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MG TD TF 1500 - priming the fuel pump

Last night I tried to fire up the rebuilt engine on my TD. It had not been run since 1962. Anyway, after putting a gallon and a half of gas in the tank. The fuel pump would not deliver. The line is clear and the tank refurbished. The pump was rebuilt with a new set of points and a diaphram and it turns over. The valves seem to be working alright. The diaphram was stretched and the hole on the diaphram side seems to be lining up with the two small holes leading to the valve system. I am wondering, do I need to prime the pump somehow?
Russ Oakley

I had the same experience with a new pump, new copper pipe and a reasonably clean tank, including the outlet filter, however with a very low petrol level. The pump did just not deliver. I managed to wrap a rubber hose around the tank filling neck and blowing into the tank, at the same time as the pump was operating, I got the pump primed. After that, the pump worked properly, even though the flow rate seems small. I have to measure it and compare with the specifications. However, according to the workshop manual, a healthy pump does not need to be primed, does it?

I expect other comments.

Jesus
J. Benajes

Russ - I suspect that your pump probably has a tired coil and is not developing sufficient vacuum. The other possibilities are, an air leak somewhere betweent he tank and the pump or the check valves are worn and not closing off properly when they are dry. The only thing that "priming" wil do is to wet the valve disks, which may make them seal better. Either try Jusus' method of pressurizing (slightly) the tank to move fuel into the pump, wetting the valve disks or remove the outlet pipe and dribble some kerosene into the pump. Kerosene works better than gas in that it doesn't evaporate as quickly and will provide a thicker fluid to wet the valve disks. If you get the pump to pull fuel through, you might want to run the line from the pump to the rear carb into a jar and see if it will pump a little better than a pint in 1 minute. If it doesn't then the pump will need some work done on it or a repalacement coil. Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

Russ,
I have never had to prime a fuel pump, I think you must have an air leak somewhere in the system. How long did you run the pump ?

SPW
Steve Wincze

I wonder if I may have a problem in the outlet filter. How do I get at it?
Russ Oakley

Russ - If you are speaking of the filter in the pump (it is on the inlet side of the pump), it is removed by taking out the plug at the bottom of the pump. If that filter was clogged, the pump would stall in a current on condition and become quite hot. For a fuel delivery troubleshooting guide, go to: http://www.custompistols.com/cars/dave/ddFuelDeliveryTroubleshooting.htm
Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

Thanks for all the help, I recharged the battery and solved the problem.
Russ Oakley

When all else fails. Go back to the basics.
Bruce Cunha

discharged battery will do it to you every time.
David DuBois

This thread was discussed between 06/03/2006 and 08/03/2006

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.