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MGB GT V8

1973-1976 / Coupe / United Kingdom

All MGB GT V8 problems All workshop issues
Common Electrical

Ignition Component Failure

Symptoms

Sudden engine death, misfiring, no-start condition.

Cause

The points-type ignition system relies on a condenser, contact breaker points, rotor arm, and distributor cap -- all of which wear and fail. The condenser is the most common sudden-failure item. Modern aftermarket condensers are often poor quality.

Fix

  1. 1 Carry spares. Alternatively, fit an electronic ignition conversion (Pertronix, Powerspark, or Accuspark -
  2. 2 $80--150) that eliminates the points and condenser entirely. This is one of the best upgrades you can make to any MGB
Cost mentioned in fix
$80

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Other known issues

Common Electrical

Lucas Alternator and Charging Failures

Dim lights, slow cranking, dead battery, charging light on the dashboard.
Common Electrical

Earth (Ground) Connection Corrosion

Intermittent electrical failures, dim lights on one side, instruments reading incorrectly, indicators flashing at wrong speed.
Minor Body and Structure

Sill Corrosion (Inner and Outer)

The outer sill skin bubbles, softens, and eventually perforates. In advanced cases, the outer sill crumbles when prodded. The inner sill -- the structural member -- rots from inside the box section and loses its load-bearing capacity.
Critical Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

Soft or perforated floor pans, particularly in the footwells and under the seats. Wet carpet is a telltale sign. In severe cases, you can see the road through the floor.
Minor Body and Structure

A-Post Corrosion

Rust at the base of the windscreen pillars where they meet the scuttle panel. This area can be invisible until advanced.
Minor Body and Structure

Door Skin Corrosion

Rust along the bottom edge of each door, working upward from the inside.
View all 18 MGB GT V8 problems