Well today was the day to try and attack the wiring harness. It seemed to go pretty well in the end but it took it quite a while and man was it hot today – high 97F. If you’ve never done this before, I had not, it actually is not too bad and it’s reasonably logical.

The main things I learned are the bullet connectors aren’t too bad and you want to pull on the harness connector side if you’re removing the main harness. You can get them out with pliers if needed but pull back the insulators and make sure you get hold if the bullet connector.

Also, when getting the harness out from behind the dash the lights for the gauges and turn signals etc. look like they’re permanently attached. Obviously they’re not but the trick is to twist and basically the bulb and the fitting slides out of the inside of the barrel housing that holds the bulb into/on the gauge. If that doesn’t work a twist with a flat head screwdriver between the edge of the barrel and the end of the connector should get things started.

The tach is also quite difficult and there are two connectors that seemed to use a bullet style connector. These are really tough to get out and I suggest you simply remove the gauge to get to them. The removal of the knurled nuts and spacers will take care of this.

Lastly dragging the main harness out seemed to work best for me by pulling it through the firewall from the engine bay back into the passenger area. You may also want to push through some of the branch wiring fist to manage the quantity trying to get through the firewall at the same time.

So that was about it for today. I did also remove the carbs and manifolds again to fix the engine side cover. The cover came off OK once I got the cork gasket separated a little bit. However, when trying to bolt it up again it seems the bolt is too long. Probably because it’s a front bolt that was used with the cover that was a front cover upside down – maybe Sears will be able to hook me up tomorrow.

Should be getting the new harness on Monday so more fun begins then I guess!

Well another case of one step forward 2 steps back. Got lots of good advice on the engine covers issue uncovered when the Weber was removed. Details back in this thread http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?1,408021

Managed to get the manifold and carbs all connected up and did some quick and dirty hose setups as the main objective was to see if she would fire the with HIF4s and to see if they were OK. IF you want to know what to connect to where on a pair of HIF4’s see this thread that has a good picture – it was very helpful to me! http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?1,408130

So all connected we get ready for the big moment – oops fuel leak from the front carb! Found some loose screws into the float cover and tried again but another fuel leak. Take off the float cover to find a missing gasket! Argh. I guess the guy who refurb’d them that I got them from must have managed to forget to put this back on/in. Oh well – that was part of the test to check them out – at least the exhaust manifold looks sweet and the carbs look nice with polished dashpots etc. If they run as good as they look I’ll be a happy camper.

So wait for parts before proceeding with the engine covers and do another order for the float cover gasket and the other stuff I forgot. Hopefully the new wiring harness will be in for Monday and if I can get the car to the “doc’s” shop we can start on that Monday night.

Until next time…

Simple for some and first time for everything. Seemed to go relatively smoothly and dropped exhaust and managed to get Weber and exhaust manifold off no problem. All ready for a pair for nice HIF4s and a re-painted exhaust manifold.

Not to sure about the engine covers and both front and rear have breather hoses. Rear one is capped and front was connected up to Weber. Have posted seeking advice on whether this is an issue or not and what/how to connect up.

Well I/we didn't wait long. Friday July 21 and I am changing/draining all fluids and getting ready to try and fire the engine. It's been nearly a year since it was turned over I have learnt.

Video of the event at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjkEFJz61f8

No major issues with the draining exercise and oil, coolant and really old gas all removed. Top up with fresh.

Put in new plugs and then turn her over for a while. Eventually get oil pressure reading of just over 50lbs - all is well. Prime the carb with fuel and try and she firs first time and then dies - no fuel.

Seems fuel pump is dead - no familiar clicking noises. Pull it out and end up dismantling it. Not really sure about these having not worked on them before. Manage to figure it out and it runs again with a little clean up and hot wired to battery.

Put fuel pump back in - not working - messing around with wiring - getting just under 12v but won't run. Decide to hot wire back to battery. Pumps and sounds like carb is full - stand by - Contact. She fires first time again and runs pretty sweet - get her nice and warm and shut down after 15 mins or so - SUCCESS - she lives! - Thanks Glen and Tanner for helping out – much appreciated!

Well Thursday July 20 was the day for the new arrival to come home. Made the journey back safely with a friend hauling her home on a trailer.

No major excitment on the way back so all is well. Start thinking about trying to get her running again now - how long can I wait