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MG MGB Technical - Fuel Pump Woes

The fuel pump in my '80 B is acting up. I've had sporadic problems with it since I bought the car. Occasionally it would just not work. Sometimes, changing the fuel filter fixed the problem. When operating fine, it would "tick" until the pressure was up then just occasionally to keep the pressure up. I removed it a few weeks ago to find it was not a SU, but an aftermarket replacement. I cleaned the power and ground leads, which were corroded, partially dismantled it to check the little wire filter which was clear of debris. Still had the occasional incident when it would just not work. Now, it just ticks constantly, even when the car is off (key in ignition). I've purchased a fuel pump at NAPA that delivers 3.5 to 5 pounds of pressure. Will this be too strong for the Weber? Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
CRH Hoebel

CRH - NAPA has a pump that is 2 to 4 psi, which would be more appropriate for the MG, but the 3 to 5 psi should work all right. If what you got is the little, square, run all the time, make a lot of noise, Facet pump it will serve you very well, but it will drive you crazy from the constant noise (I believe that the newer Facet pumps are no longer square, but they still make a lot of noise). These pumps have a bypass valve in them to set the pressure and as a result, they don't shut off when the float bowl is full like a SU pump does. If you find the noise starts getting to you, you can order a set of sound mounts for the pump from Pegasus Racing at http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/advcat.asp?CategoryID=AIRFUEL
Scroll down and click on Fuel Pump Accessories, then click on Facet mounting kit. This kit does a great job of silencing the pump.

"...even when the car is off (key in ignition)" I hope that by this you mean that the ignition is on, but the engine is not running. If the pump doesn't shut off when the ignition is turned off, then you have more of a problem than just a fuel pump gone south. Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

David,
Thanks for the advice. It's not a little square pump, but in cylindrical shape. If it doesn't work right I can always order a new SU. I am just worried that it'll just keep pumping because of the up to 5 pounds of pressure, getting fuel all over. And I did mean with the ignition in the on position.
CRH Hoebel

CRH,

I have the cylindrical shape pump and have used it this kind for over 15 years. Mine was first used an a Weber 32/36 DGV and has a 2.5 - 4.5 psi rating which is just about the same as yours.

This is most likely a Carter P60504 low pressure fuel pump. I used mine without a regulator and it worked good with no problem.

I since changed and have a supercharger so I bought a fuel pressure regulator and just set it at 2.5 psi and this works good.

I can not even hear my fuel pump. They sell a holding clamp with a rubber fitting inside that stop the noise or ticking. Get one and you will be happy.

Again. This fuel pump is great and will work fine with your weber just the way it is. A weber needs a bit more fuel pressure than standard carbs..So I agree also with David, also get the mounting bracket.

Ray

Ray 1977mgb

Thanks Ray. It came with one too!
CRH Hoebel

This thread was discussed on 18/08/2005

MG MGB Technical index

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