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MG MGB Technical - Can I use a different fuel pump?

I have a 79 B With a pair of 74 SU carbs. Do I have to use the stock fuel pump?I think my pump is junk?
Roger

Roger,
Many folks get tired of their stock pump for the less than reliable performance. Solid-state pumps are available from the usual mail-order vendors and are a good replacement if you aren't concerned with having a vintage vehicle. You should also check the tank for rust. Are there flakes in the pump clogging it? This is a common problem. The rust occurs where you can't see it...on top. The only real solution is replacement. I also sealed my replacement tank with a Slushing compound as a preventative. No problems in the last six years!
Tom Lennon

Roger - There are several pumps available for the MGBs. You need one that will pump about 1.5 - 2 pints per minute at 1.5 - 3 psi. The solid state pumps that Tom refers to are a small square, run all the time, make a lot of noise unit that works well, but will drive you crazy unless it is well isolated from the chassis. If you will send me your e-mail address, I can send you a fuel delivery troubleshooting guide that will help you determine where the problem with your car is located. Tom is entirely correct to question the condition of the tank. Rust particles in the tank will clog, not only the pump, but the fuel lines and the carburetors also. Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

Roger,
I have an 80 B that, like yours, has the dual SUs. About six years ago I purchasaed from The Roadster Factory a standard looking SU fuel pump that had been coverted from points type to solid state electronics type. The pump "clicks" just like the standard points type when I turn the key. I have been very happy with this pump and put a similar pump in my TF. I think I paid about $20 more for the solid state SU electronic pump than the standard points type SU pump. I noticed in a recent Moss Catalog they also sell the same solid state SU pump # 377-255 ( negitive ground MGB) for $130 bucks. If you really do need a new pump, you can get the #377-255 for 10-15% less from Jeff Zorn at LBC CO rather than directly from Moss.
Dave
David M. Kalp

I junked my electronic SU pump as it was getting so unreliable. When the points-type plays up you can usually get it going again with a small adjustment from a 'Birmingham screwdiver' (small hammer to you). When the electronic type fails you are stuffed.
Paul Hunt

If your just looking to get it running again well, after of course checking everyting above that was mentioned, this might be your least expensive solution. The little electric pump that was mentioned above (square one) is a Faucet/Purolator and is the smallest one most people carry. It can be purchased through Moss as the middle man with their usual mark up or go straight to a racing warehouse. Racer's Wholesale that markets a lot to vintage racing carries these at only $38. For that price you could carry a back up and with the small size and weight you wouldn't mind. I run one in a roadster, and with aftermarket exhaust only notice it when I turn the key. Mine clicks before starting? If your familiar with the old "blue" pumps from Holley, its nothing that annoying or noticeable in respect with sound. According to the factory tuning guide, it flow sufficient fuel for even a race motors 11 gal/hr consumption. Gee my Drag car uses about 2 gal/min with a 250 gph pump :)
Luke Staley

Thank You Thank You Thank You! I have an old fule pump in the tool box that you could use to water the lawn with. I will give it a try. My B was in a flood befor I got it & I have had to go thru everthing. It will be nice when it is done(90%new parts)Like buying a car from a parts book. Oh yes the GAS TANK is junk too. Thanks Roger
Roger

Make sure it is a LOW pressure type. Most American carbs will take more fuel pressure than these SU's will take (above mentioned pump uses 19psi and a regulator for the Holley). That, or buy one of those fuel pressure regulators you can buy locally for "improved gas mileage" (maybe harder to find these days in the EFI world) that can lower the psi to useable numbers for the SU or you'll have a FLOOD of your own.

Luke
Luke Staley

Thanks Luke I have one on my parts car. I will add it to my roadster right from the get go.
Roger

i got one of those little squar solid state ones for my '72 MGB GT but returned it. i did not like it at all..its like my pump for my fish tank. and required a bit of fuel line cuting to fit.so i ordered a oe style one from autozone only cost me $140 not to shabby but it wont be in tell wendsday....i also was gonna hook up a aftermarket holly one i have, as i do allready have a fuel pressure regulator on the car. but i could not bring my self to cuting the fuel lines to put on a after market fuel pump
Jeff S

This thread was discussed between 28/12/2001 and 29/12/2001

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