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MG MGB Technical - fuel pump

Just purchased a salvaged S U fuel pump, advertised as 'a good working one'. Before fully connecting fuel lines etc.. I connected the live and earth leads to check it worked. I heard a couple of clicks and then nothing. I have checked the connections and there is definately power in the live wire and the earth is good.

Before I ask for a refund can anyone think of something I have done wrong ?.... surely it should keep clicking untill there is back pressure.

Thanks

Dave G

Ps Are the after market 'points less' pumps worth fitting ?
Dave G

Dave - A salvaged pump is an iffy proposition. Even if it run hooked up to a battery, it may not run under load, with both fuel lines hooked up. I restore the pumps and I won't give more than $5 for a salvaged pump, because it may or may not work. Try cleaning the points with some 400 grit sand paper until theyare bright and shiny. If that doesn't get it running, ask for your money back. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Solid advice there Dave G from Dave D. Knowing Dave D's work Dave G, and you regest about pointless pumps, I would suggest you buy one from Dave D even though he is over here and you are over there.

Paul
Paul Barrow

Thanks guys
The vendor suggested putting fuel through it and applying a 'sharp tap' as they don't like running dry.
Well, I thought, its worth a try, as getting a refund etc.. would be hassle. To my amazement it worked and it's pumping away nicely now.
Rgds
Dave G
Dave G

Dave G - "...as they don't like running dry" That is BS statement, the SU fuel pump runs dry as well as it does with fuel in it. Your experience reinforces my recommendation to clean the points. They have filmed over from disuse (they need current reuuning through them to keep the film burned off). Cleand the points as I suggested earlier and as long as the car is driven on a regular basis, the pump will function well (unless the points have been worn down to almost nothing). If you are not going to be driving the car regularly, consider getting an all electronic version of the SU pump, which is not bothered by long periods of inactivity. Another alternative (and one I would recommend regardles) is to install a permanently installed back up pump with a switch in line to switch the power between the primary and back up pump. Use one of the cheap, electronic Facet pumps as the back up. See my article at: http://www.custompistols.com/cars/dave/BackUpFuelPump.htm
Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Dave,
I have a new condition original style pump that I set up per instructions you gave me years ago for my wife's car's pump, which is still working perfectly, thanks you. This new pump has hardly been used at all...yet. It worked well a few weeks ago when I first started up my project car, but when trying to get the car runnig again today the pump didn't want to work, at first. Then it got going, but just long enough to fill the carb. Then it stopped running. Now when I tap on it with my fingers it will start running, but just for a few seconds. I can keep tapping it and it keeps clicking, then stops. Very strange. Any suggestions before I open it up?

Thanks,
Mark R.
Mark Rotsky

Sorry, Above message was to Dave D. - Fuel Pump Guru
Mark Rotsky

Yes, I guessed that, however with my pump I cleaned the earth connection thoroughly and tapped the positive end sharply with a hammer, it's still working well.
Best of luck
Dave
Dave G

i have a mg morris 51, and i need to find the fuel pump, because me is broken, so just let me know if you are avaible to get it, tks.

att. Leo
leonardo

Mark - Is thenew pump you put in your project car a points style or an all electronic pump? If it is a points style pump, what is happening is not strange at all. The points have filmed over from lack of use. Use some solvent (something like laquer thinner or acetone) to the contacts, then follow up with a scrubbing with 400 grit sand paper. This should get your pump going, but be aware that if the pump sits for long periods of time, it will act the same way again. Points style pumps don't like to be left on the shelf and ignored for long periods. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Thanks Dave.
I'll give it a nice little scrub and try to give it some running time.
Mark
Mark Rotsky

I concur with what Dave says about pumps left on the shelf, but normally once they start they self-clean and will then run normally. If it keeps stopping it indicates the points are badly worn or burned.
Paul Hunt 2

This thread was discussed between 17/07/2007 and 24/07/2007

MG MGB Technical index

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