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Vintage Cars/Expert Profile
Expertise
Most detailed about Austin Healeys but also MGs (A,B,C), old Minis, old Volvos: they share SU carbs, Lucas (Prince of Darkness!) ignition, Girling brakes & shocks. Some things shared with TRs too, but I don't know so much about them. Can advise the semi-neophyte on the basics of keeping things running, especially tuning ignition and carbs; but no rebuilding engines or transmissions; no frame or bodywork. General date range: late 50s to 70s (not so good about cars with emission controls, electronics). No valuation experience at all.
Experience in the area
Middling: I am not an auto mechanic. (Should we stop right here?)
Grew up In England and a workshop. I have had a 3-carb 60/61 Healey for ca. 8 years, largely looked after myself. New fuel system and carbs, resuscitated ignition, brakes (discs and drum). Great driver's car. Major jobs done by others: king pins, front frame cancer excision; caliper rebuild; etc. Organizations.: Austin Healey Sports & Touring Car Club (PA)
Publications: > 70, irrelevant
Education/Credentials: PhD, irrelevant
Awards and Honors: irrelevant
Languages: Je peux essayer francais...
Education/Credentials
Re. cars, none--see experience.
What do you like about this subject?
The English made some wonderful cars from the 1930s to about 1980, some of them fairly fast, all of them fun, and I'd like to help in a little way to keep them running. Not the Astons or Jaguars or ACs: the regular stuff!
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response T = Timeliness P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat | 10/15/09 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | thanks |
| terry | 09/22/09 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 10 | I found the response interesting and timely ..... |
| Kim | 09/14/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks Jo. I have lubed it up ..... |
| Jeff | 08/29/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Nice job and very thorough. Reall appreciate ..... |
| Jim | 08/26/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | I really like this answer. Being "limber" ..... |
Recent Answers from Jo Jesty
2009-11-11 MGB ignition:
Goodness, it seems that 90% of my questions these days are about MGB electrics! As usual, the symptoms are baffling, and note that the latest MGB I ever worked on was about 1968! Really only one suggestion
2009-10-07 1980 MGB Limited Edition:
I can only quarter answer this (I really shouldn't risk my knowledge rating this way!) In more modern cars, the glove box and ignition are often separate keys, so that you can put stuff in there safe
2009-09-30 mgb 1979:
Assuming 165x14 tires (modern close equivalent is 185/70HR14), the book says 21 psi front and 24 psi rear. But add 4 psi for highway (i.e. general use). So, 25 front, 29 rear. And those sound much more
2009-09-20 71 mgb gt lights:
That questioner went through a lot of connections and ground checking, and cured it. And I had an earlier question about flashers from an MG TD owner after a paint job. Mainly grounding in both cases.
2009-09-18 71 mgb:
You may have a double answer, and I had to rewrite it! If the coil is OK, check: 1) 12V at the coil when ignition is on. 2) 12V at the points (the spring). If both are dead, suspect the ignition
Answers by Expert:
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