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MG MGB Technical - fuelpump siezed up

I leaved my mg in the garage for a few months and now the bugger wont start there is no fuel getting through and no ticking so considered it a possibilty it was the fuel pump i checked for voltage power is getting through. I am guessing its siezed how do i get it working?
Jim

Jim,

If OE tap with blunt instrument.

Paul
Paul

Hi, Jim - it's a known failing of the SU pump that the points tend to get a non-conductive coating on them if not periodically exercised. Like Paul says, a sharp rap on the body of the pump (NOT the bakelite cover) may get it running again. If the points are in otherwise good shape, the natural "wiping" action of the points will clean them up automatically.

Otherwise, you'll have to remove the cover and use some 400 grit paper (flint or glass paper, not carborundum or emery, which are semi-conductors) or a points file (can you still buy those?). Best of luck, and please let us know what you find - - Alec
Alec Darnall

400 grit sand paper works best. Whether or not ignition files are still available (difficult to file the gap on a transistor), a ridgid instrument like a file, is difficult to work the contacts with. Jim, Alec is very correct about the nonconductive film that develops on the contacts when the pump sits idle for long periods of time. If you have to leave your MG undriven for long periods, I would suggest getting one of the all electronic fuel pumps, either the SU version or one of the aftermarket versions. Since the all electronic or solid state pumps do not use points to drive the diaphragm, they don't fail over long periods of non-use. Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

This thread was discussed on 01/10/2005

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