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MG MGB Technical - Fuel pump problems?

I started up my 73 MGB today and it fired right up and ran for about a minute and began to sputter and stalled. It sounded like it was not getting fuel so I disconnected the fuel line and sure enough when I crank the engine I get no fuel through the line. I put a couple of gallons of gas in the tank just to make sure I didn't run out. Where do I start to diagnose the problem? I think this car hates me and the feeling is starting to become mutual! Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Steve Sekaz

Turn the ignition on without starting the engine. You should
be able to hear the fuel pump ticking if its working. Once the
fuel filter is full, you might get only one tick per 30 sec.

Lots in the archives about fixing old pumps (a whack on the
side of it might get the points working again, or a bit of
emery paper to clean them.) But new ones
are fairly cheap ($100 or so for points version, $130 for
electronic ones) s o might be worth getting a new one.
Rule out clogged fuel lines, bad ground to the pump, or
loose ignition wire (white) connection to the pump first,
however.

A hole or leak in a fuel line before the pump could cause
no fuel also, but then you would hear the pump ticking like
crazy.
Ronald

The car does not hate you. Its an Mg, it has about one hour running time per one hour maintenance, just like a helicopter.

Had the same problem with 79/80 B. If you need to do fuel pump points, you should either get a new pump or use the overhaul kit from VB. While you are under the car you should also replace all the fuel line hoses as well.

John Long
John Long

Steve. MGs need to be used and maintained. Most have had indifferent servicing over the years and all are getting old. Ronald is correct that the first thing to do is to disconnect the fuel line to the carbs, stick the end into a jar, then have an assistant turn the ignition switch to the run position. If you are not getting fuel, disconnect the line at the fuel pump and blow through it to see if the line is clear. If it is, you have either a pump problem or a problem with the line to the pump or the fuel pick up tube in the tank. Check the system until you find the problem area, then find the root cause of the problem and correct it. Keep records on the car and note what you replace and when. Then, you can keep track of what has been replaced and see how long it lasts. Les
Les Bengtson

Sounds like dirty points on the pump to me. Give it a bit of a tap with a hammer when the ignition is on.
Paul Hunt

This thread was discussed between 25/04/2002 and 26/04/2002

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