79 MG MGB

[wilkieja]

I have a 79 MG MGB and it all of a sudden won't start. There's no lights, nothing. I've replaced the battery and starter, checked all the fuses, everything I know and still nothing. Any ideas? Thank you for your help.

Edited by wilkieja on Saturday 24th June 10:26

[spoodler]

If nothing works, then power isn't getting from the battery to where it's needed. You state it's a '70, but also a '79 so I don't know if it has a fuse box or a single in line fuse...
I'd suggest checking the main earths and also make sure that there isn't a battery isolator fitted that you may have switched off.
It won't be ignition switch or similar as half of the electrical s should function with the ignition "Off".

[dr_gn]

Bad earth from the battery?

Ignition key dead?

[wilkieja]

What is the main earth? And yes 79, I corrected it. Thank you for your response

[smn159]

You need a wiring diagram, a tester and to methodically check for voltages at different points until you find the issue. It really shouldn't take long if everything is dead.

If you're not confident in doing that you need to get someone who is to help rather than poke around changing stuff at random IMO

[wilkieja]

OK, thank you

[AMGSee55]

wilkieja said:

What is the main earth? And yes 79, I corrected it. Thank you for your response

There will be an earth strap on the car which effectively completes the circuit back to the negative battery terminal. Pic below is typical of what they look like and they can fray/split over time. Find yours (engine to chassis) and make sure it’s in good fettle.

[ARHarh]

Have you checked the wires and switch thing in the back of the ignition barrel. After all they really aren't that complex. if the power is getting from the battery to the solenoid and ground it can only be wires to the ignition switch.

[Red Firecracker]

Here's a link to the wiring diagram you require:

https://www.chicagolandmgclub.com/techtips/mgb/pdf...

[Hol]

Run a wire direct from the battery to the positive side of the coil and see if you get a spark.

[wilkieja]

Thank you so for the responses. I was unable to reply since I just joined.

I was about to finally get power and lights up and going. There were some bad connections and had to replace a few things due to being old and not seeing these issues. All the responses helped me with this though.

Now the issue is when turning the car over the positive cable right after the post is sparking and I have no clue why. I've taken this all apart and have it soaking in baking soda and water. Is this good, bad, or what should I do? Any ideas as to why is sparkling where it shouldn't be?

Thank you again.

[kimducati]

It's sparking because there's a loose or corroded joint (or a broken strand or strands) in the cable.
Check & repair or replace the cable.
Kim

[wilkieja]

OK thank you