the vehicle to see if it has died?
2 - someone said to boil water and throw it in the water to see if the coil reacts. ?
3 - Given the above, any thoughts on perhaps something else might be wrong?
4 - Photo attached. Is this the "normal" position of the coil at rest and cool?

Many thanks.

What year is your car and what carb do you have? I would guess you have a Weber carb, but the choke element being made in Japan is confusing.

Peter

Hello,

1979 MG Midget. Weber carb.

Thanks for any advice. And, yes, there definitely is a "Japan" stamp inside the choke housing.

Crash.