MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - fuel delivery

Trying to start a 72 mgb that's been sitting for about 8 yrs. I cleaned-up the HSI4 SUs and got her battery powered-up. Threw in a few gals of fuel and turned the key. the fuel pump ticked strongly but no fuel to the the carbs. Unhooked the fuel line b4 the filter and got a few spurts of fuel interspersed with air then later nothing. Unhooked the fuel pump and put a hose on the line to the gas tank. I blew on the hose and it seemed clogged. I expected to hear bubbles in the tank. I blew on the gas filler and it pressurized the tank a bit, but no fuel out the hose.

Is there a one way valve on the gas pick-up in the tank? Should I try to jerry-rig a fuel line from a gas can to the inlet on the fuel pump.

All I'm trying to do is start the engine b4 I pull it for a rebuild etc., so that I have a reference and to test the systems. I don't want to r&r the gas tank right now if I don't have to.

Thanx, Fred
Fred Horstmeyer

Could be something obstucting the fuel pickup (rust?) in the tank or the fuel pump diaphram could be shot (therefor the pump continues clicking forever and barely delivers fuel). Or it could be that you have air coming into the fuel system through an old leaky hose.

You can access the fuel tank through the sensor seal on the passenger (RH) side. Just jack up that side of the car so the gas goes to the other end. Undo the seal and pull out the sensor/siphon and clean. Use a flashlight to look into the tank and see if there is alot of corrosion, if so, you'll need to pull it off and clean it up (maybe replace it if its bad).

The pump is also quite easy to pull apart and parts are readily available if the diaphram is damaged. Check all hoses for cracks along the way to the carbs and check the inline fuel filter (if you have one).

If you haven't done so already pull off the fuel bowl covers and check to see if you have "varnish" (old dried up fuel) in the bowls, clean up the bowls and blow out with air. Check the needle valves on the covers and make sure they are functioning. Try not to spray ether or other starting fluid into the carbs as I've heard they tend to mess with the gaskets.

Good luck,

Luis
Luis Azan

This thread was discussed on 27/03/2002

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.