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MG MGB Technical - Loud ticking when turning key to start position

I recently put a new battery in my 79 MGB and got a really loud ticking sound when turning the key to the start position. The sound is coming from the back end of the car.
Chris

That's the GOOD sound of the SU fuel pump working!! It ALWYS should be ther...
CD Dewey

But should it be REALLY loud? I mean "jackhammer" sounding.
Chris

It will be the fuel pump and it is good to hear it ticking when you first turn the ignition, but it shouldn't tick loudly all the time as this would indicate air is being drawn into the fuel line.

If it just ticks for a few seconds or less then it's perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. It's probably more noticeable now as the old battery was barely providing enough power to the electric fuel pump.
Mike BGT

You might have one of those aftermarket Facet-style pumps. They work fine but they're notoriously loud, especially if they're not mounted on rubber isolators. When they're powereded, they make a continous TICKTICKTICKTICKTICK sound until they build up pressure, then they settle down into ticktickticktickticktick.
Rob Edwards

Can't see the point of double-posting in the same section, look back at your other post.
Paul Hunt 2

Really loud means an air leak. Commonly caused by the rubber hose from tank to pump being DOA - replace it. You will get no fuel to the engine with it bad. The pump should be loud for a few ticks, then shut off, if it's the SU pump. If a replacement, it will be loud, then get quieter but still tick, when fuel pressure is up.

FRM
FR Millmore

>powereded

That's what I get for typing before caffeine! ;-)
Rob Edwards

This thread was discussed on 02/07/2007

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