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MG MGB Technical - No Fuel

Have a 79 MGB. Car runs for 15 to 20 minutes, then dies. At this point there is no fuel at the carb. Let the car sit, sometimes it takes days, and it will start again and run for 20 minutes, with same problem.

I've checked, fuel lines, fuel filter, inertia switches, fuel pickup in the tank, pump seems to work, and there is power to the pump when the car doesnt start.

My next step is to replace the pump, but I cant see why it would work sometimes and not others.

Thanks for any help!
Glenn

Check if your fuel tank vent is blocked.
Brain Shaw

"My next step is to replace the pump, but I cant see why it would work sometimes and not others."

Welcome to British Electrics. There is no use in wondering "why". These things just "are". The fuel pump makes a "ticking" sound when it works. Usually, a number of rapid ticks as you turn the key to the "run" position after it has been sitting awhile. As fuel pressure builds up the ticking slows till it only ticks once every 5 or 10 seconds, even while running on the highway. No ticks, no fuel delivery. Quite often, we are seen on the side of the road tapping these fuel pumps with a hammer when they "stick". Next time it doesn't seem to be running, give the pump a few gentle raps with a hammer and see if it starts ticking again. In the long run, you probably need a new pump.
Kelvin Palmer

Get an electronic pump, they are much more reliable and cheaper too. Fittings are the same. Do not be tempted to get another SU original pump, sooner or later, it will let you down.
T Green

'79 B's have unvented cap and you may be creating a vaccum in the tank which the pump can't overcome.
Remove your fuel filler cap and see if the problem goes away. If it does your evaporative system is plugged, either line to the evap. can (inside trunk on right side) or line to carbon cannister or the cannister itself is plugged.
Mike
'79B
Mike Janacek

This thread was discussed between 06/09/2001 and 07/09/2001

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