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MG MGB Technical - Fuel Pump and Corners

Bit of an odd one, maybe common sense. But when i go around right hand bends my fuel pump goes mad and clicks much quicker than at any other time. fuel delivery is OK and have no other problems.

Is this normal?
whiskeyfrank

Does it do this even when the tank is full? If only when near empty, it sounds like the petrol pickup is sucking air temporarily.

Derek Nicholson

I agree. It could also be a bad rubber hose between the tank and pump. Lateral forces could flex the hose enough to open any small cracks and let air in.
Steve Simmons

it does it regardless of how much fuel is in the tank full or empty, the pipe from the tank is metal and i cant see any leaks in the system
whiskeyfrank

My first guess would have been along with Steve and Derek, but after your second post I would have to guess that the fuel level in the carb float bowls is sloshing enough to open the valve and allow the pump to fill the bowl more. Could it be that the float level is set a bit lower than normal?
Bill Young

Are you sure the line from tank to pump is metal the whole way? Usually there is a section of rubber hose.
Steve Simmons

yes its a solid metal all the way, then flexible from the pump onwards. just checked. Something else as well i do somethimes get a petrol smell in the cabin on cornering!! not strong but there.
whiskeyfrank

That last comment does sound like fuel splashing out of the float bowl vents. You must really pull some G's in your B.
Bill Young

I wish i could pull some G's but sadly not!

Something else i have noticed when i put the heater on for the first time this year, the smell was much stronger, so im guessing its coming from under the bonnet. But ive checked and there are no leaks, just a manic pump.

i suppose im going to have to put up with it
whiskeyfrank

Reminds me of the bloke whose engine suffered fuel starvation every time he went over Sydney Harbour Bridge in rush-hour, but nowhere or notime else. Also reminds me of the other bloke whose car wouldn't start after buying chocolate-chip ice-cream from the local shop, but was OK when buying vanilla.

The pump has two non-return valves, maybe one of these is sticking open in lateral forces. Could also be float/valve problems. You could put a catch-bottle under the overflow pipes, find a big enough car park and go round and round enough to keep it chattering for a bit. Fuel in the catch bottle indicates a float or valve problem (selecting the pipe will tell you which carb). Nothing indicates something further back i.e pump, pipe or pickup, although if it does it on a full tank as much as a nearly empty tank you can discount the pickup.
Paul Hunt 2

This thread was discussed between 09/10/2006 and 13/10/2006

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