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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Which Fuel Pump?

I am trying to get together all the bits I need for the build of my midget before the VAT goes up in January. I have an AUF214 fuel pump that works, but it has seen better days and has the most horrendous sparking across the points in operation. It doesn't seem to have either a capacitor or diode across the points.

So, if I am to buy a new pump, what do I buy? Do I get another SU with points, or a more expensive one without points, or do I go for some other make? I have seen Facet and Huco pumps, but what is the right model for a Midget? Isn't the fuel pressure too high with these pumps? The engine is a 1275, mildly uprated - slightly worked head, slightly warmer camshaft, and single 1 3/4" carb.
Mike Howlett

the most simple facet cube pump
Onno Könemann

Mike,
had a Facet cube on my 998 Cooper with twin SU's, got a Facet red top on the Sprite with a DHLA, both are good trouble free pumps.
Brad 1380

any pump you buy, make sure it puts out no more than 2.8 - 3.8 psi. Check the manufacturer's spec sheets when you buy, so you know what you are getting.

Any more than that and you'll have to also buy a pressure regulator, which is just more money spent and one more part to wear out / go out of adjustment.

As long as you stick with that low psi output pretty much any electric pump made will do you fine.

Some have complained the Facet pumps make too much noise while driving down the road, others love them because they are so cheap.

Personally, I like using SU pumps (modern, solid state, pointless ones), and like the little "tick, tick, tick" before I fire up the engine.



Norm
Norm Kerr

I bought a 2nd hand red top about 20 years ago and used it almost continuously so far on 4 different cars (imp, éclat,midget, xj6) and it never missed a beat. The built in filter is really effective.
It's mounted via isolation rubbers and the ticking is only really noticeable when you're running out of fuel then it turns into a machine gun noise...... Handy for the jag since both the fuel guages only ever seem to say 'some fuel'
the jag's old su float valves couldn't cope with the delivery pressure but the new style ones seal better and were fine so I haven't bothered with a regulator.
No brainer fit a facet, I'd suggest a blue top from eBay since they don't wear out .
robnrrugby

I would not get an SU. Neither would I get the electronic SU stlye pump. I have one you can have but it is only good for about 60 BHP. It could deliver enough fuel for full throttle on mine for about 5 seconds (70BHP) before teh pressure dropped to zero.
Get a facet and a pressure regulator and set it to between 2 and 3 PSI

Good luck
Dave
D Brown

After a brake down on the M25,(very frightening), I fitted Two pumps, using Dave DuBois design. I use a normal new SU, with a Facet backup, powered from a Two way switch, so that both cannot operate together.

It was difficult to work out at first, as Dave's design is for the MGB, and the Facet has to have the inlet lower than the outlet, but I finally figured it, and it works fine. I use the SU normally, as Dave said the points would glaze over if not used, but I sometimes give the Facet a go, and there is no difference in the performance.

Dave


Dave Barrow

Thanks very much guys. I have ordered a Facet cube, with output pressure between 1.5 and 4.0 psi, and flow rate of 25 US gallons per hour. That ought to do it.
Mike Howlett

This thread was discussed between 06/12/2010 and 07/12/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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