MGB Workshop Manual Preface - Maintenance, Tools & Fuel/Oil Recommendations
Preface to the combined MGB publication set describing the Driver's Handbook, factory Workshop Manual and Special Tuning Handbook contents.
This is the Preface page (page V) of an MGB service publication set, introducing the three companion manuals: the Driver's Handbook (owner's manual with lubrication and minor tune-up procedures), the Workshop Manual (the official factory service manual intended for dealer service departments), and the Special Tuning Handbook (for racing and performance improvement, listing competition parts available from authorized MGB dealers). The preface explains why owners work on their own cars — money savings, pride, and better knowledge of the vehicle. A 'Maintenance and General Care' section advises following the manufacturer's lubrication and adjustment recommendations, keeping maintenance records, and building a basic tool set (open/box wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, feeler gauges, spark plug socket, 3/8" or 1/2" drive socket set, torque wrench). It notes that MGB fasteners mostly fit standard American wrenches, with rare Whitworth-pattern exceptions on accessories like the fuel pump. Practical advice covers correct fastener tightening, cleanliness during work, alternative methods such as using a timing light or ignition analyzer, and fuel/oil guidance: any premium-grade oil of recommended weight is fine, racing oil should not be used on the street, and Regular-grade U.S. gasoline can be used if the engine is kept in careful tune. It also explains 'pinging' (detonation) causes — carbon buildup raising compression — and remedies including decarbonizing or higher-octane fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
- What publications make up the MGB manual set described in this preface?
- The Driver's Handbook (owner's manual), the Workshop Manual (official factory service manual for dealer service departments), and the Special Tuning Handbook for racing and hot street use, which lists competition parts available from authorized MGB dealers.
- Do MGB nuts and bolts require special wrenches?
- For the most part MGB fasteners fit standard American wrenches. Older Whitworth pattern wrenches are rarely needed, usually only on accessory components such as the fuel pump, and adjustable wrenches will almost always get the job done.
- What basic tools does the manual recommend for MGB maintenance?
- An assortment of open and box end wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, one or two adjustable wrenches, feeler gauges, a spark plug socket, a 3/8" or 1/2" drive socket set for extensive work, and a torque wrench.
- Can the MGB run on Regular grade gasoline?
- Yes — since American gasolines are somewhat superior in octane rating, there is no reason the car cannot use Regular grade fuel, provided the engine is kept in careful tune.
- What causes engine pinging and how is it fixed according to this preface?
- Pinging (knocking/detonation) indicates the need for a spark adjustment or too much carbon in the combustion chambers, which raises compression. Remedies are decarbonizing (removing the cylinder head and scraping out carbon, described in the Workshop Manual) or simply using a higher-octane fuel.
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