MGB Roadster Cutting Out

[iansp]

Hi,

I am hoping there are some knowledgeable people out there who understand vintage car electrics and can point me in the right direction.

We have a 1979 MGB Roadster and yesterday we took the car out for a spin as the weather was good and on our way home, after about a 50 mile run, the red ignition light came on and then went out and the car died and we coasted to a halt by the side of road.

I preface this by saying I am no mechanic but my first thought was the alternator had gone and the battery was flat or a fuse had blown but after having checked the engine bay for any tell-tale clues I tried the key in the ignition and the red ignition light came on and the car started straight away and we drove home without any further issues, albeit focusing on the red ignition light in case it came on again.

I have access to a multi-meter, although to be honest only basic knowledge of how to use it, but does anyone have any suggestions of what the issue could be and what to check.

Many thanks in advance of any thoughts on what the issue could be and suggestions of what to check.

[Panamax]

Earth fault.

Check all the fat wires connected to chassis in the engine bay. Corrosion at the points of contact can cause any flavour of mayhem.

[sf1969]

[quote=sf1969]Replace the condenser in the distributor, they are very cheap and the break down after a reasonable drive points to that failing. Especially if the coil feels hot when it broke down. I’ve had a 1275 Midget for 40 years and my father has a 69 MGB

[Panamax]

sf1969 said:

Replace the condenser in the distributor,

Good point, the whole HT system may be suspect and condenser is a good place to start.