Engine – Tuning

In principle there are three types of electronic ignition:   Points replacement module:  this substitutes an electronic switch for the mechanical points.  It has two big advantages over the [...]

Run-on is a term used to describe what happens when the key is turned off and the engine continues to run somewhat erratically for a second or two, or even quite some time.  Run-on causes high [...]

(Applies to any engine, but the B series is particularly prone to it). Combustion problems caused by erratic burning and/or detonation of fuel rather than controlled and even burning shorten [...]

Forget the old myth that they are hard to keep tuned.  Twin carburettors have an unjustified reputation for being hard to keep in tune. It’s origins lie in the bad practice of fiddling with [...]

The vacuum unit works to advance the spark on part throttle in order to improve efficiency and fuel economy when cruising/at steady speed. At full throttle the manifold vacuum disappears and so [...]

Maintaining the correct valve clearance is important to prevent premature valve train wear.  Too tight and there is a risk that the valves won’t seat properly and burn out, too loose and [...]

The most common cause of combustion problems such as pinking in MG engines is not fuel as usually assumed (provided the engine is running on minimum 95 octane), but distributors not performing to [...]

The following notes are intended to supplement the information on how to set ignition timing (by either method) which is found in most good workshop manuals, with particular reference to how to [...]

All pre-electronic MG engines are easy to tune and hold no great mysteries, so are easy for owners who want to do their own maintenance to tackle if they go about it methodically and in the right [...]