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MG MGB Technical - Fuel Pump problems?

I have a 79 MGB, It has been in storage inside unheated for three years. It had a full fuel tank with gas stabilizer prior to storage. The pump does not seem to work. The pump was only two months old when put in storage and does not appear to be working. How can I check the fuel pump there is no clicking when I turn the key on. I have removed the pump from the car. Serial number on the car is 472715G but still unsure if this is a neg or pos grounded unit (pretty sure its neg. It is a SU moss motors part number 377-***
P Atkins

A 1979 will be negative ground. The points are probably stuck, and a good whack with a screwdriver handle often will get it going --- with 12v connected, of course. You can also take the cover off the pump and clean the breaker points with emery cloth.
Dan

I doubt that the points are stuck, rather they have probably filmed over and thus will not conduct. If the whack with the screwdriver handle doesn't get the pump going, remove the end cap and run some 400 wet and dry dand paper petween the points to clean them off. For more information on the pumps and some troubleshooting hints, see my article ont he pumps at: http://www.custompistols.com/cars/articles/dd_su_fuel_pumps_101.htm
Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

If the stabilizer was just put into the tank at the beginning of storage, and the engine not run, there's a possibility that the gas in the pump turned to varnish and ate up the innards. Likewise, the carb could be gummed up.
R. L Carleen

This thread was discussed on 30/07/2003

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