What's happening... thanks

[Terry Horlick]

A while back I started/participated in a few threads on this board: "SU needles" "Poor running" "poor running...update" and "Re: Huge improvement.... Kevin Brinkerhoff , boy genius". I would like to post another update and to thank all you who helped me on-line and also off board. Although many of the ideas posted I had already ruled out and were unrelated to the problem my car experienced they do make up a great list to keep in mind for any of us who actually want to drive and maintain these cars. Yesterday I worked on my carburetors and then went out for a test drive. On the spur of a moment I decided to stretch my two block test route out a bit. I ended up testing on country roads and freeway for about 30 miles to a neighboring town. Then I tested all the way home. Gad what a difference when you have to wait for a passing lane to get around some slow moving (55mph) vehicle which is impeding your progress. The lean popping is almost solved. It has just a slight hint there which I may deal with, or not. Top speed on flat ground is 70 mph with windscreen down (too nice a day to test with windscreen up). That's up from the former top speed of 30 mph! This car came to me from a previous owner who preserved it but didn't really drive it much. I have been going through everything to make it roadable over the last few months and am nearing the end of my list of prjects. Next week my new side curtain frames come back from the powdercoater, I have a high speed rear awaiting installation, was looking for a blower but may not be necessary now. The bad running was a combination of leaky upper seal on the jets, the wrong needles (AP needles have been replaced with ES needles, may still try EM), and the oil I was using in the dash pots was not viscous enough. Aparently these carbies are exquisitely sensitive to air leaks, fuel leaks, proper needle, proper carburetor oil, and proper setting. I have read that the air cleaner will also effect the running of the car significantly. The saving grace is that when it is all right it is NICE! Terry TC2885, home model in USA

[Terry Horlick]

The car continued to be a delight by providing transport for all errands all weekend. Fiddling with gauges today, does anyone know a way to make a negative ground oil temp gauge work on a positive ground car? It is notable that I couldn't have gotten this car running as well as I have without help. First came the manuals we all have, the shop manual devoted to the TC was the best one. Then came some of the local commercial folks notably the parts houses and the tire shop for spin balancing. Next came the various web sites of MG clubs offering technical articles. All of you who provided help on this list were invaluable. Bob Grunau provided lots of information and help getting the rear hubs and axles working. The largest challenge was getting the engine running right. The baffling carburetor mess had me stumped until Kevin Brinkerhoff pointed me to the upper jet seal. The immediate improvement showed the way. After contacting Joe Curto I had the information I needed on needles, and in about a day I actually had the needles in my hand sent from the other side of the continent! At this point the final piece of the puzzle fell into place when Joe contacted me by e-mail to suggest a heavier oil in the carburetor may do the trick in curing the last bit of popping. Again I wish to thank y'all for your help. Rick Malsed complained that no one takes long trips in a TC anymore, well I won't be doing 10,000 miles in the next month, but I am hoping for about 2,000 in 8 days of driving on this shake-down run! Watch here for a report and photos of the trip the T, my wife and I will be taking starting on Thursday night. Terry TC2285