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MG MGB Technical - constant fuel pump ticking

Hi All,
i have a problem with the fuel pump on my 72 BGT.The pump is continuosly running coupled with fuel starvation.The car will idle but not drive very far through lack of fuel.I have changed the fuel filter on the bulkhead. I have disconnected the fuel line to carbs, and inserted the line into a cup to check speed of flow, and also for any air bubbles. Flow seems o.k. , and no bubbles were present to indicate a suction side air leak. I have removed pump (twice) checked for dirt on inlet/outlet valves, i could see none, but washed them anyway. I have blown and sucked on them, to check for leakages, but could find none. I have drained the fuel tank , strained what came out, no contamination was evident. I have opened, both float chambers, the level of fuel in each was equal,the floats and needles apear to be o.k. I would appreciate any help and advice.
Thanks
C.T ODonoghue


Have you checked the metal fuel line that runs from the pump to the engine bulkhead carefully?. It is just possible that it may have a small pinhole in it, I have known this to happen and give the same symptons that you have described. Actually it is a good idea to replace this steel pipe with a copper one regardless.
Good hunting!!
Harry
H.E.W. Walker

CT - One or both of the check valves may be split. It is necesary to diassemble the pump and pull the valves in order to check them. If eithe or both are split, new valves are available from Burlen Fuel. Their web site is at: http://www.burlen.co.uk/. Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

I second David's analysis. Pull the fuel pump and replace the check valves. They are made out of thin plastic and they do crack and break over time. Have had that happen twice to me and finally I have gotten to the point where I always carry a spare check valve as part of my in-car repair kit.

This is a pretty easy repair, if you are not familiar with what needs to be done, the Haynes manual is pretty comprehensive.
Ron Kluwe

This thread was discussed between 22/05/2004 and 23/05/2004

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