79 mgb wont start

It has been a long, long time since I worked on one but I have a vague memory it is in the engine compartment. I don't think it is much of a fuse box with only four or five fuses in it. I believe the early models only had two fuses under the bonnet and one behind the dash.

not sure if you will find it at this link.... Spark plug gap for 79 MGB Google Search

Carbs any good? Engine have compression? Check for spark? Igniter? Timing?

Probably out of fuel

The only way the engine would keep running smoothly (not engine pre-ignition running) is that the coil is still getting power. If you look at the coil you will see the supply side of the coil comes from the start switch. There is where you should "start" checking. I recommend you also check the start relay for sticking. Something in the starting circuit is not cutting off the voltage to the coil...allowing power to the distributor points.

The only thing that keeps a diesel engine from running.. OTHER THAN A MECHANACAL PROBLEM.. is lack of fuel. Since it starts when you spray starting spray the engine probably does not have a mechanical problem 1. does the fuel solenoid open when you energize it?, is the fuel filter clogged?, is the lift pump working? Is there fuel in the tank? IF YOU HAVE RUN OUT OF FUEL YOU WILL NEED TO BLEED THE AIR OUT OF THE FUEL SYSTEM.

You don't say what year or engine. but I would try checking the idle stop solenoid and the choke adjustments. You give more info I could help more

Mike

did you replace the fuel filter-also dump a bottle of fuel system cleaner in to clean the injectors-cheers Denny

there are some magnets behind the flywheel to cause the battery charging system to recharge the batt. sometimes they come unbonded/loose from the flywheel and cause the engine to become hard to turn. I would start there first.

try jumping across solenoid(touch 2 big posts w/a screw driver) check for a good ground between sol. housing and fender