Fuel Leak, Lighting Problem Solved

So, I've had a fuel leak forever. I've been trying alot of stuff to try and fix it but I think I finally got it. I bought some cork/metal gasket material from Autozone...didn't work, was too difficult to cut. Finally got some cloth gasket material and straight cork material from AdvanceAuto. I was easily able to cut it and turns out the cork was perfect for the job. Now of course I have a small leak at the banjo fitting...yay, but I did fix the main leak. Next chance I get I'll have to order new banjo gaskets.

I also replaced my headlights because after installing the relay kit my high beans on the passenger side stopped working. I figured the extra current popped it...wrong. Turns out after replacing the lights that one of the wires had popped out of the connector behind the horn. So, I have spare lights. At least I was able to get them for $10 apiece.

Rain's expected tomorrow but I took her out for a spin tonight when I moved my other car into the garage. Wow, it's nice. It's the first time I've really driven it with the new electronic ignition and I can tell it's helped. I still need to send my carbs to get them cleaned and fixed up because I'm pretty sure I'm screwing them up, but the car's really nice to drive. I also need to take it out for a ride on the highway (for the first time ever) and see if the speedo is working properly by comparing it to TomTom. Maybe then I'll get the new tires I've been promising it since the beginning of winter.

Relay Install

I was tempted to get one of Limey's Relay kits, but basically I decided I could make my own for less (silly me). I got all the materials I needed ($12 more than he asks) and went to town. I finally got it installed and WOW, the headlights are massively brighter. I wish I'd taken a picture before and after of just the lights.

I also took the time to fix a few more problems. I got the proper tubing to hold the vacuum line in, bypassed my heater core since mine leaks (yay), and I have cork to make a new gasket for the fuel pump when I get the time to get down there.

I do need to order some electrical connections for British cars so I'll be able to use the bullet connections everywhere. I had to splice in alot of stuff to get the relays to work. Everything's good though and it looks nice.

Sadly though, my fixing broke something and now it won't start. I think I got something in the distributor but I'll have to check that at a later date. One thing fixed two broke...

Productive Weekend

So, this weekend was pretty good. Here's everything I got done this weekend:

• Installed new Electronic Ignition kit
• Almost finished attaching exhaust to body (2 more bolts)
• Boot Seal
• Fuel Pump leak located (maybe fixed)
• Fuel Pump retaining gasket installed
• Rear brakes adjusted
• Rear drums painted

I got my new electronic ignition kit in the mail Thursday so I was able to install that. I did something wrong the first time and it was firing weird, but after playing with it it started working again and I have no idea what I did. End result though, car starts. I also noticed my exhaust wasn't completely bolted up so I fixed part of that and still need to find 2 more of the bolts to put on. I also finally got around to putting the new boot seal on, which meant I needed to remove the old one (that I didn't know existed). I never want to do that again, they knew how to put stuff on never to remove again. One of the more important things I did was try to locate and solve a fuel leak I've had for *cough*months*cough*. I finally figured out it was coming from the fuel pump and I even went so far as to figure out what part of the pump was leaking. I tightened it down and hopefully the fuel leak is gone, if not I have to make some gasket material and hope that does it. One of the big things I also did was remove my rear drums to adjust the brakes and while I had them off I painted them with some silver brake caliper paint. Personally I like how it contrasts with the wheels now. I also adjusted the rear brakes, I don't think that's been done for decades. Next time I have it out I'll have to check the parking brake and see if I have to adjust that.

Hopefully this week, maybe this weekend at the latest I'll be able to check the tweaks to the engine and see how it runs now. I can't wait to finally use the B as a daily driver. Probably in the next few weeks too I'll wire wheel the wheels and paint them, it'll really add to the visual appearance of the car all together.

New Oil Leak

So, over the past week or so I've noticed a small puddle of oil developing under the engine. After crawling all over and under it I discovered the flexible oil line to the oil pressure gauge is seeping oil. So...that's on order.

While I've got the B out of commision I decided to adjust the rear brakes since the handbrake doesn't do anything. Turns out the screws holding the drums on are somewhat stripped (more stuff on order). I took the drums off until I get new screws in and then I plan on re-adjusting the brakes.

I've also ordered an electronic distributor install kit to convert my current distributor over to electronic. I'm hoping this will help my idle problems and get my B back on the road.

Leaking.....something

So, I drove the MG to work Monday and when I came outside for something after I got home I noticed a trail of drips leading into the garage. I can't identify what it is but I'm suspecting coolant. I think my heater may be leaking and I just haven't had a change to check it. I'm REALLY hoping not because quite simply, heater coils are expensive.

Motor Mount

I was checking the carbs and decided I'd go ahead and change the motor mount. I will NEVER do this again without following the manuals instructions. It took me over an hour to get the new mount in because I didn't remove anything else.

I finally replaced it though and tweeked with the carbs a bit. I'm almost 100% sure that they're running lean. I've got them both maxed out and they're running, I just wish I could richen them up to where they should be.

Contaminated Oil

So I pulled the oil line going to the oil pressure gage. After turning the engine over for 10-15 seconds I finally got a VERY light oily substance to come out. Looks like water or gas but feels slick like oil. It also smells like gas. I’m thinking my oil got contaminated at some point during my repair/tweaks and I’m seeing the results now that it’s cold out. I drained the oil and I’m letting it sit open tonight.

Tomorrow I’m going to put some 20-W50 in and see what happens. Hopefully I’ll have good pressure and everything will be good to go. The oil pressure is all that’s keeping me off the road.