Stupid Clutch

Ok, update. Parts came in and went to replace the master cylinder, yeah...Nothing happened. We spent over an hour trying to bleed the system and got a couple ounces into it. Finally started checking the lines and everything. Nothing looked bad. I figured I'd pull the flexible hose and couldn't get it off so I decided to pull the slave to get to it.

It fell into 3 pieces. So, I get to order a new one, yay. Looks like a rock or something must have hit it, clipping the boot, allowing stuff in and causing it to fail. So, I have a nice shiny new master cylinder and I've got a slave on order through Roop's MG.

Clutch Master Cylinder

Yea...the clutch master cylinder. I'm running out of non-engine/tranny parts that I haven't replaced. Especially ones I haven't rebuilt.

I drove the MG to work earlier this week and when I went to leave...the clutch wouldn't disengage. Played with it, fiddled with it, and even pushed it backwards to check for leaks...yup, master clutch cylinder blew a seal. I did rebuild it almost 2 years ago so...it's old and since I put it together without instructions and guessing where parts went, I'm happy it lived this long.

On the plus side, I've been able to park next to myself every day this week. For some reason no one wants to park next to the classic. I got a new cylinder in and I plan on replacing it tomorrow. Hopefully it'll work and it's not the hose that's gone.

New Soft Top

So, got a new top finally. The old one was tearing at all the seams for the windows and was just getting ratty. Admittedly I got the “cheap” one through moss, mainly because I’m cheap and because I’m not going for show quality.

I also installed it myself, costing $35 in parts for tools I didn’t have. I think it turned out nice. I meant to take pictures along the way but basically got distracted.

While I had the old top off I removed the frame and cleaned up some of the old glue, painted the entire thing in engine enamel black and rearranged my seatbelts so they’d work a bit better. Below are some pics of the final product. I think there’s a bit of a wrinkle on the corners but I’m hoping it’ll settle a bit and and clear up. Either way, I love it and that’s what matters most.

I also got the parts in to replace my tie rods and the springs to my carburetors. I’m hoping that the springs will help my lean problem and the replacement tie rods will allow me to replace the steering rack boots without worrying about damaging the old boots.

Tires Tires Everywhere

So, I've finally decided to get new tires. I'm scheduled to get them replaced Saturday, just waiting for what's going to stop me now. I've decided to "upgrade" to 185/70/14 from the 175/70/14's I have now.

Also, it's getting nice out so I'm finally able to drive her with the top down. Normally a cause for celebration, I've discovered my top is BADLY in need of replacement so I get to add that to my list of parts to buy...soon.

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.