New Owner 79 MGB

[Mark1904]

Recently I purhased a very nice 79 MGB but there are some minor wiring problems, no brake lights no turn signals and the tach quit working. The temp gauge also quit working and the wiring seems to be intact and in good condition from a visual inspection. Please let me know any ideas of where I might start to find this problem and where can I find a Hazard Warning Switch that is located on the dash. The tach worked the day I bought it but it seemed as though it was acting like it wasn't getting a good connect and then all of the sudden the temp gauge and fuel gauge quit working . Are these tied into a main junction somewhere, if someone can point me in the right direction I sure need it at point and time

[KimMG]

http://www.advanceautowire.com click on stock schematics
You will also need a test light or meter.

Common problem would be the third fuse. Use a meter or test light to check for continuity between the terminals for the white/brown wires and the green wires on the fuse box.

[paul J]

Originally Posted by Mark1904

Recently I purhased a very nice 79 MGB but there are some minor wiring problems, no brake lights no turn signals and the tach quit working. The temp gauge also quit working and the wiring seems to be intact and in good condition from a visual inspection. Please let me know any ideas of where I might start to find this problem and where can I find a Hazard Warning Switch that is located on the dash. The tach worked the day I bought it but it seemed as though it was acting like it wasn't getting a good connect and then all of the sudden the temp gauge and fuel gauge quit working . Are these tied into a main junction somewhere, if someone can point me in the right direction I sure need it at point and time

I have found that starting at the fuse block in the engine compartment, by cleaning all the bullet connectors and respective recepters and applying a slight dab of dielectric grease on them before inserting, (If you can see the grease, it's to much), usually solves a lot of electrical problems. From that point, it's connector after connector in the system. Notice I said, it's a starting point and not nessasary a fix. Welcome to Mr. Lucas's night mare.

[mre64]

I own a 79 MGB also. I had similar problems. I replaced the fusebox, very inexpensive, I ordered it through Victoria British. I also replaced the Engine to frame groundstrap. When I took the fusebox off the fender, the back of it was all corroded. If it is 30 years old, I recommend replacing it anyway.

Good Luck

[paul J]

Originally Posted by mre64

I own a 79 MGB also. I had similar problems. I replaced the fusebox, very inexpensive, I ordered it through Victoria British. I also replaced the Engine to frame groundstrap. When I took the fusebox off the fender, the back of it was all corroded. If it is 30 years old, I recommend replacing it anyway.

Good Luck

I agree 100%. The ground strap and how well it's connected is overlooked quite a bit. If this is loose or not making a good connection, all kinds of electrical problems can evolve.

[paul J]

Originally Posted by paul J

I agree 100%. The ground strap and how well it's connected is overlooked quite a bit. If this is loose or not making a good connection, all kinds of electrical problems can evolve.

I sold my 79 yesterday. Was in the barn for five years
Gave the wife the 72 and was going to restore the 79 for me, but I just couldn't get into doing a rubber bumper model. I'll find something else sooner or later.